Surat: Massive Crowds at Udhna Railway Station as Diwali and Chhath Festivals Approach

Surat: Udhna Railway Station in Surat witnessed a massive influx of passengers due to the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festivals. Thousands of people gathered at the station to catch trains to their hometowns, resulting in overcrowding so severe that there was hardly any space to move. Women, children, and the elderly were particularly distressed as they struggled through the crowded environment.

With limited platforms and an inadequate number of trains, passengers were forced to stand in queues for hours. Many have been waiting at the station for over 12 hours, hoping for a train. The situation was so dire that accessing basic amenities like drinking water and restrooms became a challenge, and the arrangements made by the railway authorities proved insufficient. The overcrowding was so extreme that passengers even found it difficult to breathe.

The railway administration faced criticism for failing to implement effective crowd control measures, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among passengers. There were no separate arrangements for women and children, adding to their hardship. Passengers voiced their frustration, accusing the railway of negligence and poor planning, as food and water bottles were reportedly being sold at inflated prices due to the shortage.

The crowd posed the most significant challenge for women and those traveling with small children, who found it particularly hard to manage in the rush. Although railway officials claimed to have made special provisions for women and children, the on-ground reality appeared different.

In response to the situation, railway authorities stated that they had taken all necessary steps to manage the crowd. Additional trains were scheduled, and medical teams and security personnel were deployed. However, despite these efforts, the sheer volume of people made it difficult to manage the situation effectively.

The railway police had to resort to mild force to control the crowd. Several passengers reported their belongings missing amidst the chaos. The railway administration emphasized that it had made efforts to operate extra trains and provide medical facilities, but controlling such a large crowd proved to be a challenge.

It is worth noting that last year, the station faced a similar situation during Diwali, which resulted in the tragic death of one person. This year, fears of a similar incident loom large as the festive season reaches its peak.