SR issued orders on Wednesday allowing health and sanitation workers of private agencies, staff of all educational institutions and social service organisations to use the workmen special operated in

 the state capital.

In his letter to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Chennai division, R Dhananjayulu, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Southern Railway, has allowed essential services staff of firms engaged in handling essential commodities and essential services in both government and private sectors, all education institutions, private security agencies, logistics and transportation companies involved in movement of goods and passengers, social service organisations involved in child care, old age homes, health and education services, both print and electronic media, and advocates who are members of the Bar Council would be permitted to travel.

The staff would be permitted to travel on producing a specific written authorisation letter and photo identity card issued by their office. The zonal headquarters has also advised Chennai division to suitably increase the number of suburban train services as deemed necessary, especially during peak hours in the morning and evening in consultation with the operations department head, in view of the increase in number of persons permitted to travel by the workmen special trains.

About a fortnight ago, railway authorities had increased the number of services after allowing additional staff to board the workmen special trains.