Over the weekend, key officials from Western Railway gathered at Udhna railway station in Surat to review new arrangements as the first group of approximately 11,000 migrants departed for their home states in light of the upcoming Diwali and Chhath puja celebrations.
In October, the railway authorities launched a Yatri Seva Kendra, designed to expand the passenger waiting area at Udhna Station, which services routes to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, where many textile workers reside.
According to sources from Western Railway, a dedicated ‘war room’ has been created under the guidance of senior officials to oversee crowd management in real-time.
To enhance security and efficiency, around 70 high-definition CCTV cameras have been positioned throughout the station. Digital screens display train schedules, while a comprehensive announcement system consisting of around 150 speakers facilitates communication. To minimize wait times, ten additional ticket counters have been opened, including a special one for passengers with disabilities.
Following a surge in migrant activity earlier this year, exacerbated by international tensions affecting LPG supplies, Udhna station experienced a dramatic influx of travelers in April, with over 22,000 people attempting to board trains in a single day, leading to police intervention.
Surat’s textile sector employs about six lakh migrants, who typically return home during festive seasons like Holi and Diwali.
To address the anticipated high volume of passengers, Western Railway’s Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Singh and Divisional Commercial Manager Ananya Kirti were present at the station over the weekend to oversee crowd control efforts, assess facilities, and gather feedback from travelers.
From Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, six trains, including two special holiday services, departed from Udhna Station, transporting over 11,000 passengers to various states. Teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) were deployed throughout the station to manage passenger queues and maintain order.
The new passenger holding area, opened on October 16, spans half a kilometer long and 36 meters wide, making it the largest facility of its kind in the Western Railway zone and the second-largest in India. It can accommodate up to 15,000 passengers and includes designated areas for ticketing and waiting.
Outside the holding area, extensive vehicle parking and accessible roads have been constructed. The facility is equipped with sufficient restrooms, bathing areas, and continuous drinking water supply.
A clear strategy has been developed to prevent overcrowding and potential stampedes, keeping passengers in the designated holding area until their train arrives. RPF, GRP, and ticket-checking personnel will assist passengers in boarding the train in an orderly manner.
In addition, the Railways will extend its Optional Travel Insurance Scheme (OTIS) to passengers purchasing reserved tickets at railway reservation counters starting October 27. Previously available for e-ticket bookings, this scheme will now cover those buying tickets in person.
Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek stated, “The insurance option will be available only if passengers choose it, provide a mobile number, and pay digitally. The insurance premium will be collected alongside the ticket fare.”
premium of 45 paise per passenger, which includes taxes, will apply for Indian citizens booking tickets with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed statuses. The insurance covers up to Rs. 10 lakh for death or total disability, Rs. 7.5 lakh for partial disability, and Rs. 2 lakh for hospitalization expenses due to injuries, along with Rs. 10,000 for the transportation of mortal remains, subject to policy terms. The Reservation Requisition Form has been updated to allow passengers to opt for travel insurance at all PRS centers within Western Railway.
