Western Railway Facilitates Massive Holi Exodus from Surat with Special Trains
In a significant logistical operation, Western Railway successfully ran eight Holi special trains from Udhna railway station in Surat on Sunday. This initiative marked the highest single-day passenger movement recorded from the city, with approximately 20,000 travellers embarking on journeys to their hometowns to celebrate the vibrant festival of Holi.
Comprehensive Arrangements to Ensure Smooth Operations
To manage the unprecedented surge in passenger traffic and prevent potential overcrowding or stampede-like situations, Western Railway implemented extensive measures. A dedicated holding area with a capacity for 4,000 passengers at a time was established, complemented by an additional temporary tented holding zone to accommodate overflow crowds effectively.
Enhanced Security and Ticketing Facilities
Security was significantly bolstered for the event, with the deployment of over 250 personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP). These teams were tasked with crowd management and ensuring passenger safety throughout the operations. To streamline the ticketing process, four additional booking counters were opened, and Mobile Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) services were enhanced, providing greater convenience for travellers.
Details of the Special Train Services
The first of the special trains, the Udhna–Jayanagar service, departed at 3.30 am, carrying nearly 4,000 passengers. Other trains were operated to key destinations including:
- Jayanagar
- Hasanpur
- Thave
- Brahmpur
- Raxaul
These services primarily catered to passengers travelling to the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, regions with significant migrant populations in Surat returning home for the Holi festivities.
This large-scale operation by Western Railway not only facilitated festive travel but also demonstrated efficient railway management during peak periods, ensuring a safe and organized experience for thousands of commuters.
