Maligaon, May 1 (MExN): After getting the nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Railways said it will run ‘Shramik Special’ from May 1 to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to the nationwide lockdown.
In a statement, the national transporter said these special trains will be run from point to point on the request of both the concerned state governments as per the standard protocols for sending and receiving such stranded persons. “The Railways and state governments shall appoint senior officials as nodal officers for coordination and smooth operation of these ‘Shramik Specials’,” it said.
The Railways further stated that passengers will have to be screened by the sending states and only those found asymptomatic would be allowed to travel. “Sending State Governments will have to bring these persons in batches that can be accommodated in the train to the designated Railway Station in sanitized buses following social distancing norms and other precautions,” it said, while adding that it will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face covers. Meals and drinking water would be provided to the passengers by the sending states at the originating station, it added.
On arrival at the destination, passengers will be received by the State Government, who willmake all arrangements for their screening, quarantine if necessary and further travel from the Railway Station, it said.
