Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel writes to PM Modi, wants special train to ferry 1.6 lakh migrants

Drawing the prime minister’s attention towards workers, migrants of the state who are stranded in other states and are unable to return due to lockdown, Baghel said that the number of such workers is more than 1.6 lakh at present and taking care of the economic and mental condition of these workers and their homecoming is very important.

Updated on: May 1, 2020, 17:16:57 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to run a special train to bring back migrant workers of Chhattisgarh stranded in other states.

Baghel in his letter to PM Modi stated that the instructions issued on April 29 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for inter-state movement of workers, migrants will prove beneficial in restoring normalcy and economic activities in the state.

Drawing the prime minister’s attention towards workers, migrants of the state who are stranded in other states and are unable to return due to lockdown, Baghel said that the number of such workers is more than 1.6 lakh at present and taking care of the economic and mental condition of these workers and their homecoming is very important.

The CM said the Central Government’s decision of imposing lockdown for prevention of Covid-19 helped in controlling the spread of this epidemic in the state, as a result of which the number of coronavirus positive patients in the state is less.

The CM stated in the letter that Chhattisgarh is coordinating with other states for return of these migrants and an action plan has been chalked out to bring back these workers through buses. However, it would be difficult to arrange buses and other infrastructure required to bring back these workers in such large numbers. Also, it will be extremely difficult to take care of the safety and convenience of these migrants on a long distance journey.

“In the present situation point to point special trains could be run to ensure safety, convenience and hygiene of these workers. The Chhattisgarh government has requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard. I request you to take a quick decision regarding operating a special train for bringing back stranded labourers of Chhattisgarh from other states,” the CM said in his letter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More