Kolkata
Letter to Rail Minister Calls for Suspension of Eviction Operations
CPI(M) MP Amara Ram has written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting an immediate suspension of the ongoing eviction drive against hawkers operating on railway land and around railway stations in Kolkata and nearby areas, citing their importance to local livelihoods and affordable public services.
Amara Ram has appealed to Ashwini Vaishnaw to immediately halt the eviction of hawkers from railway land and station premises in Kolkata and adjoining areas.
According to party leaders, the CPI(M) parliamentarian wrote to the Railway Minister expressing concern over the ongoing eviction drive and its impact on thousands of small vendors who depend on railway stations and surrounding areas for their livelihoods.
In his letter, Ram highlighted the long-standing tradition of hawkers operating in and around railway stations across West Bengal. He noted that these vendors provide a range of products, including food items, at affordable prices to commuters, daily passengers, and local residents.
Referring to the eviction operations, Ram urged the Railway Ministry to reconsider the approach and stop what he described as “bulldozer actions” with immediate effect.
The issue of hawker evictions has emerged as a significant political and social concern in West Bengal, with opposition parties and trader groups arguing that any relocation or removal exercise should be accompanied by proper rehabilitation measures.
Supporters of the hawkers contend that the vendors form an integral part of the informal economy and play a vital role in providing low-cost goods and services around transport hubs. They argue that sudden evictions could affect the livelihoods of thousands of families.
On the other hand, railway authorities have maintained that station redevelopment, passenger safety, crowd management, and infrastructure modernization require the removal of unauthorized encroachments from railway premises.
The matter has also become a political flashpoint in the state, with several parties raising concerns over the impact of the eviction drive on small traders and informal workers.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Railway Ministry regarding Ram’s request. The issue is expected to remain under discussion as stakeholders seek a balance between infrastructure development and livelihood protection.