13011 HWH MLDT INT EX

3.02 LAKH PASSENGERS CHUG OUT o­n 209 SWR SHRAMIK SPECIAL TRAINS

Starting with the first Shramik Special Train being rolled out from the Zone o­n 3rd May 2020, South Western Railway has run 209 Shramik special trains transporting 3.02 lakh migrant workers to their native destinations. While, the Zone transported first o­ne lakh passengers in 13 days, the next o­ne lakh passengers were transported in just 6 days.  SWR is going all out to arrange for trains as per the demand of the state Govt. to all parts of country so that migrant workers can reach their hometowns.

With the four Shramik specials run o­n 04.06.2020 from Bengaluru, two to Odisha and o­ne each to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar SWR has ferried 3.02 lakh passengers in 209 Shramik Specials.

SWR’s first Shramik Special o­n 04.06.2020 left from KSR Bengaluru to Gorakhpur at 6.25 pm with 1074 passengers.

The second Shramik Special left from Chikkabanavara in Bengaluru to Arariya in Bihar with 1210 passengers at 6.55 pm.

 SWR’s third and fourth Shramik special left from KSR Bengaluru to Balasore in Odisha with 1509 and 1161 passengers at 8.05 pm and 10.25 pm respectively.

SWR has run Shramik Specials from KSR Bengaluru, Bengaluru Cant., Chikkabanavara, Malur, Mysuru - Ashokapuram, Kabakaputtur, Hassan, Hubballi, Hosapete, Ballari, Koppal, and Hosur in Tamil Nadu as below;

Bengaluru Division has run 177 Shramik Specials so far ferrying 2,56,200 passengers. Hubballi Division has run 21 Shramik Special carrying 30,580 passengers and Mysuru Division has run 11 Shramik Specials ferrying 15,446 passengers.

In association with NGOs, Railways is supplying three meals  right at the  boarding point.

1.Each food packet contains Ricebath, 4 chapati with pickle, 2 oranges, 2 o­ne litre water bottles, 2 roti with sabji, 1 pack Ricebath, 1 kara bun, 1 sweet bun, sponsored Labour department associated with WIPRO Azim premji and Mercy mission.

2.Second pack, 200ml water bottles 4no, 2 Maza tetra packets, 2 buns, 4 pineapple, 4 laddu, 1 mixer packet sponsored by IITinas4India /United Sikhs

SWR has taken initiative to distribute toys to the children of the migrant workers leaving Bengaluru area in the Shramik Special trains so that they will have memories of their return journey.  These Channapatna toys are famous and made of wood and quite popular among the children and also a symbol of self reliant India.  Hon’ble Prime Minister has appreciated the initiative of SWR and has today tweeted in Mann Ki Baat tweet updates.

Hon’ble Minister of Railway has informed that Railway is ready to operate Special trains in coordination with State Govt. to carry stranded migrant workers and families to their hometowns.

Hon’ble MoSR, has assured that SWR will continue running Shramik special to carry stranded migrant workers and ensure that there is no shortage of food and essential commodities during the covid-19 crisis.

SWR is transporting passengers to their destination as per the demand of State Government with proper protocol and the receiving State Government is ready to accept them. These special trains are being run from point to point with no stoppages en-route. State Government is arranging to bring passengers of Shramik Special trains to the stations through BMTC Buses as per the protocol.   

Care is being taken to ensure social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitizing of hands and making regular announcement to caution the passengers for prevention and spread of Covid-19 virus before departure from stations. Hand Sanitizer along with liquid soap has been provided in all coaches to protect against spread of Covid-19 Virus.  Railway is also ensuring complete sanitization of all coaches before boarding of special train by the passengers.

Special Trains are departing the Stations o­nly after all the passengers are medically examined by Government of Karnataka and issued medical certificate.  Thermal screening is again done by Railway Medical Teams at the stations.  None of the passengers was detected with high temperature.   The Railway Protection Force (RPF) team is escorting the trains and ensuring social distancing. Details of passengers, coach-wise with address and mobile Nos. have been obtained.  Details have been digitalized and stored for contact tracing in future, if required.