Migrants Depart As Lockdown Returns

Labourers in many districts camp near railway stations in wait for trains to northern States; they plan to return to TN after lockdown

- Jose K Jospeh / KV Navya

Many workers in Tiruchy and nearby districts were seen camping near the railway station since Sunday night to board Tuesday’s Howrah Express. Most of them from Bihar and West Bengal are, however, planning to return to Tamil Nadu after the lockdown is lifted.

“I work as a construction worker in Dindigul. Since the government has announced the lockdown, I decided to return to my hometown. So, I reached Tiruchy on Sunday night in a bus. Though our train is on Tuesday, the suspension of public transportation compelled us to reach early. Since the canteen and other hotels near the railway station are functioning even during the lockdown, we didn’t face much issues. Most of us are planning to return after the lockdown,” said Sachidananda Singh (45), a migrant worker from Bihar.

Despite the fear of getting infected during the journey, they said that they have no other option. “If we stay in Tamil Nadu during the lockdown, we would struggle to make both ends meet as most of us don’t have much savings. Therefore, my husband and I decided to go to our home State of West Bengal,” said Archana, who is travelling with her three-year-old child.