Railways has decided to operationalise 2,600 more Shramik Special Trains in next ten days across the country. This initiative is expected to benefit 36 lakh stranded passengers. Railway Board Chairman VK Yadav said that over 45 lakh people have returned to their native places, since 1st of May, through the Shramik Special Trains. Railways started running Shramik Special trains to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lock down.
 
Shramik special trains are being run from point to point on the request of both the concerned State Governments. The Railways and State Governments have appointed senior officials as Nodal Officers for coordination and smooth operation of these Shramik Specials. Mr. Yadav also informed that the Railways will further make arrangements for more of such trains as in when requests are received from the state and district authorities.

Apart from Shramik Special Trains, Railways Ministry has started 15 pairs of Special Trains from 12th of this month and announced 200 train services to be started from 1st of next month. Railways has transported more than 97 lakh tonnes of foodgrains between 1st April to 22nd May this year. Railways has ensured availability of essential commodities like foodgrains through its freight services during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.

Railway Board Chairman said, more than three thousand 255 parcel trains have been run to transport essential items like medical supplies and equipments, food items, milk and dairy. Mr Yadav said, Railways has distributed over 47 lakh free meals to needy persons during the lockdown. The food is being distributed to the poor, children, migrant labourers, stranded persons and the needy who come in search of food near the railway stations. Mr Yadav said, Railway has also contributed immensely in the efforts to domestically Produce PPEs and Sanitizers. He said, 1.2 lakh coveralls of PPEs and 1.4 lakh litres Sanitizers produces were produced in house by Railway workshops.