A painter in Ghaziabad waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Special Shramik train. But when he finally found himself unable to catch one, he bought a car to head home.

No kidding here!

On the fourth day, Lallan went to the bank, withdrew all his savings of Rs 1.9 lakh and headed straight to a second hand car seller.

He bought a used car for Rs 1.5 lakh, and travelled back to his home in Gorakhpur along with his family, vowing never to return.

A resident of Kaitholia village in PP Ganj in Gorakhpur, Lallan said he and his family made several attempts to get seats on buses or trains but failed.

The buses, in any case, were overcrowded and he feared that his family may get infected with the coronavirus if they travelled without maintaining social distancing, he said.

"I know I have spent all my savings but at least my family is safe," he was quoted as saying.

Lallan left Ghaziabad in his car with his family on May 29 and reached Gorakhpur on the following day after a 14-hour journey.

He is now in home quarantine, and hopes to find a job in Gorakhpur.

A painter in Ghaziabad waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Special Shramik train. But when he finally found himself unable to catch one, he bought a car to head home.

A painter in Ghaziabad waited near a railway station for three days for his turn to get on to a Special Shramik train. But when he finally found himself unable to catch one, he bought a car to head home. No kidding here! On the fourth day, Lallan went to the bank, withdrew all his savings of Rs 1.9 lakh and headed straight to a second hand car seller. He bought a used car for Rs 1.5 lakh, and travelled back to his home in Gorakhpur along with his family, vowing never to return. A resident of Kaitholia village in PP Ganj in Gorakhpur, Lallan said he and his family made several attempts to get seats on buses or trains but failed. The buses, in any case, were overcrowded and he feared that his family may get infected with the coronavirus if they travelled without maintaining social distancing, he said. "I know I have spent all my savings but at least my family is safe," he was quoted as saying. Lallan left Ghaziabad in his car with his family on May 29 and reached Gorakhpur on the following day after a 14-hour journey. He is now in home quarantine, and hopes to find a job in Gorakhpur.

Unable to manage seats in Shramik Special train, man buys car and heads home

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged the central government and the Indian Railways are not taking care of social distancing in the Shramik special trains, being run for the migrant workers.

Calling it 'Corona Express', she said, "In the name of Shramik Express, Indian Railways is running 'Corona Express'. Why extra trains are not being run. I was Railway Minister once. I had increased coaches, but why it cannot be done now? The Railways are bringing people from hotspot areas in huge numbers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-slams-central-government-for-sending-36-trains-without-consulting-301466">Also read:&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee slams central government for sending 36 trains without consulting</a>

She alleged government of not exercising caution and letting people crowd in the trains. She suggested increasing coaches in the trains and running extra trains, reminding everyone that she too was once a Railway Minister and had used similar methods to avert such problems.

"Law is equal for all but why all trains are running in full capacity? Why the Railways is not maintaining social distancing? Passengers are not being served water and food in the trains," she added.

West Bengal has been battling the after-effects of the cyclone that damaged a lot of parts of the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged the central government and the Indian Railways are not taking care of social distancing in the Shramik special trains, being run for the migrant workers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged the central government and the Indian Railways are not taking care of social distancing in the Shramik special trains, being run for the migrant workers. Calling it 'Corona Express', she said, "In the name of Shramik Express, Indian Railways is running 'Corona Express'. Why extra trains are not being run. I was Railway Minister once. I had increased coaches, but why it cannot be done now? The Railways are bringing people from hotspot areas in huge numbers." Also read: Mamata Banerjee slams central government for sending 36 trains without consulting She alleged government of not exercising caution and letting people crowd in the trains. She suggested increasing coaches in the trains and running extra trains, reminding everyone that she too was once a Railway Minister and had used similar methods to avert such problems. "Law is equal for all but why all trains are running in full capacity? Why the Railways is not maintaining social distancing? Passengers are not being served water and food in the trains," she added. West Bengal has been battling the after-effects of the cyclone that damaged a lot of parts of the state.

Mamata Banerjee accuses government of running 'Corona express' in disguise of Shramik trains

More than 21 lakh migrant labourers have returned to Uttar Pradesh from different parts of the country on over 1,500 special trains so far, a senior state government official said on Saturday.

