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Indian Railways: 1068 Hectares Encroached
12 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Nearly 5 lakh hectares of Indian Railways land is currently encroached.
- Encroachments range from temporary huts to permanent structures.
- 98.02 hectares of encroached land were reclaimed in the last five years.
Indian Railways manages an extensive land portfolio, with roughly 4.99 lakh hectares in its possession as of March 31, 2025. However, a considerable amount, totaling 1068.54 hectares, has been encroached upon nationwide. The railway ministry is committed to regular surveys and prompt removal of these encroachments.
Actions taken against encroachers vary depending on the nature of the occupation. Temporary structures like shanties are removed with assistance from railway police and local authorities. For permanent constructions, the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, is invoked, often requiring state government and police support.
Recovered railway land is strategically utilized for crucial infrastructure projects, including multi-tracking, station modernization, and staff amenities. Lands not immediately needed are handed over to the Rail Land Development Authority for commercial purposes, ensuring optimal use of railway assets.
