The Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway) on Friday conducted a large-scale eviction drive in the Jalukbari area of Guwahati, removing more than 200 huts allegedly built on railway land. The operation was carried out under tight security with assistance from the Assam Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and magistrates.
According to railway officials, the eviction was undertaken to free up land required for ongoing and future railway infrastructure projects. These include the laying of additional railway tracks, expansion of railway connectivity, and other development works aimed at improving transportation facilities in the region.
The cleared area lies in a low-lying wetland zone near Jalukbari, where authorities claim illegal encroachments have repeatedly emerged despite several previous eviction drives. Officials stated that most of the demolished structures were temporary dwellings constructed on railway property.
Authorities also alleged that some occupants had built multiple huts and rented them out, contributing to the gradual expansion of settlements across the encroached land. Railway officials emphasized that the land is crucial for public infrastructure projects and cannot remain under unauthorized occupation.
A senior railway official said the eviction covered a stretch extending from the Brahmaputra riverfront to the Adabari side. The land is expected to be used for railway expansion initiatives, including the development of double-track lines and related infrastructure.
Officials estimate that around 200 families had been residing in the area, with many claiming to have settled there during the past five to six years. The settlement reportedly spread across a significant portion of land, including the locality known as Adil Shah Lane.
Railway authorities noted that encroachments had repeatedly reappeared after earlier eviction operations. In several cases, temporary structures demolished during previous drives were allegedly reconstructed within a short period, posing challenges to efforts aimed at permanently reclaiming the land.
Heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, was deployed during Friday’s operation, while security personnel remained stationed throughout the area to maintain law and order. The Railway Department stated that the eviction drive would continue until the entire encroached stretch is cleared and secured against future occupation.