The Indian Railways started Shramik Special trains on May 1 to facilitate the movement of migrant labourers back to their home states during the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

"So far, over 21 lakh migrant labourers have come back to the state on as many as 1,550 trains. The maximum number of trains, 257, has arrived in Gorakhpur on which 3.31 lakh migrant labourers returned," Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi said.

He said 109 trains arrived in Lucknow, 125 in Jaunpur, 111 in Varanasi and 99 in Deoria.

Awasthi said the maximum number of trains (520) arrived from Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra (398) and Punjab (233).

"The chief minister has directed that food and water should be arranged for the migrant labourers who are returning from various states. They should be taken to quarantine centres," he said.

"During medical screening, the labourers, if found fit, should be provided with ration kits. Those who are found to be medically unfit should be sent for treatment," he said.

The lockdown has had a devastating impact on the economy as well as on the livelihoods of lakhs of migrant labourers. With no money to buy food or pay rent, labourers across the country have been returning to their native places.

More than 21 lakh migrant labourers have returned to Uttar Pradesh from different parts of the country on over 1,500 special trains so far, a senior state government official said on Saturday.

More than 21 lakh migrant labourers have returned to Uttar Pradesh from different parts of the country on over 1,500 special trains so far, a senior state government official said on Saturday. The Indian Railways started Shramik Special trains on May 1 to facilitate the movement of migrant labourers back to their home states during the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown. "So far, over 21 lakh migrant labourers have come back to the state on as many as 1,550 trains. The maximum number of trains, 257, has arrived in Gorakhpur on which 3.31 lakh migrant labourers returned," Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Information) Awanish Awasthi said. He said 109 trains arrived in Lucknow, 125 in Jaunpur, 111 in Varanasi and 99 in Deoria. Awasthi said the maximum number of trains (520) arrived from Gujarat, followed by Maharashtra (398) and Punjab (233). "The chief minister has directed that food and water should be arranged for the migrant labourers who are returning from various states. They should be taken to quarantine centres," he said. "During medical screening, the labourers, if found fit, should be provided with ration kits. Those who are found to be medically unfit should be sent for treatment," he said. The lockdown has had a devastating impact on the economy as well as on the livelihoods of lakhs of migrant labourers. With no money to buy food or pay rent, labourers across the country have been returning to their native places.

Over 21 lakh migrant labourers have returned to UP: Official

Indian Railways, along with Indian government, has been running special Shramik trains for migrant labours who were stuck away from their hometowns during the lockdown.

Indian Railways has also started inter-state trains. However, reports have been emerging about how there aren't enough resources on-board for passengers of long journey.

In such a report, it has been revealed that at least seven deaths have been reported on-board the Shramik special trains. This claim by officials has raised multiple questions about how Indian Railways is handling the non-AC migrant trains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-lockdown-yadav-a-newborn-that-epitomises-the-coronavirus-pandemic-300784">Also read: Meet Lockdown Yadav, a newborn that epitomises the coronavirus pandemic</a>

The officials, however, also added that most of the deceased had pre-existing health conditions.

Out of these seven, four were travelling to Bihar and three to Uttar Pradesh. All these deaths have been reported in the past few days.

The issue was raised after a video was spotted where a toddler was trying to wake up the mother, without realizing that she has died. The 25-year-old lost her life on Bihar's Muzaffarpur, and Railways claimed that the lady had recently undergone a heart surgery.

Another death of a four-year-old was reported in Bihar as the father was seen hunting for milk around the station. This raised questions about the poor resources being provided by Indian Railways.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-chief-minister-yogi-adityanath-gives-up-on-permission-issue-for-migrants-301248">Also read:&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gives up on permission issue for migrants</a>

While a lot of passengers have claimed and criticised that Indian Railways has not been providing enough food and water on the trains or the stations and the trains are taking longer and undecided routes to reach the destination, the Railways has, however, maintained that these trains are running on "pre-scheduled rationalised routes".

Some trains which should have taken 24 hours to reach to their destinations, arrived in over two days, according to reports, leaving the passengers on-board hungry and desperate.

"A Few deaths have been reported in Shramik special trains. In most of these cases, it is discovered that those who died are old sick people and chronic disease patients, who had actually gone to big cities for medical treatment and could come back only after the Railways started these Shramik Special trains," said a spokesperson for the Railways.

He also said that 78,11,575 meals and 11,07,7,830 water bottles were given to migrant workers on board these trains till May 26.

