Trains with migrant workers leave for Odisha, UP from Gujarat

Two special trains carrying over 2,300 migrant workers from Odisha and Uttar Pradesh who were stranded in Gujarat amid lockdown to contain coronavirus left on Saturday, officials said.

One of the 'Shramik special' trains with 1,127 passengers departed from Surat for Puri in Odisha around 5 pm. A second special train departed from Ahmedabad for Agra with 1,217 migrant workers on board around 5.30 pm.

"The trains were arranged following requests from the concerned states. The passengers were screened at the railway stations, and only those found asymptomatic were allowed to board.

"We will also ensure that the passengers maintain social distance during the travel," said Vipul Mittra, additional chief secretary, Labour and Employment department.

After flagging off the train for Agra from Sabarmati railway station here, Gujarat minister of state for home Pradeepsinh Jadeja said, "The train has the capacity to carry over 2,200 passengers, but it has been sent with 50 per cent occupancy."