HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Dec 23: A major eviction drive was carried out on Tuesday at Kokrajhar Railway Station to remove illegal encroachments on railway land, as part of large-scale infrastructure development and railway modernisation in the Bodoland Territorial Council region and Lower Assam.
Official sources said several important railway stations across the BTC area and Lower Assam are set to be upgraded under central government initiatives.
Plans are also underway to introduce train services connecting Kokrajhar with neighbouring Bhutan, a move expected to enhance regional connectivity, trade and tourism.
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Renovation and construction work at Kokrajhar Railway Station is currently progressing round the clock under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at improving passenger amenities and overall infrastructure.
To facilitate smooth execution of the project, railway authorities initiated the eviction drive to clear encroached land around the station premises.
Beginning early in the morning, a joint team comprising Kokrajhar Police, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and railway officials conducted the operation in the presence of an executive magistrate.
During the drive, several families and individuals who had illegally constructed residential houses and business establishments in and around the station area were evicted. Both residential and commercial structures were dismantled and removed.
Authorities said the coordinated operation resulted in the clearance of approximately 2.5 acres of railway land that had been under unauthorised occupation for several years.
The eviction was carried out peacefully amid tight security arrangements.
Nilen Kanti Das, Senior Section Engineer, Railway, New Alipurduar Division, said the eviction was essential for timely completion of development works and for ensuring safety and proper utilisation of railway property.
Circle Officer-cum-Magistrate Dorododi Dev Roy, who supervised the operation, said due procedure was followed and law and order was maintained throughout.
Local residents expressed mixed reactions, with some voicing concern over displacement, while others welcomed the move in view of long-term development and improved rail facilities for the region.
