IndiGo operates flight chartered by NALSAR to transport 174 migrant workers

The Charter was initiated by the alumni network of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in collaboration with Loving Migrant Workers Network and Samerth Charitable Trust.

Adhering to all the precautionary measures including the use of face mask, face shield, gloves and sanitizer on-board, the IndiGo flight 6E 9405 transferred 174 migrant workers and their children to Raipur for the onward journey to their hometowns in Chhattisgarh. NALSAR also facilitated another charter flight in collaboration with Mercy Mission, ILoveBlr Trust, United Sikhs and Bangalore Media Foundation, to fly 179 migrant workers including 29 children, from Bengaluru to Raipur on June 04, 2020. 

Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to be a part of this unique and thoughtful initiative by NALSAR Alumni network, which enabled 174 migrant citizens reach their hometowns safely. Our endeavour in these times is to ensure a safe and hassle-free flying experience for all our passengers by rigorously following sanitization of the aircraft and providing PPE to the passengers and the crew. We will continue to contribute and support the nation in every way possible in these trying times.” 

Representative of the ‘NALSAR for COVID-19 Migrant Workers Crisis said, “In light of the precarious situation of migrant workers stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown that has been forcing them to travel long distances putting their lives at risk, we could not sit idle and wanted to utilise our social capital in an impactful manner to alleviate their situation. We felt that organising flights would honour their desires of long-distance travel while protecting their health and dignity, as it is the safest option for travel with reduced travel time and extensive preventive measures. We want to give a message that equal rights and access to resources cannot remain a mere dream for them. We have had tremendous support from the Foodshaala Foundation, Samerth Charitable Trust and Loving Migrant Workers Network in this endeavour.” 

The alumni network is financing their journey home and arranging logistical support including pick up/drop off to the airport, food, water, protective gear and ration kits. The workers are being provided with a cash transfer of Rs. 1000 each for immediate relief. The alumni network has collected a total sum of INR 16 lakhs to be spent on the safe transportation of these migrant workers.