Surat: With Diwali vacation approaching, the railway administration has begun full-scale preparations to manage the expected surge of passengers at Surat and Udhna railway stations. Every year, migrants return to their hometowns during the festival, leading to heavy crowds at major stations.

To ensure smooth operations and prevent mishaps, the Indian Railways has planned several measures. At Udhna station, five additional current ticket windows will be opened, supplementing the existing six, while Surat station will see two extra windows alongside the 14 already in operation. Officials have stated that more windows may be opened if passenger demand increases.

To avoid overcrowding on platforms, designated holding areas have been created at both stations. Passengers will be gathered in these areas and escorted to platforms in an orderly manner as trains arrive.

In addition, the railway administration will deploy an extra 15 staff members for ticket checking across station premises. Separate teams of TTEs (Travelling Ticket Examiners) will monitor tickets on trains, while the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and railway police will conduct patrolling to maintain safety.

Officials have emphasized that all arrangements have been planned keeping passenger safety and convenience in mind, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience during the festive season. DeshGujarat