Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Railway Eviction Drive Sparks Political Tensions in Siliguri
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is removing people from railway colonies and slum areas in Siliguri, West Bengal.
This has caused a lot of worry for the residents who have lived there for many years.
They are asking the railway to help them find new homes before they are forced to leave.
The CPI(M) political party is leading the protests, saying that the railway should not make people homeless without a plan.
The railway officials say they are following orders to clear the land for new development projects.
The residents feel that the political changes in the government are affecting their situation, and they are worried about what will happen to them if they have to leave their homes.
Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is conducting an eviction drive in Siliguri, affecting nearly 100 slum clusters.
Residents, many living there for decades, demand rehabilitation before eviction, led by CPI(M).
Eviction drive sparked after the West Bengal Assembly election results on May 4.
Railway officials state the drive is for infrastructure development, following higher authorities' directives.
Residents allege political changes have influenced the eviction process, causing uncertainty.
- Who
- Residents of railway colonies and slum settlements in Siliguri, led by CPI(M)
- What
- Eviction drive by Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
- When
- Launched after the West Bengal Assembly election results on May 4
- Where
- Siliguri, West Bengal, particularly around New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station and several municipal wards
- Why
- To clear encroached railway land for infrastructure development projects
- Location
- Siliguri, West Bengal
- Affected Areas
- Municipal wards 4, 5, 6, 18, 24, 28, and pockets around New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station
- Number of Slum Clusters
- Nearly 100
- Initiated By
- Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)
- Key Demands
- Rehabilitation before eviction
- