GUWAHATI, May 1 - As per the guideline issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, �Shramik Special� trains are being operated from Friday (Labour Day), to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to the lockdown.
According to a press statement issued here by Subhanan Chanda, Chief Public Relations Officer of NF Railway, these special trains will be run from point to point on the request of the state governments concerned as per the standard protocol for sending and receiving such stranded persons.
The Railways and state governments shall appoint senior officials as nodal officers for coordination and smooth operation of these �Shramik Special� trains.
The passengers have to be screened by the sending states and only those found asymptomatic would be allowed to travel. Sending state governments will have to bring these stranded persons in batches that can be accommodated in the train to the designated railway station in sanitized buses following social distancing norms and other precautions. It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face cover (mask). Meals and drinking water will be provided to the passengers by the sending states at the originating station.
The Railways will endeavour to ensure social distancing norms and hygiene with the cooperation of passengers. On longer routes, the Railways will provide a meal enroute during the journey.
On arrival at the destination, passengers will be received by the state government, who would make all arrangements for their screening, quarantine if necessary and further travel from the railway station, the statement said.
