Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SD)

New Delhi, May 29: The Indian Railways has appealed people with pre-existing health conditions not to board the shramik trains after nine deaths were reported on board shramik special trains.

On May 27, nine deaths of migrant workers were reported on board within 48 hours, the railways stating that all the deceased had pre-existing health conditions.

Shramik trains were introduced since May 1 to take back migrant workers to their home states after many had resorted to walking or taking other means such as cycling, boarding trucks and so on.

A statement said, "It has been observed that some people who are availing this service have pre-existing medical conditions which aggravate the risk they face during COVID-19 pandemic. A few unfortunate cases of deaths related to pre-existing medical conditions while travelling has happened."

"To protect vulnerable persons from COVID-19, the Ministry of Railways appeals that persons with co-morbidities (for example - hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiency conditions), pregnant women, children below the age of 10 and persons above 65 years of age may avoid travel by rail, except when it is essential," it said.

The statement claimed to be working 24/7 to ensure every citizen in need avails railway services.

The railway has appealed to all the citizens to cooperate and to reach out to the railways' helpline number 138 and 139 in case of any distress or emergency and need.