ANTI-ENCROACHMENT CAMPAIGN CONDUCTED IN CIRCULAR RAILWAY SECTION OF SEALDAH DIVISION
Kolkata, January 29, 2024 :
In a bid to ensure the safety and security of passengers, Sealdah division has initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign to address the issue of illegal encroachment at Circular Railway stations including Bagbazar, Sovabazar Ahiritola, and Bidhannagar Road station.
This growing concern not only poses a potential threat to the safety of passengers and hinders the smooth operation of trains but also impacts the aesthetics of the stations and surrounding areas. Through this campaign, Shri Deepak Nigam, Divisional Railway Manager/Sealdah along with all branch officers aims to educate the public through the distribution of leaflets about the negative consequences of encroachment and garner their support in tackling this issue effectively.
Illegal encroachment at Railway station premises was necessitated by the growing concern over safety and security. Encroachments not only create an obstruction to passenger movement but also pose fire hazards and impede emergency evacuation processes. Sealdah division prioritizes passenger safety and has issued prior warnings to the encroachers, urging them to vacate the premises voluntarily.
The awareness drive was conducted in a systematic and coordinated manner, ensuring minimal disruption to railway operations. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel were present throughout the process to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Shri Deepak Nigam, Divisional Railway Manager/Sealdah appeals to all citizens to cooperate with the Railways in maintaining a clean and encroachment-free environment at railway stations, premises, and tracks. Encroachment on railway premises is a punishable offence under the Indian Railways Act, of 1989.
Shri Nigam also urged all citizens to refrain from occupying railway premises, as it is not only illegal but also puts their own lives and the lives of others at risk and directed the engineering department to make structures to control trespassing which is a potential hazard for passengers.