However, many passengers have complained to media that they were starving on-board due to longer than anticipated run time of these trains.

The passengers also claimed that no food and water packages are being provided by the authorities of the origin station, as it was broadcasted by the Railways that the originating state has to provide food and water to the migrant workers before the start of the journey.

Although, the Railways had instructed the General Managers of each zone to spend up to Rs 1 lakh on each Shramik Special train to arrange meals for the workers, questions are being raised on whether or not this fund is being used in the right manner.

A senior official told media that due to the social-distancing norms, food and water is placed at the gate of the coaches, they are not distributed by anyone on-board and the workers are expected to share it among themselves. In case of any complaints, the meals are provided again at the next station where it is available.

However, videos have surfaced on the internet where migrant workers onboard the train can be seen fighting for food and water packages. The workers have claimed that the quantity provided is very less and that results in passengers fighting to get their hands first on the resources.

Indian Railways, along with Indian government, has been running special Shramik trains for migrant labours who were stuck away from their hometowns during the lockdown.

Indian Railways, along with Indian government, has been running special Shramik trains for migrant labours who were stuck away from their hometowns during the lockdown. Indian Railways has also started inter-state trains. However, reports have been emerging about how there aren't enough resources on-board for passengers of long journey. In such a report, it has been revealed that at least seven deaths have been reported on-board the Shramik special trains. This claim by officials has raised multiple questions about how Indian Railways is handling the non-AC migrant trains. Also read: Meet Lockdown Yadav, a newborn that epitomises the coronavirus pandemic The officials, however, also added that most of the deceased had pre-existing health conditions. Out of these seven, four were travelling to Bihar and three to Uttar Pradesh. All these deaths have been reported in the past few days. The issue was raised after a video was spotted where a toddler was trying to wake up the mother, without realizing that she has died. The 25-year-old lost her life on Bihar's Muzaffarpur, and Railways claimed that the lady had recently undergone a heart surgery. Another death of a four-year-old was reported in Bihar as the father was seen hunting for milk around the station. This raised questions about the poor resources being provided by Indian Railways. Also read: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath gives up on permission issue for migrants While a lot of passengers have claimed and criticised that Indian Railways has not been providing enough food and water on the trains or the stations and the trains are taking longer and undecided routes to reach the destination, the Railways has, however, maintained that these trains are running on "pre-scheduled rationalised routes". Some trains which should have taken 24 hours to reach to their destinations, arrived in over two days, according to reports, leaving the passengers on-board hungry and desperate. "A Few deaths have been reported in Shramik special trains. In most of these cases, it is discovered that those who died are old sick people and chronic disease patients, who had actually gone to big cities for medical treatment and could come back only after the Railways started these Shramik Special trains," said a spokesperson for the Railways. He also said that 78,11,575 meals and 11,07,7,830 water bottles were given to migrant workers on board these trains till May 26. However, many passengers have complained to media that they were starving on-board due to longer than anticipated run time of these trains. The passengers also claimed that no food and water packages are being provided by the authorities of the origin station, as it was broadcasted by the Railways that the originating state has to provide food and water to the migrant workers before the start of the journey. Although, the Railways had instructed the General Managers of each zone to spend up to Rs 1 lakh on each Shramik Special train to arrange meals for the workers, questions are being raised on whether or not this fund is being used in the right manner. A senior official told media that due to the social-distancing norms, food and water is placed at the gate of the coaches, they are not distributed by anyone on-board and the workers are expected to share it among themselves. In case of any complaints, the meals are provided again at the next station where it is available. However, videos have surfaced on the internet where migrant workers onboard the train can be seen fighting for food and water packages. The workers have claimed that the quantity provided is very less and that results in passengers fighting to get their hands first on the resources.

COVID 19: Atleast 7 passengers died on-board Shramik special train

The railways on Saturday said 50 per cent of its 5,213 isolation coaches meant for coronavirus patients will now be used to run Shramik Special trains.

PTI had on Friday reported that the railway board in an order dated May 21 allowed 60 per cent of these modified coaches to operate the special trains to ferry migrants.

