First Shramik Special from Mysuru division with 1428 migrant labourers belonging to the State of Bihar onboard started at 14:30 hrs today from Kabakaputtur Railway station. This train has been scheduled as per the request of Government of Karnataka.
The train with a composition of 24 coaches, including 18 Sleeper, 4 General and 2 Ladies-Cum-Luggage Van with a capacity total of 1464 passengers to Bapudham Motihari in Bihar via Arsikere Jn., Ballary Jn., Guntakal Jn., Vijayawada & Gaya Jn. is scheduled to reach the destination at 07:00 hrs on Thursday (14.05.2020).
Consistent with the comprehensive guidelines issued by the Ministry of Railways, social distancing was observed during boarding with all passengers wearing face masks. Adequate quantity of soaps & sanitizers have been provided in each compartment for maintaining personal hygiene and the passengers were sensitized about the contagious nature of COVID-19 infection and the need to observe all precautions scrupulously. Earlier the empty rake before starting from Mysuru yesterday was fully sanitized as per the standard protocol communicated by the Railway Board. A total of 6 Railway Protection Force personnel will be escorting the train end-to-end who are under instructions to coordinate with Government Railway Police of the respective state governments in the path of the train to deal with any emergency effectively.
The Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made arrangements for supplying food and water to passengers onboard at Arsikere. IRCTC in coordination with the other Railway Divisions enroute will be taking care of catering services, as required.
Mysuru Divisional Railway authority oversaw the arrangements at Kabakaputtur Railway station and stated that proper communication was vital in safe transportation of migrant labourers and instructed all concerned that protocols issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for prevention of the infection must be followed in letter and spirit.
