400 Special Free Trains Can Run for People Stranded in the COVID-19 Lockdown
The central government recently approved to run buses to bring stranded migrant labourers, students and tourists to other states. However, in the meantime, some states have asked the government to run special trains, so that a large number of stranded people can be brought back. According to the sources, the Railway Ministry has also prepared a plan in this regard, under which 400 special trains can be run every day. They can also be increased to 1000 by following the protocol as per the requirement.So far there has been no clear indication from the government about starting the rail service. However, the Railways has started an internal exercise on this and has elevated its plan to higher levels of government. According to the plan, each non-AC train will carry 1000 passengers in a journey, which will be half of the total capacity of the train. This will be done so that the rules of social distancing can be followed properly.
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Train Will Run from a Certain Assigned Station
The Railways has made preparations to run special trains for the stranded people. According to the sources, Railway can run trains in the green zone but the government has not approved this plan yet, but it is believed that a decision will be taken in the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers on Monday. There is a possibility that the government may allow the Railways to run some special trains for the stranded people. According to some railway sources, if a special train runs for them, it will not stop at any other station on the way. The train will run from a certain station and will stop only at its approved destination.
State Government Will Decide Who Can Travel
Who will be able to travel on these trains and who will not be? The state government will decide on this matter. Apart from this, the railways will not charge passengers during the journey, which will provide a lot of relief to the people. At the same time, social distancing will be taken care of in the railways due to the Corona crisis. Both AC and non-AC trains will run so that people do not have to face trouble.
Special Train Will Also Have an Isolated Coach
After the lockdown, the demand for transportation facilities is increasing rapidly by people who are trapped in different parts of the country to reach their homes. There is increasing pressure on the state government as well as local MPs. The possibilities of sendingthe stranded people to their homes are being reviewed.As the number of such people is in millions, the railway is the only means through which it can be done. If the approval is received from the central government, then some special trains can be run in the green zone.
However, the railway has officially denied this. But it is believed that if the special trainswill run, then they will not stop anywhere on the way.
A fixed train will run from the assigned city station.The approval of who will travel can be taken by the state government. Keeping in mind the spread of the coronavirus, social distancing will be taken care of not only on the train but also on the station. It will also have an isolated coach, with a team of doctors.
All Workers Should be Given Free Tickets
According to some news sources, there is a demand that all workers should be allotted free tickets. There could be arrangements for the workers to be able to reach the station before the train leaves. All workers should be disinfected through a tunnel at the railway station before travelling. A seal marking the date and place should be put on their hands. Apart from this, workers should be provided hygiene kits with food, water, mask and sanitizer during the journey. The news source states that video recording of all these activities should also be done.