Surat: The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) is developing a 10,000-sq-m Yatri Suvidha Kendra at Udhna station in Surat to manage passenger rush during festivals, particularly Diwali, when Western Railway operates special trains to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and other states.The facility will accommodate passengers before they enter the station and platform areas, helping reduce congestion at station entrances, on platforms and in circulating areas. It will cater to both ticketed passengers and those yet to buy tickets.The centre will have three sections — pre-ticketing, passenger holding and post-ticketing — along with covered waiting areas, seating for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, 10 ticket-booking counters, separate toilet blocks and drinking water facilities. Passenger information displays, public address systems, CCTV cameras, lighting and fire-safety arrangements will also be provided.Western Railway chief public relations officer Vineet Abhishek said major structural and roofing work had been completed, while flooring, facade installation and other finishing work were at advanced stages. Installation of electrical and communication systems was also progressing. Of the 32 high-volume, low-speed fans planned, 26 have been installed, along with 98 of 138 lighting fixtures, 100 of 146 public address speakers and 29 of 39 CCTV cameras.Western Railway PRO Anubhav Saxena said the project was targeted for completion by the last week of Oct 2026, ahead of the festive rush.Udhna handled a record 36,000 passengers in a single day during last year’s Diwali period. Western Railway notified 250 special trains from Surat and Udhna for this festive season.
