Over 200 illegal stalls demolished in major overnight drive in Dum Dum station
A major anti-encroachment drive was conducted at Dum Dum Junction railway station as railway authorities, along with police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, removed more than 200 unauthorized stalls and cleared encroaching hawkers from the station premises.
The operation was carried out during the night of May 30–31, 2026, with the aim of improving passenger movement and enhancing safety at the busy railway hub. Officials said the unauthorized stalls and hawkers had been causing congestion near platforms, entry points, and pedestrian pathways for a considerable period.
Teams comprising railway officials, police personnel, and RPF staff worked through the night to dismantle temporary structures and remove vendors operating without permission. Visuals from the drive showed bulldozers and workers clearing the encroachments while security personnel supervised the operation.
According to railway authorities, the initiative was undertaken to ensure smoother access for commuters and reduce overcrowding within the station premises. Dum Dum Junction railway station serves thousands of passengers every day and functions as an important transit point connecting suburban rail services, long-distance trains, and the metro network.
The drive has received mixed reactions from the public. Many commuters welcomed the move, saying it would help ease congestion and create more space for passengers. At the same time, concerns were raised about the impact on the livelihoods of small vendors who depended on the area for income.
Railway authorities stated that regular monitoring will continue to prevent fresh encroachments and maintain order and accessibility within the station premises.
