‘Shramik’ trains run at full capacity
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 12
Following latest guidelines by the Railways that all berths will now be allotted to passengers in ‘shramik’ special trains, a total of 1,293 migrants today boarded the train to Bihar from the Chandigarh railway station, sitting close.
Trains take over 2,600 migrants back to UP, Bihar
- Two ‘shramik’ special trains left for Bhagalpur in Bihar and Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh, from the Chandigarh railway station on Tuesday.
- With a total of 1,296 passengers, the first train to Bhagalpur left on its scheduled time at 2 pm, while the second train carrying 1,370 persons left for Hardoi at 9.20pm, just 20 minutes behind schedule.
This was the fourth train to have departed from here. The migrants arrived at the station after medical screening. They were provided with food packets and water bottles. The first CTU bus ferrying migrants arrived at 9.40 am and the passengers were seated in train that left as per schedule, said officials.
Yashpal Garg, CEO, Chandigarh Housing Board, and in-charge, ‘shramik’ special trains movement, said there was improvement in management and punctuality as the Health Department increased the number of medical screening teams from six to eight. Each team consisted of two doctors.
Earlier, these trains could carry approximately 1,200 passengers each so as to maintain social distancing. The migrants, on the other hand, are only concerned only about reaching home at any cost.
Vijay, who worked as a small-time mason here, said, “I don’t care about social distancing. I can either stay here without job and starve or take the risk of exposure while trying to reach home. I’m following all precautions. If there’s still any risk, I am going to take it. At least I will be able to get two meals a day at home and work in the fields with my uncle.”
‘Social distancing is public responsibility too’
GM Singh, DRM, Ambala Division, said the orders to run the special trains at full capacity were received on Monday night. “We have given some PPE kits to the guard in case of any medical emergency on way. We have an isolation area as well. Social distancing cannot be the responsibility of the government only. It is the public’s responsibility too.”
15 migrants hurt in mishap
Lalru: As many as 15 migrant labourers, who were on their way to home states, were injured after a Tata Ace, on which they had hitched a ride, rammed into a stationary truck on the Chandigarh-Ambala highway near ITI intersection, Lalru, last evening.
All injured were taken to the Dera Bassi Civil Hospital after the incident where two of them were referred to the GMCH, Chandigarh, said sources. Rest of the injured were discharged after being given medical aid at the Civil Hospital.
According to the reports, all 15 labourers were residents of UP and Bihar and were returning to their native villages on foot. One of the injured labourer, Rahul, alleged that the vehicle driver, who was inebriated, insisted on giving them a lift till Ambala.
No case has been registered as both parties reached a compromise later. — TNS
