Chaos at Udhna railway station as migrant rush overwhelms train capacity in Surat

Scenes of chaos unfolded at Udhna railway station as thousands of migrant workers rushed to return to their hometowns following summer vacations and factory shutdowns, overwhelming the limited train services available.

According to reports, the number of passengers far exceeded the available capacity, with over 7,000 people crowding the station while only two trains were operational. Long queues stretching over three kilometres were seen outside the station, with passengers waiting for hours in extreme heat. The situation escalated as frustration grew, leading to a near-stampede-like atmosphere, forcing police to resort to mild lathi-charge to control the crowd.

The intense heat took a toll on passengers, with at least two people fainting while standing in line. Railway police and security personnel struggled to manage the swelling crowd amid rising tension.

Amid a severe shortage of drinking water, desperate passengers were seen scrambling for bottles when limited supplies were distributed, triggering chaotic scenes. In a heart-wrenching incident, a man carrying his wife’s ashes was reportedly seen waiting for hours, unable to board a train.

Railway DySP Deepak Gaude said the passenger turnout was significantly higher than anticipated compared to the announced train services. He added that passengers have been advised to avoid unnecessary waiting, especially those with children, and assured that any announcement regarding additional special trains would be communicated immediately.

Passengers, however, alleged lack of planning by railway authorities, claiming that such overcrowding is a recurring issue every year. Many said they were forced to wait for up to 16 hours without securing a seat, with some even attempting to jump station boundaries to gain entry, prompting police intervention.

The incident has once again raised concerns over crowd management and preparedness during peak travel seasons.