The officials said these non-AC coaches will not be reconverted into normal coaches, but will be used as they are&nbsp;for these services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/railways-to-operate-2600-shramik-special-trains-in-next-10-days-to-ferry-36-lakh-home-300622">Also read:&nbsp;Railways to operate 2,600 Shramik Special trains in next 10 days to ferry 36 lakh home</a>

"We have so far converted 5,000 such coaches and we have 80,000 beds available. These coaches can be deployed wherever the states desire, but since they were not in use as of now, we have taken a decision to use 50 per cent of them as Shramik Special coaches," Railway Board Chairman V K Yadav said on Saturday. "However, the others are available for use as COVID-19 care centers. If required, even those used in the trains can be diverted for COVID-19 care whenever required," he said.

In the order issued on May 21, the railway board said "60 per cent of isolation coaches meant for intervention of COVID-19 cases, railways may utilise them for running of Shramik Special trains. It is permitted by board."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-asks-railways-not-to-send-shramik-special-trains-to-state-till-may-26-300555">Also read:&nbsp;West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26</a>

While making the modified isolation wards, the middle berths had been removed and the lower portion of the compartment plugged by plywood.

There is also a provision of partition provided from the aisle side for isolation of the compartment. 
Due to non-availability of the middle berth, when in use, the trains with these coaches will have lower number of passengers.

Officials said all the equipment on board the coaches like oxygen tanks, ventilators and other medical items will be removed from them.

One significant change for travelers would be the availability of a proper bathroom and not just a toilet on board. The four toilets in each coach have been converted into two bathrooms by plugging the toilet pan and with proper flooring. Each bathroom will have a hand shower, bucket and mug.

"This is a win-win situation for railways. We are not reconverting the coaches into regular ones, but using them as they are by removing only the medical equipment on board. There is no additional cost that we are incurring. We will also remove the curtains. These coaches will come in multipurpose use since they are currently not being utilised.

"If and when they are needed as isolation units, they will be shifted for use there," a railway spokesperson said.

The Centre has, however, earmarked 215 railway stations for the deployment of railways' isolation coaches to be used as COVID-19 Care Centers for suspected or confirmed patients categorised as mild or very mild cases.

As of now, none of these coaches are in use. Officials said modifying each coach into isolation wards has cost the national transporter around Rs 2 lakh, while reconverting them into regular non-AC coaches would cost it Rs 1 lakh for each coach.

So far, the railways has operated 2,600 Shramik Special trains since May 1 to ferry 36 lakh migrant workers home.

The railways on Saturday said 50 per cent of its 5,213 isolation coaches meant for coronavirus patients will now be used to run Shramik Special trains. PTI had on Friday reported that the railway board in an order dated May 21 allowed 60 per cent of these modified coaches to operate the special trains to ferry migrants.

The railways on Saturday said 50 per cent of its 5,213 isolation coaches meant for coronavirus patients will now be used to run Shramik Special trains. PTI had on Friday reported that the railway board in an order dated May 21 allowed 60 per cent of these modified coaches to operate the special trains to ferry migrants. The officials said these non-AC coaches will not be reconverted into normal coaches, but will be used as they are for these services. Also read: Railways to operate 2,600 Shramik Special trains in next 10 days to ferry 36 lakh home "We have so far converted 5,000 such coaches and we have 80,000 beds available. These coaches can be deployed wherever the states desire, but since they were not in use as of now, we have taken a decision to use 50 per cent of them as Shramik Special coaches," Railway Board Chairman V K Yadav said on Saturday. "However, the others are available for use as COVID-19 care centers. If required, even those used in the trains can be diverted for COVID-19 care whenever required," he said. In the order issued on May 21, the railway board said "60 per cent of isolation coaches meant for intervention of COVID-19 cases, railways may utilise them for running of Shramik Special trains. It is permitted by board." Also read: West Bengal asks Railways not to send Shramik Special trains to state till May 26 While making the modified isolation wards, the middle berths had been removed and the lower portion of the compartment plugged by plywood. There is also a provision of partition provided from the aisle side for isolation of the compartment. Due to non-availability of the middle berth, when in use, the trains with these coaches will have lower number of passengers. Officials said all the equipment on board the coaches like oxygen tanks, ventilators and other medical items will be removed from them. One significant change for travelers would be the availability of a proper bathroom and not just a toilet on board. The four toilets in each coach have been converted into two bathrooms by plugging the toilet pan and with proper flooring. Each bathroom will have a hand shower, bucket and mug. "This is a win-win situation for railways. We are not reconverting the coaches into regular ones, but using them as they are by removing only the medical equipment on board. There is no additional cost that we are incurring. We will also remove the curtains. These coaches will come in multipurpose use since they are currently not being utilised. "If and when they are needed as isolation units, they will be shifted for use there," a railway spokesperson said. The Centre has, however, earmarked 215 railway stations for the deployment of railways' isolation coaches to be used as COVID-19 Care Centers for suspected or confirmed patients categorised as mild or very mild cases. As of now, none of these coaches are in use. Officials said modifying each coach into isolation wards has cost the national transporter around Rs 2 lakh, while reconverting them into regular non-AC coaches would cost it Rs 1 lakh for each coach. So far, the railways has operated 2,600 Shramik Special trains since May 1 to ferry 36 lakh migrant workers home.

