Anti-Encroachment Drives Clear Illegal Structures at Howrah and Sealdah Railway Stations
Anti-encroachment drives conducted in Howrah, Sealdah rail stations
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On May 17, significant anti-encroachment operations were conducted at Howrah and Sealdah railway stations in Kolkata, India, removing around 400 illegal stalls and structures. The initiative aimed to improve passenger convenience and safety but faced backlash from affected vendors, who demanded rehabilitation and expressed concerns over their livelihoods.
- 01Approximately 150 hawkers were removed from Howrah station, while 250 hawkers were cleared from Sealdah station.
- 02The operations involved bulldozers and earthmovers to demolish structures occupying public spaces.
- 03Vendors claimed they received inadequate notice before the demolition, impacting their livelihoods significantly.
- 04Eyewitnesses reported tensions during the eviction, with some vendors resisting the operation.
- 05Railway authorities emphasized that the platforms at Sealdah are now exclusively reserved for passenger movement.
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On May 17, a large-scale anti-encroachment drive was executed at Howrah and Sealdah railway stations in Kolkata, India, targeting illegal stalls and structures that congested the area and hindered passenger movement. The operation, involving the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and local police, resulted in the removal of approximately 150 hawkers from Howrah and 250 from Sealdah. The initiative aimed to enhance passenger convenience and safety by clearing footpaths and public spaces. However, many vendors protested, claiming they were not given sufficient notice and demanding rehabilitation for their lost livelihoods. Tensions arose during the eviction, with some vendors resisting the operation, leading to confrontations with police. Despite the pushback, authorities maintained that the operations were necessary for maintaining order and safety at these busy terminals. Following the drive, Sealdah station's platforms are now designated exclusively for passenger use, further facilitating smoother movement within the station.
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The removal of stalls aims to enhance passenger movement and safety at two of India's busiest railway stations, but it has adversely affected the livelihoods of many local vendors.
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