Surat. The modernization and redevelopment project of Surat Railway Station is worsening the traffic jam problem in the city's busiest area.
Major construction work is being carried out at the railway station by Surat Integrated Transportation Development Corporation Limited (SITCO), resulting in heavy traffic pressure from Sahara Darwaja to Varachha Poddar Arcade daily. In light of the situation, the Surat Municipal Corporation and police administration have become active. A significant meeting was held at the police commissioner's office under the chairmanship of Municipal Commissioner M.
Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot. Experts from SVNIT, SITCO officials, and senior traffic police officers were present at the meeting. According to the traffic survey report presented by SVNIT, over one lakh vehicles are under pressure daily, with approximately one lakh cars, along with thousands of auto rickshaws, buses, and other vehicles arriving at the western part of the railway station.
This results in a continuous traffic jam situation throughout the station area. Experts have warned that the situation may worsen in the coming days after the construction of the elevated bridge pillars in front of the railway station begins. Keeping this in mind, the administration has decided to implement a phased traffic management plan.
Separate lanes will be created for different vehicles to improve traffic arrangements in the railway station area for cars, buses, and auto rickshaws. Additionally, a separate route for pedestrians is also planned to ensure safe and convenient access for passengers traveling to and from the station. Strict action will also be taken to remove illegal pressure and uncontrolled parking in the railway station premises.
A new 'pick-up and drop' system will be implemented in the railway station area based on the airport model. Under this system, private vehicles will only be allowed to enter for dropping off and picking up passengers, with no long-term parking permitted. Officials believe that this arrangement will significantly relieve uncontrolled parking and traffic pressure in the station premises.
The existing boundary wall of the railway station is obstructing the construction of the elevated bridge pillars in front of the station. Therefore, the administration has also decided to remove the railway station's boundary wall to avoid any hindrance to the construction work. Taxi and auto stands will be shifted due to heavy pressure on the main road caused by taxi and auto stands operating outside the railway station.
To resolve this issue, it has been decided to shift the taxi stand to the district panchayat land. Additionally, a 'single lane system' will be strictly enforced for rickshaws, buses, and cars to prevent any vehicle from entering the other lane and disrupting traffic. A one-way system will be implemented for ST buses due to the continuous movement of buses from the ST bus stand located in front of the railway station, which is also increasing the jam problem.
Based on the advice of SVNIT experts, a special one-way system will now be implemented for ST buses. Furthermore, the administration will ensure that buses do not stop on public roads outside the designated bus stand to pick up or drop off passengers.
Strict action will be taken against violators of the rules. The administration states that the railway station redevelopment work will continue for the next two to three years, so a long-term and systematic plan for traffic management is being developed.
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