New Delhi: As the country is passing through nation-wide lockdown 4.0, lakhs of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons are still stranded across the country. In a constant endeavour to provide relief to migrants to reach home state, Ministry of Railways has decided to operationalise 2,600 more 'Shramik Special' trains in next 10 days across the country as per the needs of state governments. With this, Railways is expected to carry over 36 lakh stranded passengers across the country. However, a lot of migrants workers, who were unable to acquire the seat in the trains, moved to their native places on feet.

In a press release the Ministry of Railways said that while the country is battling with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Indian Railways is leaving no stone unturned to bring respite to the severely affected during this crucial time.

Railways further said that it started running "Shramik Special" trains from May 1, to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lockdown. These special trains are being run from point to point on the request of both the concerned state governments as per the standard protocols for sending and receiving such stranded persons. The Indian Railways and state governments have appointed senior officials as Nodal Officers for coordination and smooth operation of these "Shramik Specials" trains. 

Indian Railways has run 2,600 "Shramik Special" trains in last 23 days and around 36 lakhs stranded migrants have been transported till now to their home states.

Apart from "Shramik Special" trains, Ministry of Railways has started 15 pairs of Special Trains with effect from May 15 and announced 200 train services to be started from with effect from June 1.