[Breaking] Centre Allows Movement Of Migrants And Stranded Persons By Special Trains

Relaxing the absolute suspension of passenger train services, the Union Home Ministry on Friday permitted movement of migrant workers, students, pilgrims, tourists and other persons who are stranded at different places due to lockdown by special trains to be operated by the Railways.

On Wednesday, the Home Ministry had permitted the inter-state movement of such persons on conditions.

The order issued by the Home Secretary invoking powers under Section 10(2)(l) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 stated that the Ministry of Railways will designate nodal officers for coordinating with states and union territories for the movement of persons.

The rail ministry will also issue detailed guidelines for the sale of tickets and for social distancing and other safety measures to be observed at train stations, platforms and within trains.

Regular passenger train services have been suspended since March 22.

On Friday morning, the first special train to transport migrants left from Telangana to Jharkhand with 1200 persons.

A second such train is scheduled to depart  Ernakulam in Kerala at this evening for Bhubaneshwar in Odisha. The train is expected to carry over 1,000 people,