Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for stranded migrants of Odisha, three ‘Shramik Special’ trains carrying them set off journey from Gujarat and Kerala on Saturday.
While two trains left Surat for Berhampur, one train departed from Ernakulam in Kerala. Among the two trains in Surat, the first one reportedly left at around 4 PM and the next at 10 PM. Similarly, the special train from Ernakulam departed at 6 PM.
Special arrangements were put in place at Surat railway station for smooth boarding of train by the migrants. Barricades were erected to ensure that the labourers board the trains in queue and maintain social distancing. Similarly, the local administration in Ernakulam conducted registration of all the workers.
Massive arrangements have also been made at Bhubaneswar railway station to receive the migrants. Circles have been drawn on the platforms and barricades have been placed to avoid rush and maintain social distancing.
According to sources, the Odisha government has assigned officials to prepare district-wise list of the migrant workers arriving in the special trains. Special buses have been kept ready to shift the migrants to quarantine centres from the railway station.
Upon their arrival at the quarantine centres, the migrants will have to undergo a mandatory heath check-up. Those found having COVID-19 symptoms will be sent to COVID hospitals and those without any symptoms will be placed under 14 days quarantine at the quarantine centres, sources said.
Speaking about the planning for receiving the migrants, Khurda Collector Sitansu Rout said, “All arrangements are being made to ensure that those who are coming in the trains do not face any problem. One train is supposed to arrive tomorrow morning.”
Notably, the first train carrying about 1,200 migrant workers from Kerala to Bhubaneswar left Aluva on Friday night. The train will reach Visakhapatnam late Saturday night and reach Khurda Road on Sunday around 8 AM.
In continuation of the measures taken in the wake of COVID-19, the Ministry of Railways decided to extend cancellation of all passenger train services further till May 17. However, movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places shall be carried out by Shramik Special trains, as required by the State governments, in terms of the guidelines by MHA.