New Delhi: Indian Railways on Thursday denied reports that it was readying a plan to operate 400 special trains per day for the movement of stranded migrant workers.
Following the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs allowing movement of stranded migrant workers, students, tourists and pilgrims in various parts of the country, some media reports suggested that the railways carried out an internal exercise by drafting a plan to operate 400 special trains per day, which could be scaled up to 1,000 trains.
Denying the reports Ministry of Railways said , "All passenger services of the Indian Railways has been stopped due to lockdown. As we all know that, unlike normal times, this is a abnormal situation for the country. Whenever any further development takes place in this regard, we'll inform you about it well in advance."
The MHA order also makes it clear that buses would be used for transportation of groups of migrants and only asymptomatic people, after screening would be allowed to travel.
However, several states had demanded the centre to start special trains for the stranded migrants.
The decision to move stranded people have been welcomed by several states, political leaders and people in general.
