According to Roshan, his employer himself asked him to leave, lest all travel options be ruled out in the event of a sudden lockdown.
Anurag Singh, a construction worker, too is on his way home with his family. “Back home in UP, the situation is better. We will somehow manage there. I have a farm. At least I won’t have to pay for shelter and food there,” he said.
The workers are also aware that their employers, especially those running small businesses, are not in a position to support them this time. “During the previous lockdown, my employer arranged food and shelter for my family till train services resumed. I returned to work for him when the first lockdown was eased. This time, he asked me to leave early as even he has taken a big hit already due to restricted business days. I understand his problem and am, therefore, leaving,” said Amit Das, a restaurant worker from Bengal.