Thousands of migrant workers heading to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar faced severe hardship at Udhna Railway Station in Surat, as massive crowds and poor arrangements turned their journey into a distressing ordeal.
Extreme Heat and Lack of Basic Facilities
The intense heat and humidity made conditions unbearable for travellers. Basic amenities such as drinking water, food, and even toilets were either inadequate or unavailable. Women and children were among the worst affected. After hours of waiting in long lines, several passengers reportedly fainted due to exhaustion and dehydration, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Clashes and Chaos at the Station
The overwhelming crowd became increasingly difficult to manage, with some people attempting to break barricades to gain entry into the station. In response, police had to step in and use mild force to control the situation, although railway authorities denied any lathi-charge. Officials claimed that certain 'miscreants' tried to disrupt the arrangements but were swiftly removed.
LPG Crisis Driving Reverse Migration
Apart from the summer holiday rush, a major factor behind the surge in passengers is believed to be the rising LPG crisis. Reports suggest that due to tensions in West Asia, the price of small LPG cylinders has shot up dramatically—from around ?80 to nearly ?400 per kg. The spike in fuel costs, coupled with rising living expenses, has made it difficult for migrant workers to sustain themselves in Surat, forcing many to return home.
Railway Claims vs Ground Reality
Railway authorities stated that special trains were being operated to manage the rush and that around 23,000 passengers had already been transported. However, the ground situation painted a starkly different picture, with overcrowding and mismanagement still evident.
One distressed passenger summed up the frustration, saying, 'I will never come back again,' reflecting the deep sense of helplessness and disappointment among thousands of workers caught in the chaos.
Edited by : Mary Rose Baba