Indian Railways has declared that if need arises, they can run upto 1000 trains per day, for migrant workers who are longing to go back to their homes.
As of now, Govt has allowed interstate travel since last few days, but this travel is only allowed for roads, and that too via buses.
Indian Railways: We Are Prepared For 1000 Trains Per Day
Now, since interstate travel has been allowed via buses, it is being expected that trains too can be allowed. No confirmation has come in as of now.
In case trains are allowed, then Indian Railways has declared that they are fully prepared to run 400 special trains, per day for migrant workers.
And, if the need arises, then 1000 trains too can be run, with a detailed plan.
Financial Express stated: “According to sources quoted in an IE report, the Railway Ministry has drafted a plan to run 400 special trains per day. However, this can be scaled up to 1,000 special trains, with a detailed protocol.”
Social Distancing Protocols Will Be Followed For Trains
The second phase of lockdown ends on May 3rd, and as of now, it’s not entirely clear whether trains will be allowed to be run or not.
However, in case Govt suddenly allows the running of trains, then Indian Railways is well prepared.
A comprehensive plan for enforcing social distancing has been chalked out, wherein only 1000 passengers will be allowed to travel in a single trip.
This is 50% of what a normal train can accommodate.
Only non-AC coaches will be run, and with only 50% of the passengers, there will be sufficient space between the passengers.
In a bus, which is being run now to ferry migrant workers, only 25 passengers are allowed, which is again almost 50% less.
States like Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala have raised the demand to allow running of trains for migrant workers, but experts have stated that trains don’t seem a feasible solution. It will be a tough exercise to monitor, control and screen all the passengers getting down at their respective destinations.
In an unprecedented move, Indian Railways haad canceled all trains across India, ever since the nation-wide lockdown started.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
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