Railways sending Shramik specials or Corona express, slams Mamata Banerjee

"We are paying for 235 trains but then why are 2-3 people made to sit on one seat? People are coming from hotspot areas like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. No social distancing is followed in these trains," Banerjee said during a press conference.

"Are these Shramik Express of Corona Express? Many people died because they did not get adequate food or water. People are scared and calling it corona express. There are issues of law and order due to this," she alleged.

"We want all to come back but don't send them all together. Where will we keep them? How can we screen everyone at once?" she said.

This comes as the state reported 277 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total tally to 4813.

West Bengal has so far witnessed 230 deaths including 72 fatalities due to comorbidity.

The Mamata Banerjee government on Friday announced that it has planned to increase its workforce capacity from 50 per cent to 70 per cent amid the outbreak of 'multiple crises' in the state.

"With multiple crises in the state, we have decided to increase State Government workforce capacity from 50% to 70%. Continuation of relief & restoration work is one of the top priorities & this workforce increase will ensure that public services are uninterrupted and unhindered," Banerjee announced.

"In the Private sector, I urge all to stay safe, work indoors as much as possible and to the best of their abilities. Prerogative lies with the respective managements of private entities to decide on workforce capacity & act accordingly," she said.

Meanwhile, Jute Mills and Tea Gardens will operate with 100 per cent workforce capacity.

From June 8, all the private and government sector will resume with full workforce, the CM announced.

Banerjee also announced that all religious places will open in the state from June 1, drawing flak from several sections over the decision.

"Upto 10 people will be allowed in. The committees have to take responsibility and santise the area," she said.

However, schools and colleges will remain closed throughout June, she said.

"We all are together in this. I am sure with your cooperation and contribution, Bengal will emerge victorious," she said.

Meanwhile, as per several media reports, the central government even after over 60 days of lockdown is considering an extension of the restrictions in the wake of the surge in COVID-19 cases in the country of 1.3 billion people.

The government may arrive at a decision on Saturday, reports said.