Migrants change plans, stick to Chandigarh

CHANDIGARH: With number of migrants opting for last minute withdrawal from boarding the Shramik Special trains from Chandigarh and Kalka, the authorities are facing a tough time and the issue has now become a matter of concern as hefty amount is spent to make arrangement for a single train.
On Saturday, there were only 450 passengers for Jharkhand. A large number of migrants did not turn up. As many as 1,179 passengers departed at 2.10 pm for Gaya in Bihar and Dhanbad in Jharkhand in the Shramik Special train. Though, telephone calls were made to 3,403 persons and 1,602 gave their consent, but a considerable number of them did not turn up to board the train. The capacity of the train was 1,600 and more than 400 seats went empty.
Yashpal Garg, secretary social welfare, Chandigarh administration, said the reason for the less turn is because the industrial sector has now opened up and the labourers are now getting work.
He said a review meeting will be held to decide if there is a need to arrange Shramik Special trains for migrants or not.
“A train has been planned for Hardoi on Sunday. A large number of people have registered, but the real situation will be clear only before the departure of the train,” he said.