The Indian Railways has announced that it will continue to run Shramik special train as per the demands of various states in order to help migrants reach their homes.
“The railway ministry has requested state governments to indicate their requirements about Shramik Special Trains and see that projected demand for movement of residual persons by rail mode is well chalked out and determined,” the ministry stated.
The announcement came after Vinod Kumar Yadav, the chairman of the Railway Board, wrote to various state governments between May 29 and June 3, emphasizing the fact that “Indian Railways will provide the desired number of Shramik Special trains immediately within 24 hours of the request”.
The decision comes after Supreme Court’s statement mentioning about at least ‘171 Shramik Special Trains’ being demanded by various state governments.
In a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan, said: “All the States/Union Territories shall take all necessary steps regarding the identification of stranded migrant workers in their state which are willing to return to their native places and take steps for their return journey by train/bus which process may be completed within a period of 15 days from today.”
“All States and Union territories shall also give details of all schemes which are currently in the state, benefit of which can be taken by the migrant laborers including different schemes for providing employment,” it further said.