By Tanmay 
A massive eviction drive under the new double-engine government in West Bengal has cleared over 1000 encroachers from Howrah Station and Sealdah Division. Hawkers protest as railways focus on cleanliness and passenger convenience.
Kolkata: In a swift and firm move following the formation of the new double-engine government in West Bengal, railway authorities have launched an intensive eviction drive against railway encroachers. Within just one week, more than a thousand temporary shops and shanties were removed from key stations in the Howrah and Sealdah divisions.
Howrah Station Entrance Cleared in Major Saturday Night Operation
On Saturday night, a major eviction drive was conducted right at the entrance of Howrah Station, where around 550 shops were demolished using JCB excavators. Similar operations were carried out the same afternoon at Sonarpur and Sealdah stations. Over the past week, drives have also taken place at Bandel, Chinsurah, Bardhaman, and Liluah Railway Colony.
Notices Issued But Hawkers Claim Sudden Action
Railway officials stated that multiple prior notices were issued and the RPF repeatedly appealed through public address systems asking hawkers to vacate voluntarily. However, many hawkers alleged that the drive was abrupt and they were not given enough time to remove their belongings and merchandise.
By Sunday morning, the scene outside Howrah Station looked completely transformed — the once crowded entrance packed with food vendors and stalls now stood empty and open.
Hawkers Fear Loss of Livelihood After 25 Years
The sudden eviction drive has left many long-time hawkers worried about their survival. A hawker from Bagha Jatin station, speaking anonymously, said:
“I have been running a food stall here for nearly 25 years. If I am told to leave now, I will simply starve to death.”
Notices have also been issued for other stations in the Sealdah Division, including Ballygunge and Bidhannagar Road.
Political Reactions Over Eviction Drive
Jatiya Bangla Sammelan General Secretary Siddhabrata Das strongly criticised the action, saying:
“The new government aims to build a ‘Sonar Bangla’. But this should not be done by kicking the poor in the stomach.”
The CITU-affiliated trade union has taken to the streets alleging threats and extortion by some RPF personnel. Meanwhile, a section of hawkers has started approaching the BJP’s Hind Mazdoor Sangh for support.
Why Railways Are Carrying Out Eviction Drive Now
Railway sources say the eviction drive is essential to improve cleanliness, safety, and passenger convenience at heavily congested stations. They noted that earlier attempts to remove railway encroachers had failed due to lack of strong coordination with local administration. Force was used only when hawkers did not remove their belongings despite repeated requests.
What Lies Ahead for Hawkers and Railway Stations?
This bold eviction drive under the double-engine government has brought visible relief to daily commuters at Howrah Station and stations across the Sealdah Division. Passengers can now move freely without navigating through dense crowds of vendors.
However, the big question remains: Will the government provide any rehabilitation or alternative arrangements for the thousands of families who have lost their livelihood? The coming days will decide whether this marks the beginning of a cleaner and better-organized railway system in Bengal.
তন্ময় ‘প্রাইমইনসাইট’ (PrimeInsight)-এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ও প্রধান লেখক। কলকাতা-ভিত্তিক একজন উৎসাহী ব্লগার ও স্বতন্ত্র ভাষ্যকার হিসেবে তিনি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়গুলোর ওপর তীক্ষ্ণ ও বাস্তবসম্মত দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি তুলে ধরেন।
সঙ্গীত, সমসাময়িক ঘটনাপ্রবাহ এবং রাজনীতি—এই ক্ষেত্রগুলোতে গভীর জ্ঞানের অধিকারী ইন্দ্রজিৎ তাঁর লেখায় সাংস্কৃতিক উপলব্ধির সাথে রাজনৈতিক বিশ্লেষণের সমন্বয় ঘটান। জাতীয় ও বৈশ্বিক ঘটনাবলির সাথে সংযোগ বজায় রাখার পাশাপাশি তাঁর লেখায় কলকাতার বৌদ্ধিক ও শৈল্পিক সত্তার প্রতিফলনও ফুটে ওঠে।