Siliguri, Oct. 27 -- Eviction drives will be carried out along railway tracks in Siliguri soon, the work was suspended due to festivals, following which work for doubling the railway line will begin, said Kirendra Narah, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway, during an inspection of ongoing works at Siliguri Junction Railway Station on Tuesday.
The DRM said that railway level crossings would be closed wherever possible after considering all relevant aspects. "After the eviction and other necessary action, work on the railway doubling project will begin. We didn't do anything for the festival. Now the eviction drive will continue. Wherever it is possible to close the crossings, they will be closed," he said.
Two railway crossings in the city have already been closed as part of the doubling project. Sources said crossings located near flyovers are likely to be closed. Among them are two crossings in the middle of Mahabirsthan Market. Traders fear that their closure could affect business in the area.
The Railways has also issued notices to shops located along the railway tracks, including those in and around Mahabirsthan Market, asking them to vacate the area. Traders fear eviction without adequate rehabilitation. "If eviction is necessary, the authorities should make arrangements for rehabilitation before carrying it out," said a trader, Biplab Das.
Meanwhile, the DRM inspected the ongoing development work at Siliguri Junction. He said the outside ticket booking counter has already been shifted inside the station. A 12-metre-wide foot overbridge and lifts will be constructed, along with a restaurant and several other upgrades. According to the DRM, these works are expected to be completed by December.
He said that the redevelopment work at New Jalpaiguri railway station is likely to be completed by March 2027.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.