Railways to use 50% of converted isolation coaches to operate Shramik Special trains

Passengers of a Shramik Special train from Bengaluru to Bihar, protested against the poor resources available to the passengers during the travel. The protestors hurled brickbats in the railway station on Saturday morning.

The Indian government, alongwith Indian railways, has been running special trains, Shramik trains, to help migrant workers travel back to their hometowns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-highest-spike-of-6654-cases-in-24-hours-india-crosses-125-lakh-mark-300538">Also read:&nbsp;With highest spike of 6,654 cases in 24 hours, India crosses 1.25 lakh-mark</a>

The incident happened at Unnao railway station.&nbsp;Unnao District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said the train had no stoppage at Unnao railway station. But since the route was not clear, the train had to stop at the station, he said.

The passengers deboarded the train and hurled stones at the train and the station, complaining that there was no food and water available during the travel. The passengers alleged&nbsp;that even the toilets had no water.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel pacified the passengers and the train started its onward journey.

(With inputs from PTI)

Passengers of a Shramik Special train from Bengaluru to Bihar, protested against the poor resources available to the passengers during the travel. The protestors hurled brickbats in the railway station on Saturday morning.

Passengers of a Shramik Special train from Bengaluru to Bihar, protested against the poor resources available to the passengers during the travel. The protestors hurled brickbats in the railway station on Saturday morning. The Indian government, alongwith Indian railways, has been running special trains, Shramik trains, to help migrant workers travel back to their hometowns. Also read: With highest spike of 6,654 cases in 24 hours, India crosses 1.25 lakh-mark The incident happened at Unnao railway station. Unnao District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar said the train had no stoppage at Unnao railway station. But since the route was not clear, the train had to stop at the station, he said. The passengers deboarded the train and hurled stones at the train and the station, complaining that there was no food and water available during the travel. The passengers alleged that even the toilets had no water. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel pacified the passengers and the train started its onward journey. (With inputs from PTI)

Passenger hurl stones at Shramik special train; no food and water available

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers.

In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah said not allowing trains to reach West Bengal is "injustice" to the migrant workers from the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shramik-trains-over-163-run-so-far-more-than-160-lakh-migrants-ferried-297207">Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried</a>

Referring to the 'Shramik Special' trains being run by the central government to facilitate transport of migrant workers from different parts of the country to various destinations, the home minister said in the letter that the Centre has facilitated more than two lakh migrants workers to reach home.

Shah said migrant workers from West Bengal are also eager to reach home and the central government is also facilitating the train services.

"But we are not getting expected support from the West Bengal. The state government of West Bengal is not allowing the trains reaching to West Bengal. This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah wrote.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said the West Bengal government is not allowing trains with migrant workers to reach the state that may further create hardship for the labourers. In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Shah said not allowing trains to reach West Bengal is "injustice" to the migrant workers from the state. Also read: Shramik Trains: Over 163 run so far, more than 1.60 lakh migrants ferried Referring to the 'Shramik Special' trains being run by the central government to facilitate transport of migrant workers from different parts of the country to various destinations, the home minister said in the letter that the Centre has facilitated more than two lakh migrants workers to reach home. Shah said migrant workers from West Bengal are also eager to reach home and the central government is also facilitating the train services. "But we are not getting expected support from the West Bengal. The state government of West Bengal is not allowing the trains reaching to West Bengal. This is injustice with West Bengal migrant labourers. This will create further hardship for them," Shah wrote.

WB govt not allowing trains with migrants to reach state; Shah writes to Mamata

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