To manage the heavy Holi travel rush at Udhna Railway Station, Western Railway has introduced extensive crowd control arrangements, including temporary passenger facilities and multiple Holi Special trains. With thousands of migrant workers and families heading toward North and Eastern India for the festival, authorities have stepped up monitoring and operational changes at the station.
Crowd Management and Passenger Facilities
Temporary Holding Areas: Western Railway has set up temporary tents in designated holding areas to manage passenger overflow and provide shade for waiting commuters.
Essential Amenities: The temporary zones include seating arrangements, fans and ventilation support, additional drinking water stations, mobile charging points, and public announcement systems. These measures are aimed at ensuring basic comfort during peak travel hours.
Monitoring and Security: Drone cameras are being deployed for real time crowd monitoring. Additional personnel from the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police have been stationed at entry points and platforms to regulate queues and prevent overcrowding.
Platform Changes Due to Redevelopment
Ongoing station redevelopment work has led to the temporary closure of Platforms 4 and 5. Most trains that previously operated from these platforms are currently being diverted to Platforms 3 and 6. Passengers are advised to check platform details carefully before arrival.
Holi Special Trains from Udhna for 2026
Western Railway has introduced several special trains, particularly catering to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha routes.
Key Holi Special Services:
- Train No. 05560 / 05559: Udhna to Raxaul, departing on March 8, 2026, with bookings opened from February 18
- Train No. 09031: Udhna to Hasanpur Road, operational from February 15 to March 30, 2026
- Train No. 09151: Udhna to Raxaul as Special Fare Holi Special, running during February to March 2026
- Train No. 09065: Surat to Chhapra, service extended until March 30, 2026
- Train No. 03418: Udhna to Malda Town, bookings opened on February 21, 2026
These services are expected to ease pressure on regular long distance trains during the Holi season.
Passenger Advisory
Authorities have advised travelers to arrive at the station well in advance, confirm platform numbers before entering, follow queue discipline, and avoid last minute travel. Reports indicate that some passengers are reaching the station 12 to 14 hours early to secure seats in general coaches.
Why Udhna Is Witnessing Heavy Rush
Udhna Railway Station serves as a major departure hub for migrant workers employed in Surat’s textile and diamond industries. Holi traditionally sees one of the year’s largest outbound passenger flows toward North India.