Maharashtra: Fearing lockdown, migrant labourers return to their natives

The Maharashtra government may impose a complete lockdown in state "at any moment" in view of the surge in coronavirus cases, a senior and reliable source in the ministry told Lokmat. It is understood that the administration has made the decision and an announcement could be made at any moment. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray discussed the issue with officials and the step is likely to be taken accordingly, according to the sources.

The CM has said that lockdown is inevitable as the administration doesn't have supporting staff. However it is being said that the implementation of the lockdown will be delayed by at least 24 hrs to give time to citizen to buy essentials, added the source.

As a result, many laborers are heading to their village again, and an increase in the number of commuters has been noticed in Mumbai. Due to fear of lockdown again in the state, many laborers and daily wage workers are heding to their home town fearing they might have to face a siatuation like last year. Lakhs of migrant laborers and workers were left stranded after the coronavirus lockdown was announced by Centre in March 2020 without giving any hints. 

The number of passengers traveling from CSMT, LTT, Panvel of Central Railway and Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus of Western Railway has increased significantly. 20 long distance trains run daily from LTT terminus. Most of the trains go to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Patna. It is said to have a large number of laborers.