New Delhi: As the nation battles Coronavirus pandemic, the government machinery is working overtime to transport the migrant labour to their native place via Shramik trains and also to bring back Indians stranded abroad via air and sea.
In the first week of ‘Vande Bharat’ mission, more than 6,000 Indians have been flown back in 31 flights operated by Air India and Air India Express since May 7.
Indian citizens on their way to Mumbai from San Francisco onboard @airindiain flight cheer & applaud members of the crew who were flying them back home.
Warm gestures which inspire our Corona Warriors.
#MissionVandeBharat @MEAIndia @MoCA_GoI @PIB_India @CGISFO pic.twitter.com/cwz8p1Cg2t
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) May 12, 2020
Of those who have been repatriated, 2,000 people returned to Kerala, 883 to Tamil Nadu, 766 to Maharashtra, 354 to Delhi, and 337 to Karnataka, according to government figures.
Two ships INS Jalashwa and MV Arabian Sea were also pressed into service, which brought back 700 Indians from Maldives and 121 passengers from Lakshdweep respectively, reported a news portal.
14,800 Indians to be evacuated in 1st phase
Air India along with its subsidiary Air India Express are operating a total of 64 flights (42 by Air India & 24 by AI Express) to 12 countries viz. USA, UK Bangladesh, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Philippines, UAE and Malaysia to repatriate 14,800 Indians back in the first phase.
AAI and Air India are leaving no stone unturned to prioritize the safety of passengers. Extensive and meticulous safety arrangements are in place in accordance to government guidelines.
