Odisha to pay Rs 5.5 crore to Indian Railways ticket cost of migrants returning to State by Shramik Special trains

Bhubaneswar: As the State Government has decided to bear ticket cost of migrants returning to the State by Shramik Special trains if the host States are not providing it, an amount of Rs 5.5 crore would soon be paid to the Indian Railways. This is informed by the Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera.

Behera told reporters that the money would be paid from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). “Migrants now can travel back to the State free of cost,” he said.

Regarding resumption of bus services, the Minister said the as the Centre has asked the States to take their own decision in this regard keeping in view the prevailing situation, discussions would soon be held with the private bus owners’ association. The OSRTC has only about 500 buses; so, private buses should start plying for the convenience of people.

Notably, private bus owners had earlier rejected the Transport Department’s proposal for resumption of services with a 50-per cent occupancy and double fare.

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