Udhna Station Gets India's 2nd Largest Passenger Facility Center
Western Railway unveils a massive ₹40 crore Yatri Suvidha Kendra at Udhna Station to manage festive crowds.
Western Railway has officially inaugurated a massive, state-of-the-art Yatri Suvidha Kendra (Passenger Facility Center) at Udhna Railway Station in Surat, Gujarat. This landmark project is specifically designed to alleviate the intense travel congestion expected during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath Puja festive seasons.
A Massive Infrastructure Boost for Surat
Constructed with an investment of approximately ₹40 crore, this facility stands as the largest passenger center within the Western Railway zone and ranks as the second-largest in the entire country. The center is an engineering marvel, spanning 500 meters in length and 36 meters in width, allowing it to accommodate between 15,000 and 20,000 passengers simultaneously.
Advanced Amenities and Security Features
To ensure a seamless experience for travelers, the new center includes several upgraded facilities:
- Ticketing: 10 additional ticket windows, including a specialized counter dedicated to passengers with disabilities.
- Sanitation: Enhanced restroom facilities featuring 50 toilets for men and 30 for women.
- Surveillance: A robust security network consisting of 70 to 80 high-definition CCTV cameras.
- Communication: A sophisticated public announcement system with 150 speakers paired with real-time digital display boards.
- Crowd Control: Designated pre-ticketing zones to regulate the movement of passengers and manage footfall.
Managing the Festive Rush and Migrant Movement
With the festive season approaching, a massive influx of migrant workers is expected to travel toward Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. To manage this movement, Indian Railways is part of a nationwide initiative to operate roughly 18,000 special trains, with Western Railway increasing train frequencies to meet the surging demand.
Recent statistics highlight the scale of operations in the region, with Udhna and Surat stations collectively handling 50 lakh passenger movements. During peak periods, daily footfall has surged from 1 lakh to approximately 1.6 lakh passengers.
Strict Crowd Control Measures in Place
To maintain order and safety during the peak period, authorities have implemented several stringent measures:
- Platform Ticket Suspension: Sales of platform tickets will be suspended at Udhna, Surat, Bhestan, Bandra Terminus, Vapi, and Valsad from November 1 to November 15, 2026.
- Real-time Monitoring: A dedicated 'war room' has been established under the supervision of senior officials to monitor crowd density in real-time.
- Security Deployment: Extensive personnel from the RPF, GRP, and local police have been deployed to manage the stations and ensure passenger safety.
"This project is part of a broader initiative to expand passenger capacity at approximately 1,300 railway stations across the country," stated Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.