Vellore to Ranchi: A train filled with only patients & caregivers

Karal Marx TNN

Vellore:  7.5.2020

When the first train from Tamil Nadu after the Covid-19 lockdown chugged out of Katpadi railway station in Vellore on Wednesday night, carrying 1,130 patients and their caregivers, many from across India who throng the medical town saw the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

K Vikash Mahto, 22, and his brother Sandeep Mahto, 29, a chronic heart patient from Ranchi, reached Vellore on March 21 for a two-day treatment at Christian Medical College Hospital. They were to fly back home on March 23. But the Covid-19 outbreak and the ensuing lockdown stopped them.

“We planned to stay in Vellore for three days. By the 15th day after the lockdown, we could barely manage our daily needs,” said Vikash.

The 22-coach special train from Vellore with 1,130 patients and their caregivers will reach Hatia station in Ranchi early on Friday morning

‘Distancing norms followed on Vellore train’

The lodge owner harassed them for rent and they did not have enough money to buy food. “My brother had breathing problems because of his heart condition and needed a bed,” said K Vikash Mahto.

They got the district superintendent of police to persuade the lodge owner to allow them to stay on. With the help of district officials and volunteers, the brothers got their daily ration. As arrangements were made to them bring home by train from Vellore on Wednesday night, along with hundreds of other patients, the brothers finally had a smile on their face. The train, with 22 coaches, will reach Hatia station in Ranchi on Friday. Officials said the passengers were made to adhere to social distancing norms.

Full report on www.toi.in