In a tragic turn of events at Surat Railway Station in Gujarat’s Surat district, one person died and several were injured in a stampede on Saturday. The chaos ensued when a massive crowd of passengers, predominantly migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, rushed to board a train bound for Bihar. This incident occurred just ahead of the much-awaited Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, marking a somber start to what is usually a time of celebration.
The stampede highlighted the immense pressure on transportation systems during India’s festive seasons, where millions travel back to their native places. Surat, a bustling hub of migrant laborers with nearly 1.5 million workers hailing from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha, witnessed a sudden and fatal surge as people in their eagerness to reach home attempted to board the outbound trains.
The local police were quick to respond, managing to control the escalating situation at the station. Additional forces were deployed to handle the crowd, ensuring further chaos was averted. The effort to bring the situation under control was immediate and effective, showcasing the readiness of the local authorities in managing such emergencies.
In the aftermath of the incident, Surat’s Member of Parliament and State Railways Minister, Darshana Jardosh, visited the hospital to meet with the injured persons. Her visit was a gesture of empathy and support to the victims of this unfortunate event, and it underscored the government’s concern over the incident.
Meanwhile, addressing the larger issue of crowd management during festive times, Public Relations Officer Sumit Thakor of Western Railway
