Officials demolished illegal stalls, temporary stalls, tin sheds, tarpaulin-covered structures, other unauthorised constructions and encroachments on railway land.
Photo: SNS
In line with the Suvendu Adhikari government’s call for the removal of encroachments across the city to make Kolkata cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing, a large-scale eviction drive was carried out by the railway authorities at Park Circus Railway Station on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
Officials demolished illegal stalls, temporary stalls, tin sheds, tarpaulin-covered structures, other unauthorised constructions and encroachments on railway land and areas adjacent to the platforms with the help of bulldozers and other equipment. Goods and other materials stored in these shops were also cleared away.
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The operation involved the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), the railway’s engineering department, and representatives of the local administration under tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents. Police remained on alert to maintain law and order.
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According to railway sources, these unauthorised businesses had been operating at the station for a long time, causing inconvenience for passengers and increasing safety and fire risks.
Railway authorities said that their objective was to ensure the safe movement of passengers, and reclaim railway land. They added that regular monitoring would be carried out to prevent fresh encroachments.
While some shopkeepers expressed anger and concern about how this would affect their livelihoods, many locals supported the move. They said the encroachments had led to traffic congestion, unhygienic conditions, and safety issues.
Officials described the operation at Park Circus Station as part of a larger anti-encroachment campaign throughout the city.
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