Railways ran 62 special trains for migrant workers, ferried 70,000 travellers: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday informed that 62 special trains have been run by the Railways for migrant workers carrying around 70,000 travellers."Indian Railways have run 62 special trains till now for migrant workers carrying about 70,000 travellers.The special trains are being run to transport migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places in the country due to lockdown.After examination, they will be sent to either to hospitals or institutional quarantine by state governments for 14 days on payment basis.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday informed that 62 special trains have been run by the Railways for migrant workers carrying around 70,000 travellers.

"Indian Railways have run 62 special trains till now for migrant workers carrying about 70,000 travellers. 13 more such trains expected to run today," Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, MHA told reporters here at a press conference.

The special trains are being run to transport migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places in the country due to lockdown.

The countrywide COVID-19 lockdown, which was scheduled to end on May 3, has been extended by another two weeks till May 17.

Srivastava said that a gathering of not more than 50 persons is allowed at wedding functions, and not more than 20 persons at last rites of deceased persons, to maintain social distancing.

"Everyone has to wear face covers/masks and maintain #DoGajKiDoori in public places; spitting in public places is a punishable offence, use of paan, gutka, alcohol and tobacco in these places is prohibited," Srivastava said.

The Joint Secretary said that workplaces must ensure thermal screening and face masks, stizers and handwash in ample quantity.

"Work-shifts and lunch hours should be such that maximum social distancing is ensured. Workplaces and company transport must also ensure distancing," she said.

The MHA also informed that the Government of India has given the permission to evacuate Indians stranded abroad.

"They will be brought through aeroplanes and Navy ships. SOP has been prepared. MEA and embassies are making a list of stranded people. This facility will be provided on payment basis. For air travel, non-scheduled commercial flights are being arranged. It will begin from May 7 in a phased manner," Srivastava said.

"Passengers will be screened before flights and only asymptomatic travellers will be allowed. After reaching the destination, everyone will have to register on the Aarogya Setu app. All will be medically examined. After examination, they will be sent to either to hospitals or institutional quarantine by state governments for 14 days on payment basis. After 14 days, COVID testing will be conducted. State governments are being advised to make proper arrangements for them," she said.

( With inputs from ANI )