As soon as the coronavirus lockdown was announced in India, it stirred panic amongst the public, especially the daily-wage workers, who after a few days, out of no option, started walking hundreds of kilometres, to their hometown. One such person who also tried to trek was a woman from Virar.
Times of India (TOI) reported that Arti Ghod, the wife of a daily wage worker, on March 21, went to Taloja to receive her two children - Pranay and Shivam, aged 14 and 8 respectively. However, soon after she reached, the lockdown was announced across the country. She missed the return train and since she was left with no other option, Arti along with her two sons started walking from Taloja (Raigad) to Virar, using the railway tracks and deserted roads.
To survive, they begged for money, food and shelter, but covered a distance of 84 km, over 25 days, from March 22 to April 13, 2020. Her husband, Ashok, was not aware of their whereabouts, and once Arti reached Goregaon, she sought the help of a person who helped her get in touch with Ashok.
Upon knowing this, he started walking from their house in Virar and reached Goregaon on April 14. On their way back, railway police officers at Vasai caught them on the tracks. Once they knew Arti's struggle, the Vasai-based Manickpur police station along with NGO Samadhan Foundation offered them assistance with food and ensured they reached home safely.
Ashok walked a total of 48km and Arti (along with her two children) walked 85km, most of it was on barefoot, as her slippers were torn halfway.
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