India: Migrant Workers Take First Train Home Since Lockdown

India on Friday ran the first train service for thousands of migrant workers desperate to return home since it imposed a nationwide lockdown to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Relieved and smiling, 1,200 people clapped as they boarded the train at Lingampally in southern Telangana state for Hatia in the eastern state of Jharkhand — a 19-hour journey.

However, railroad authorities said Friday’s service was only a one-off special train and a decision on running more trains will be taken soon.