50 more trains for migrants from Mumbai soon: Ex-minister

At least 50 more special trains will be operated from Mumbai for various states to send lakhs of migrants still stranded in Maharashtra, former minister and senior Congress leader Naseem Khan said here on Tuesday.

"I have been regularly discussing the plight of the migrants with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and various ministers in Maharashtra for their help in the matter. They have informed that the needful is being done for the migrants with 50 special trains to be operated shortly," Khan said.

These trains will be run from Mumbai to various destinations in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan and other states as may be required.

While welcoming the Centre's move, Khan expressed his displeasure at the lack of cooperation from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar governments, which he claimed added to the woes of the stranded migrants and their families here who are desperate to return to their home states.

Khan appealed to all the migrants in the state to remain patient and wait for the time-tables of the new proposed services, and avoid rushing to the railway stations or undertaking hazardous journeys by foot.

"Do not panic. The state government will take care of you and make proper arrangements to send you all safely back to your homes," he urged the migrants.

( With inputs from IANS )