Tatanagar Railway Administration Conducts Major Anti-Encroachment Drive
In a significant move to clear railway land, the Tatanagar railway administration executed an anti-encroachment drive on Thursday along the Kitadih–Golpahari stretch. This operation resulted in the demolition of over 22 shops, marking a crucial step in the ongoing redevelopment of Tatanagar Junction railway station.
Joint Effort by Multiple Agencies Ensures Peaceful Execution
The eviction drive was a coordinated effort involving officials from the railway’s engineering and land departments, alongside personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the local police station. Authorities deployed substantial forces at the site to maintain law and order throughout the process.
Using three bulldozers, the eviction team spent over four hours dismantling the alleged illegal structures that had been erected on railway property. The demolished establishments included a variety of businesses such as an eatery, a tea stall, a confectionery shop, a tent and decorator outlet, and several motorcycle and bicycle repair shops.
Legal Basis and Previous Actions
Upendra Singh, an official from the Tatanagar railway land department, stated that the eviction drive was conducted in compliance with orders from the Jharkhand High Court. He further noted that the railways had undertaken a similar anti-encroachment initiative along Station Road in January, where several unauthorized shops were removed.
Gopal Krishna Yadav, the in-charge of Bagbera police station, confirmed that the drive proceeded peacefully, with no major incidents reported. In preparation for the operation, announcements were made in the area earlier this week through public address systems, prompting many shopkeepers to vacate their premises and remove their belongings in advance.
Shopkeepers' Claims and Concerns
Despite the advance notice, affected shopkeepers raised concerns regarding the timing and execution of the drive. They claimed that the Jharkhand High Court, in its January 22 order, had granted them a one-month period to voluntarily remove their shops. Additionally, they asserted that the railway was given 42 days to identify an alternative site and relocate the displaced vendors.
Vijay Kumar, one of the impacted shopkeepers, expressed frustration, stating, "Our shops have been demolished, but we are yet to be provided with an alternative site." This highlights ongoing issues related to the displacement of local businesses without immediate resettlement options.
Redevelopment Plans for Tatanagar Junction
The demolition is part of a broader initiative to transform Tatanagar Junction into a state-of-the-art model facility, with an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore. The redevelopment plan includes the construction of a modern parking zone, dedicated entry and exit lanes, and a small park at the cleared site. This project aims to enhance passenger experience and improve infrastructure at the station.
As the railways move forward with these upgrades, the balance between development and the welfare of local vendors remains a critical point of discussion. The authorities continue to emphasize compliance with court directives while addressing the practical challenges of urban redevelopment.
