Railways discussing options to transport migrants by trains; final call with MHA

NEW DELHI: Railways has been actively discussing several options to transport stranded migrants including workers, students and tourists, though home ministry on Thursday maintained that the present guidelines specify transportation of persons through buses and by road only.

Sources said running special trains may be necessary for transporting such persons over long distances as there is also a growing demand for them from state governments.

TOI has learnt that top railway and home ministry officials held a meeting on Thursday afternoon. Though there was no official word about it, sources said requests of several states to run special trains may have been discussed.

Railway ministry officials said the decision on this has to be