Railways Sweep Clean: Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive Reshapes Howrah and Sealdah Stations

A major anti-encroachment operation at Howrah and Sealdah stations in India removed over 400 illegal stalls to ensure smooth passenger flow. Conducted by Railway and local police authorities, the drive saw the dismantling of makeshift shops, triggering concerns among displaced vendors about their livelihoods without rehabilitation measures.

In a decisive move, a large-scale anti-encroachment operation was carried out at the bustling Howrah and Sealdah railway stations on Sunday. Officials confirmed that illegal stalls and structures were dismantled in a bid to ease congestion for the millions of passengers who frequent these terminals.

The coordinated effort involved the Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, police from Howrah City, and other railway authorities. Heavy security was present to maintain order as bulldozers removed unauthorized structures, including makeshift shops along the path from Ganga ghat to Howrah station and across Sealdah's platforms.

However, the operation sparked controversy among displaced vendors. Many claim inadequate notice was given before their stalls, some in place for decades, were razed. Vendors are demanding alternate arrangements for their livelihoods, highlighting the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and socio-economic impacts.