Migrants Not To Be Charged Fares For Train And Bus Travel, Says SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday while hearing a Suo Motu case on the condition of migrant workers passed several directions.

The SC said that no fare will be charged from migrant workers returning home, either by bus or train. The Indian Railways will share the fare, however, the stranded migrants will not be charged for the travel and will be provided food by the concerned state.

Details of where food will be made available along with where workers can wait to go home to be publicised by the State, it said.

The originating state will provide food and water and thereafter Railways will ensure meals for all during the journey.

After that, the receiving states will provide food & transport from stations to villages.

It also directed States to speed up registration of migrant workers and put help desks where they are stranded.

Whenever a migrant is found walking on the road, they will be taken to the camps at the earliest and help will be provided to him/her.

In reply, the Centre said, this may encourage more people to walk.

People are already walking, the SC said.

The SC will resume hearing on June 5.