Long queues of passengers were seen at railway stations as the Indian Railways resumed on June 1, three months after the coronavirus led to a total lockdown in the country. 

A total of 109 special interstate passenger trains ran with overall occupancy of 75.41%, the Ministry of Railways said in a tweet. 

“As per normal frequency (days) of trains, operation of 109 special trains has restarted today on Indian Railways. Till 12 pm 1,49,318 passengers have booked tickets on these 109 trains, with overall occupancy of 75.41%,” the tweet read. 

The railways also released a statement advising passengers to carry food and water, bedroll and linen and travel with light luggage.

While there were long queues at the stations, people were seen observing proper social distancing, wearing masks and following other norms.  

“Following the circumstances arising out of the Corona epidemic, today Indian Railways have started services of 200 trains across the country. With their introduction, the passengers will get convenience and relief,” Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said in a tweet.

Railway operations across the country were suspended in March after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the first phase of lockdown on March 25. 

On May 1, special Shramik were started to help stranded migrant labourers reach their native place. Over 4,000 Shramik Special trains  transported more than 57 lakh migrants. As many as 30 Special AC trains were also started from May 12.