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Udhna Railway Station in Surat witnessed an overwhelming rush of passengers just a day before Diwali, as thousands of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand gathered to board trains home. Despite additional train services announced for the festive season, the station was teeming with long queues, many stretching well beyond the premises and into nearby streets.
The exodus began Friday night, with people waiting in lines for 12 to 18 hours—many without food, water, or shelter. The crowd included elderly people, women, and children, all enduring harsh conditions in hopes of celebrating Diwali with their families.
“I have been in line since 10 PM last night. Even after 12 hours, my number hasn’t come,” said a passenger trying to reach Bihar. “I’ve been standing since 7 PM for the Prayagraj train. Still no seat,” shared another visibly exhausted commuter.
Overcrowding Despite Extra Trains
The Indian Railways had announced hundreds of special trains to manage the Diwali rush, yet overcrowding persisted. Trains to eastern states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar remain packed, and passengers with valid tickets were still unable to board due to capacity constraints.
Railway Police on High Alert
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been deployed in full strength to manage the surging crowd. According to Western Railway, RPF personnel are working around the clock to ensure safe and efficient crowd management.
"Through timely coordination and dedicated efforts, RPF is ensuring seamless passenger movement and upholding safety and peace," Western Railway shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Similar Scenes Across Major Cities
This situation is not unique to Surat. Similar chaotic scenes were reported from Mumbai and Delhi, where railway stations are struggling to cope with the festive rush. Many passengers are left anxious and frustrated, fearing they may not reach home in time for Diwali.
With demand far outstripping supply, authorities are urging passengers to plan travel in advance and remain patient as efforts continue to streamline operations during this peak travel period