The Bengal Story Bureau: In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Railway authorities conducted a demolition operation in Howrah’s Tikiapara area on Tuesday to clear illegal settlements situated along the railway tracks. Bulldozers were deployed to clear the land, which had been occupied for several years, following persistent drainage and safety issues.
Addressing Safety and Waterlogging
Railway officials stated that the occupation of the land along the tracks had caused significant operational hurdles. According to the authorities, the presence of these settlements near the railway line prevented proper cleaning of the drainage systems. This resulted in recurrent waterlogging on the tracks during the monsoon season, which frequently disrupted train services and posed severe risks to rail operations.
The Eviction Operation
The operation began in the presence of a heavy security deployment, including the police and central paramilitary forces, to ensure the process was carried out without any law and order disruptions. Officials made repeated announcements using loudspeakers, directing occupants to vacate the premises before the demolition work commenced. Approximately 100 families, who had been residing on the railway land for an extended period, were affected by the drive.
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Future Safety Measures
Railway administration maintains that reclaiming the land is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the tracks and to restore efficient drainage systems in the area. This intervention is part of a broader safety audit initiated by the railways to prevent seasonal service disruptions and ensure that railway corridors remain free from encroachment. Local authorities have monitored the site post-demolition to prevent further re-occupation, emphasizing that the clearance is essential for public safety and operational consistency.
