Surat: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has submitted a memorandum to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting the inconveniences faced by passengers at Surat and Udhna railway stations and urging immediate improvements in view of the heavy festive rush during Diwali.
As per report, the delegation comprising SGCCI Acting President Ashok Jirawala, Group President Dr. Vijay Radadia, and Association Liaison Committee Co-Chairman Atul Patel met the Railway Minister in New Delhi to present their concerns and suggestions. The Chamber emphasized that despite Surat being one of India’s leading industrial and commercial hubs, its railway stations lack adequate passenger amenities and infrastructure.
The presentation detailed several key issues, including the shortage of parking space, disorder caused by auto-rickshaw drivers, and safety concerns at Udhna station due to the activities of anti-social elements. It also mentioned the difficulties faced by elderly and differently-abled passengers due to inadequate connectivity between platforms.
At Surat station, the Chamber pointed out the absence of proper shelter on platforms 2, 3, and 4, non-functional escalators, and the discontinuation of electric vehicle (EV) services. The unorganized parking system and lack of proper rickshaw facilities have further added to passenger inconvenience.
SGCCI requested that Surat railway station be developed on par with major stations like New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram, where regular and secure rickshaw services, spacious parking areas, and dedicated amenities for senior citizens are available.
Considering the surge of travelers between Surat and Saurashtra during Diwali and Chhath Puja, the Chamber also urged the Railway Minister to introduce holiday special trains connecting Surat with major Saurashtra cities such as Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Mahuva, and Gandhidham. It suggested that these trains should have halts at the Uttarayan railway station to help reduce congestion at Surat and Udhna stations.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attentively reviewed the Chamber’s presentation and assured the delegation that necessary steps would be taken promptly. He also agreed to participate in SGCCI’s upcoming session titled “Business Opportunities with Indian Railways” and to interact directly with Surat’s industrial fraternity.
SGCCI reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the railway authorities for the overall development of Surat’s transport infrastructure and to further strengthen the city’s position as one of India’s leading business centers.
