The Indian Railways came out with a statement where it has clarified that it is only charging standard fare in Shramik Special trains from state governments that is just 15 percent of the total cost incurred. The clarification came after the outrage on social media.
Earlier according to an order issued by the Railway Ministry, the ‘Shramik Special’ trains that are deployed to help stranded people reach their homes will charge the state governments. The fare likely would include the cost of sleeper class ticket, the superfast charge of 30 rupees, and 20 rupees for meals and water for one passenger.
A source from the Ministry of Railways was quoted by media agency ANI saying that,
“Railways is charging only standard fare for this class from State Governments which is just 15 percent of the total cost incurred by Railways. The Railways is not selling any tickets to migrants and is only boarding passengers based on lists provided by the respective state governments.”
34 Shramik Special Trains have been run till now
The source also said that the Railways are keeping berths empty in every coach to maintain social distancing. The trains are coming back empty after reaching the destinations. The source also said that the Railways is providing free food and bottled water to all the migrants. The source further said,
“The Railways has run 34 Shramik Special trains so far from different parts of the country and is fulfilling its social responsibility of providing safe and convenient travel especially to the poorest of the poor in a time of crisis.”
Earlier today, Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party Subramanian Swamy slammed the Narendra Modi led government for charging migrant workers for railway tickets. He further said that the funds should come from the PM CARES fund if need be. The Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi too slammed the government for charging railway fare for stranded migrants who are longing to return to their homes in the middle of a nationwide lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The railways have begun to run the Shramik Special trains to help the stranded laborers to reach their home town from the 1st of May. The railways resumed operation after being suspended for over 40 days.
Source: Free Press Journal
