NEW DELHI: Railways has been actively discussing several options to transport stranded migrants including workers, students and tourists, though home ministry on Thursday maintained that the present guidelines specify transportation of persons through buses and by road only.Sources said running special trains may be necessary for transporting such persons over long distances as there is also a growing demand for them from state governments.TOI has learnt that top railway and home ministry officials held a meeting on Thursday afternoon. Though there was no official word about it, sources said requests of several states to run special trains may have been discussed.Railway ministry officials said the decision on this has to be taken by the home ministry and they can press trains to service within hours. “But it will be an MHA call and the railways will comply with their direction. There have been discussions with states and other authorities on different options including the protocols which may have to be adopted if there is such a decision to run trains. No decision has been taken yet,” said a source.Maharashtra, Jharkhand Rajasthan and Bihar are among those states that have demanded special trains. On Wednesday, LJP chief Chirag Paswan had urged Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to bring migrant workers and students back home after home ministry issued fresh guidelines allowing their movement.It’s learnt that the railways is maintaining nearly 30,000 coaches , most of which are sleeper coaches, to keep the system ready. “Running trains is not an issue for us. Trains can be deployed within four-five hours. We will wait for the government decision,” said an official.Official said there have also been several discussions on whether only non-AC coaches should be deployed for running special trains.