New Delhi, Mar 28 (IANS): The Indian Railways' catering arm the Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), here on Saturday, distributed from its base kitchen over 2,500 meals to the poor and the needy through the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Rotary Club.

Raw material to prepare food was also provided to a social welfare organization.

The IRCTC, said in a statement, it was ready to provide meals to the poor and needy as and when directed by the state authorities.

"The mobilisation of all requisite manpower, material and logistics is being ascertained to ensure that the meals reach their destinations in time. From tomorrow (Sunday) other base kitchens will also start distribution of meals to the poor and needy," said a senior official.

The three-week nationwide lockdown, which entered its fourth day on Saturday, has left several thousand daily wagers without jobs and has reduced their means of sustenance. Reports of workers choosing to travel on foot to their villages have emerged from many parts of the country, as public transport has been withdrawn for the lockdown.

During the day, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, issued second advisory urging all states and Union Territories (UTs) to start immediate relief measures to provide temporary accommodation, food, clothing and medical care to the people, including migrant workers stranded due to lockdown.