Surat: In anticipation of the upcoming festive rush and the expected surge in passenger movement, Western Railway’s Mumbai Central Division has rolled out comprehensive crowd management and passenger facilitation measures to ensure safe, smooth, and efficient train operations. Dedicated arrangements have been put in place across major stations including Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Borivali, Vapi, Valsad, Udhna, and Surat.

According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, all designated passenger holding areas have been provisioned with essential amenities such as seating arrangements, drinking water facilities, toilet blocks, adequate illumination, fans, and public announcement systems. To streamline passenger entry and ticketing, additional counters have been commissioned at each location, backed by deployment of around 20 extra Ticket Checking staff and RPF personnel per station for queue regulation, assistance, and security.

Vineet further informed that substantial covered holding capacity has been created across all major stations to comfortably accommodate waiting passengers ahead of train departures. At Bandra Terminus, more than 210 sq metres of sheltered space has been made available near the east side entry to Platform No. 1, while at Vapi, a covered area exceeding 110 sq metres has been readied close to the FOB landing for passenger assembly. Udhna station has been provided with some of the largest holding capacities across the division, with three earmarked covered spaces together exceeding 3,200 sq metres on both the east and west sides of the station, including one area currently under construction to further expand the holding capacity. Similarly, at Surat, two designated holding areas of over 1,200 sq metres have been prepared, one near the west entrance adjoining the PRS office and another on the east side near the booking office, enabling orderly dispersal and regulated boarding during peak festive rush.

Western Railway appeals to passengers to make use of the designated waiting areas instead of crowding near platforms or entry gates so that movement can be regulated smoothly during peak hours. Passengers have also been urged to follow the guidance of on-duty staff and security personnel, as these arrangements are intended to prioritise safety and convenience for all travellers. With thousands of passengers expected to board trains in a short time window during the festive rush, collective cooperation will play a vital role in maintaining order and ensuring timely departures. DeshGujarat