Close to 48 lakh migrant labourers have been able to reach home from the cities they were working in, as the Indian Railways have run a total of 3,543 “Sharmik Special” trains from May 1.

Following the home ministry order regarding the movement by special trains of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places, the railways started special train services between select cities from May 1. By May 27, a total of 3,543 “Shramik Special” trains have been operationalized from various states across the country, helping around 48 lakh migrants in 26 days, an official note said on Wednesday.

These 3,543 trains were originated from various states. The top five states/UTs from where maximum trains originated are Gujarat (946 trains), Maharashtra (677 Trains), Punjab (377 trains), Uttar Pradesh (243 trains) and Bihar (215 trains).

The “Shramik Special” Trains were terminated in various states across the country. The top five states where maximum trains terminated are Uttar Pradesh (1,392 Trains), Bihar (1,123 trains), Jharkhand (156 trains), Madhya Pradesh (119 trains) and Odisha (123 trains).

On May 26, 255 Shramik Specials ferried people.

IRCTC distributed more than 78 lakh free meals and more than 1.10 crore water bottles to the travelling migrants. Amid reports of many trains running late and passengers spending long hours without food, the Railways clarified, “It may be noted that trains running today are not facing any congestion.”

In addition to Shramik specials, Railways are running 15 pairs of special trains connecting New Delhi and plans to start 200 more time tabled trains on June 1.