Odisha Govt to pay Rs 5.5 crore to Railways for return of migrants

Bhubaneswar:  As the state Government has decided to bear ticket cost of migrants returning to the state if the host state is not providing the same, Rs 5.5 crore will soon be paid to the Indian Railways for the same, informed Commerce and Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera today.

Speaking to mediapersons, the Minister said Rs 5.5 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) will be given to Indian Railways for bringing back migrants stranded in different states via Shramik Special trains. “Migrants now can travel back to the state free of cost,” the Minister said.

Regarding resumption of bus services in the state, Behera said as the Centre has asked the states to take decision on resumption of bus services keeping in view the prevailing situation, a discussion will soon be held with private bus owners’ association. OSRTC has only 400-500 buses, hence private buses should start plying  for the convenience of people.

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

“After an aerial survey of cyclone affected districts in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned Rs 500 crore interim relief package yesterday. The Centre may sanction additional financial assistance after submission of the damage assessment report,” the Minister added.