NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday said it has dispatched special trains to flood-hit areas in Assam and Gujarat to facilitate movement of passengers and goods.In a written reply in the Lok Sabha , Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said the railways has introduced three special trains - Silchar-Guwahati and Murkong Selek - Guwahati in Assam, and Palanpur-Bhuj in Gujarat."Railways runs special trains wherever there is passenger demand, including flood-affected areas," said Prabhu.Residents affected by flooding naviagate flodwaters to collect relief materials in Udaynarayanpur, some 83kms west of Kolkata. (Reuters photo)The minister said the Railways also transports essential items as and when demand arises and also on request from different quarters, including voluntary organisations, National Disaster Management Authority and others.Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam and parts of West Bengal were hit by widespread floods that have claimed several lives.As many as 59 people have died in flood-affected areas of Rajasthan and the state government has made all possible efforts in providing relief to those districts, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said on Wednesday.Villagers wade through flood waters at Bagoda village near Jalore on Thursday. (PTI photo)More than 1,290 villages were affected due to heavy rainfall in Barmer, Pali, Sirohi and Jalore districts, he said during a monthly review meeting of the department.Thirty-six people were swept away in water and 20 were killed in lightning strikes while three died in building collapse.Kataria said 1,514 people were provided help in 24 relief camps set up in flood-affected districts where 4,614 houses were completely damaged while 39 people in Jalore and three in Pali districts were airlifted to safety.Of those killed in the flood-affected areas, the state has compensated the family members of 42 people with financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each, he said, adding the government has sanctioned Rs 1.68 crore for this purpose.