This story is from May 9, 2020

Mumbai’s first migrants’ train rolls out from LTT for Basti, UP

Mumbai’s first migrants’ train rolls out from LTT for Basti, UP
The migrants being taken to LTT on BEST buses
MUMBAI: Migrants numbering 1,140 left from LTT for Basti, UP, in the first train operated from Mumbai since Shramik Special trains were introduced from May 1 onwards. The migrants are skilled and semi-skilled workers who work in the construction and garment industries. Most live in Jogeshwari and paid Rs 650 per head as fare. They had registered with a police station five days ago and were called to the train on Friday morning.
The migrants were brought in buses and accommodated in the 24-coach train by implementing physical distancing norms.
The train left around 6pm, two hours later than scheduled. Wasi Ahmed, who worked as a casual labourer in construction, said, “I had no money to buy a ticket. My sister sold wheat and rice to send money from our village.”
Meanwhile, activists and politicians in Thane have requested the authorities to introduce more Shramik Specials from Thane, considering the huge number of stranded migrants in the area. On Thursday, one train left for Bihar from the satellite town. “Many are from the northeastern states. They are trapped here,” said social activist Jagdish Khairalia.
(With inputs from Manoj Badgeri)
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About the Author
Manthan K Mehta

Manthan Mehta has been a journalist since 1997, and is currently Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai. He covers a wide range of subjects ranging from insurance to local crimes and civic issues. Manthan reads and watches cricket matches in his free time.

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