Jamshedpur: An anti-encroachment drive was carried out at Tatanagar Railway Station on Friday as part of an ongoing expansion project, with the railway administration demolishing 17 illegally constructed shops on the station premises.
Railway officials said a total of 32 shops had been identified for removal to facilitate the station’s expansion. While 17 shops were demolished using bulldozers, action against the remaining 15 shops has been temporarily halted following directions from the Jharkhand High Court.
Drive Linked to Station Expansion
According to railway authorities, the encroachment removal is part of a broader plan to upgrade passenger facilities and ease congestion at the busy railway station. Officials said the expansion project aims to introduce modern amenities and improve commuter movement, making the removal of illegal structures necessary.
Protests by Shopkeepers
The demolition drive witnessed protests from several shopkeepers, who opposed the removal of their establishments. Despite the objections, railway officials proceeded with the operation. Most shopkeepers had already vacated their premises and removed their belongings in advance, which helped minimise losses during the demolition.
Action on Remaining Shops Pending
The railway administration clarified that further action on the remaining 15 shops will be taken on Monday after receiving fresh instructions from the High Court. Officials reiterated that the drive is being conducted in the public interest to ensure a more spacious, organised, and commuter-friendly station in the long run.
The encroachment removal marks a significant step in the long-pending expansion of Tatanagar Railway Station, one of the key rail hubs in Jharkhand.
