SWR on Friday operated 6 more Shramik Special trains from Bengaluru area to Northern states of Bihar, UP & Tripura. SWR has so far run 53 Shramik Specials for migrant workers, students and families to return back to their home towns, in different parts of the country after relaxation of Lockdown in Karnataka. One more Shramik Special specials is schedule to leave from Bengaluru to Koderma in Jharkhand later tonight.
The first Shramik Special train from Bengaluru today left from Chikkabanavara to Gorakhpur with 1520 at 14.15 hrs. Later one more train from Malur left for Gorakhpur at 18.40 hrs with 1440 passenger. This is the 7th train from Bengaluru ferrying migrant workers and their families to Gorakhpur since 3.5.2020.
The second Shramik Special train and 50th train from SWR from Bengaluru today carrying 1,530 passengers from Malur left for Bhagalpur in Bihar at 17.00 hrs. Passenger was happy to be returning to their hometown.
The fourth Shramik Special train left from Malur to Barauni in Bihar carrying 1549 passengers at 19.35 hrs. Passengers were seen waving to the security and railway personnel as the train rolled out of the station.
The fifth Shramik special from Chikkabanavara to Agartala in Tripura left at 20.44 hrs with 1438 passengers on board.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have granted permission for movement of the stranded citizens including migrants labourers, workers, students, tourists to return to their native towns. As per the list provided by State Government, arrangement of train services for approx 7477 citizens were made for them to return to their native place from Bengaluru.
State Government had arranged to bring passengers of Shramik Special trains to the stations through BMTC Buses as per the protocol. SWR is transporting passengers to their destination as per the demand of State Government with proper protocol and the receiving State Government is ready to accept them. These special trains are being run from point to point with no stoppages en-route.
The passengers are being provided with food packet and 2 water bottles of one litre capacity each, dates, cookies and buttermilk for their journey en-route. The passengers were very happy to be returning back to their hometowns. They thanked the Railways and State Govt for arranging their return journey.
Care is being taken to ensure social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitizing of hands and making regular announcement to caution the passengers for prevention and spread of Covid-19 virus before departure from Chikkabanavara and Malur Station. Hand Sanitizer along with liquid soap has been provided in all coaches to protect and prevent spread of Covid-19 Virus. Railway is also ensuring complete sanitization of all coaches before boarding of special train by the passengers. Special Trains are departing the Stations only after all the passengers are medically examined by Government of Karnataka and issued medical certificate. Thermal screening is again done by Railway Medical Teams at the stations. None of the passengers was detected with high temperature. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) team is escorting the trains and ensuring social distancing. Details of passengers, coach-wise with address and mobile Nos. have been obtained. Details have been digitalized and stored for contact tracing in future, if required.
Anyone who has to travel should contact the State Govt. only and No tickets are being issued at Railway Stations over SWR. Reservation can be done for special train services through IRCTC website.
