The combined impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict and a prolonged LPG supply crisis is now visibly affecting industrial centres in India, with Surat emerging as a key example of how economic disruption is translating into labour migration and public disorder.
At Udhna railway station in Surat, thousands of migrant workers gathered in large numbers attempting to return to their home states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The situation escalated rapidly as overcrowding intensified, eventually forcing police and Railway Protection Force personnel to resort to a lathicharge to control the crowd. Visuals from the scene showed chaotic conditions, with passengers trying to break queues, climb over barriers, and rush towards trains in desperation.
Railway authorities, however, maintained that adequate arrangements had been made, including running special trains to handle the increased demand. Officials stated that over 21,000 passengers had already departed on six trains by midday, but the sheer volume of people arriving at the station created significant challenges in maintaining order. The situation worsened when some individuals attempted to bypass queues, triggering panic and forcing authorities to intervene more aggressively.
The surge in passenger numbers is being driven by a combination of seasonal and structural factors. While the summer holiday period typically sees increased travel, the ongoing LPG crisis has added a more urgent dimension. Many industries in Surat, particularly the textile sector, rely heavily on a steady supply of gas cylinders for operations. With supply disruptions persisting for months, production has been severely affected, leading to reduced work opportunities and income instability for labourers.
As a result, a large number of workers have begun returning to their native places. Reports indicate that nearly 30 percent of the workforce in Surat’s textile industry—amounting to around 300,000 workers—has already migrated. This has caused a sharp decline in production levels, dropping from approximately 65 million metres of output per day to around 45 million metres. The industry’s requirement of about 15,000 gas cylinders daily is not being met, further aggravating the crisis.
The overlap of economic distress and seasonal travel has created a situation where transport infrastructure is under extreme pressure. For many workers, the decision to leave is not merely seasonal but driven by uncertainty over livelihoods. The scenes at Udhna station reflect this urgency, where the fear of prolonged unemployment is pushing people to return home despite difficult travel conditions.
If the LPG supply situation does not stabilise soon, there is a strong likelihood of continued migration, deeper industrial slowdown, and further strain on public transport systems. The incident highlights how global geopolitical developments and domestic supply chain disruptions can quickly translate into ground-level challenges affecting both economic activity and public order.
