^{Image Source: Daily Mail India}

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has decided to restart the train services to transport the migrant labourers back to their hometowns in different states. This development comes after widespread public outrage over the state’s decision to cancel the trains after a meeting with builders and contractors.

It can be recalled that just a few days ago, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa held a meeting with prominent builders and contractors, who expressed that it would be difficult to restart construction work without the migrant works, who constitute a major portion of the construction workforce.

The move had sparked outrage among the general public and the migrant workers. Many likened the move to slavery, bonded labour and even a hostage situation.

According to a report by TNM, the train services will start on Friday. It can be noted that before cancelling the trains, the government had arranged for 10 trains to ferry the migrants (2 trains per day for five days).

An IAS officer told TNM that at least three trains will run on Friday and confirmed that so far, only the Bihar Government has accepted the proposal to ferry the migrant workers. The other states like West Bengal, Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh are yet to respond.

While a definite decision is awaited, TNM reports that it is likely that the train fare will be free for the migrants.