Mismanagement at Surat Railway Station during festival rush kills one

Surat : The Surat railway station authorities are under intense scrutiny as the railway station faces severe mismanagement and negligence amid the festive rush, resulting in one tragic death and several passengers rendered unconscious. The station has been inundated by a surge of migrants, predominantly from the textile and diamond industries, eager to travel to their home states for Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations.

Over the past week, the Surat railway station has witnessed a constant influx of passengers, causing overcrowding that has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of those present. The situation reached a critical point on Saturday morning when over a dozen individuals collapsed due to unconsciousness, with many reporting difficulty breathing.

The Surat railway police swiftly responded to the emergency, administering CPR to the affected passengers. Tragically, Ankit Birendra Singh, a young traveler heading to Chapra in Bihar, succumbed to suffocation. Two other passengers, along with the deceased, were rushed to the hospital, and their condition is currently reported as stable at the New Civil Hospital (NCH).

Critics argue that the mismanagement at Surat railway station has exacerbated the difficulties faced by migrant workers trying to reach their hometowns. The limited number of trains originating from Surat has resulted in overcrowding, making travel conditions hazardous for passengers.

Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Western Railway (WR), addressed the concerns, stating that the WR is operating around 400 trips of 46 pairs of Festival Special Trains for various destinations. However, the heavy rush at Surat has led to significant challenges.

Thakur highlighted that the Festival Special Trains have benefited more than 7 Lakh passengers, but the increasing demand during the festive season has prompted the need for additional measures. Extra coaches have been attached to regular trains, and booking facilities have been expanded to accommodate the extended waiting list.

To manage the crowds and ensure passenger safety, the railway authorities have implemented various strategies. Additional booking counters have been set up at both Surat and Udhna stations, along with the deployment of more Automated Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and facilitators. Regular announcements are made to guide passengers, and commercial staff is stationed at the stations for monitoring and assistance.

For security and crowd management, a substantial number of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel have been deployed at Surat and Udhna stations. Despite these efforts, the tragic incident on Saturday underscores the need for a comprehensive and immediate reassessment of the situation to prevent further mishaps during this festive season.