Eastern Railway under its Malda Division has initiated an anti-encroachment operation at Rampur railway colony in Jamalpur, Munger district. The drive aims to evict unauthorised occupants from railway quarters and associated land parcels to reclaim public assets for future urban and institutional use.
The operation, which began on Saturday, targets 815 residential units within the Rampur colony—many of which are either illegally occupied or structurally uninhabitable. Officials overseeing the exercise confirmed that a phased removal of unauthorised occupants has been initiated, with formal eviction notices already issued under statutory provisions. Senior railway officials stated that several dilapidated units will be dismantled, contributing to the potential redevelopment of the area in alignment with transit-oriented development goals. The move also includes action against unauthorised electricity usage by residents, which is being investigated as part of a broader audit of utility misuse in government properties.
Speaking on the development, a senior officer from the division emphasised that this was not merely a punitive measure but a necessary intervention to enforce sustainable land management and discourage unlawful occupation of public infrastructure. “Efforts are underway to restore the rightful use of railway land and housing. The process is part of a wider mandate to optimise land resources and ensure safety and efficiency across railway colonies,” the official noted. Experts believe that the reclaiming of encroached railway property is a crucial step in fostering structured urban growth, especially in transit hubs like Jamalpur. Encroachment impedes development, undermines safety norms, and delays projects vital for modernising public service infrastructure. Moreover, such initiatives also open opportunities for public-private partnerships in redeveloping land for community use, affordable housing, or smart logistics hubs.
The campaign, which will continue until all unauthorised encroachments are addressed, marks a critical turning point in the Eastern Railway’s asset protection strategy. It also serves as a precedent for other divisions grappling with similar challenges across India’s ageing railway colonies.
Also Read : Mumbai Metro Tickets Now Bookable Through Uber App
