Indian Railways Starts Tatkal Booking For 230 Special Trains; Reverse Migration Starts As Migrants Return To Work

On May 1, the railway ministry started operating special trains called the Shramik trains to transport migrant labourers back to their home states, due to unemployment and increased risks of coronavirus.

With the start of Unlock series, the government has now started the reverse migration process, where in upon heavy requests by these daily wage workers, specials trains have again been started for bringing back people who had returned to their home states.

Indian Railways has also started its ‘Tatkal’ booking services from 29/06, for its 230 special trains operating currently.

Reverse Migration of Workers

VK Yadav, Chairman Railway Board, informed that they have allowed the reverse migration of workers from their home states to other states with the onset of Unlock series, in search of employment.

In a press briefing, Yadav said that the reverse migration is being carried on via regular trains, as of now.

Trains running from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which is home to over 70% migrant workers have been opened for booking tickets, to Maharashtra, Gujarat and Ahmedabad.

The railway ministry announced 30 Rajdhani trains in May, and 200 mail express trains that started operations June 1 onwards.

In the coming weeks, or 10 days the railway ministry will be finalizing more trains, depending on requirements.

Tatkal Booking Started for 230 Trains

Indian Railways has opened the bookings for ‘Tatkal’ quota for its currently operating 230 trains from yesterday, 29 June.

“Tatkal Booking will commence from 29/06/2020 in all Special Trains (starting with 0 numbers) for journey commencing from 30/06/2020 onwards.”

For booking your Tatkal tickets, you will have to book them after 10am for AC class and after 11am for sleeper class, one day before the date of journey.

Passengers can book tickets through IRCTC website and app also.

The prices however will be different that normal, a bit towards the costlier side.

Indian Railways already extended the Advance Reservation Period to 120 days from 30 days.

The 230 trains being operated by the Indian Railways as of now include 30 Special Rajdhani and 200 Special mail and express trains.