Picture used for representational purpose only
MUMBAI: As many as 54.4 lakh people left Maharashtra by rail in April and May when the state was under lockdown-style curbs, according to data with the state labour commissioner.
In June, when the state government started lifting the restrictions, 26 lakh people returned till the 22nd of the month less than half of the number that had left in the summer months.
Although migrants may not account for all the passenger movement, the numbers provide an indication of the migrant exodus and return. Officials said the return in June may be slow because sectors, like hospitality and retail, have not opened completely. The labour department received details on passenger exit and entry into the state from the Indian Railways.