Surat, April 23 – In a significant move aimed at improving passenger convenience, especially for the elderly, women, and differently-abled travelers, authorities have approved the installation of portable staircases on Platform-6 of Udhna Railway Station. The approval was granted by Abhay Singh Chauhan, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Mumbai Central Division, in response to increasing passenger traffic and longstanding boarding difficulties at the station.
Platform-6, located at the eastern end near the railway colony, is notably lower in height compared to other platforms. This has posed challenges for passengers boarding and alighting from trains such as the MEMU service, Udhna-Jaynagar Antyodaya Express, and Udhna-Danapur Express.
Initially, 10 portable staircases will be deployed to help passengers navigate the height difference between the platform and the train coaches. These staircases have been specially designed considering the gap between the platform and train doors and have already undergone successful testing. This temporary measure comes as a relief during the busy summer vacation period, when travel demand is at its peak.
Plans are also underway for a permanent upgrade of Platform-6. After the summer rush, the platform will be elevated to a standard height and widened to 15 meters. The platform currently spans 715 meters, which is adequate for accommodating 24-coach trains.
At present, cement blocks are being laid at one end of the platform to initiate the improvement process. A survey conducted under former Divisional Railway Manager Neeraj Verma has paved the way for the upgrade, which is now progressing under the supervision of the current DRM, Pankaj Singh.
This initiative not only represents a significant step towards improving passenger experience at Udhna Station but also reflects Indian Railways' increasing focus on commuter-friendly infrastructure. Once completed, the enhancements are expected to benefit lakhs of travelers using the station regularly.
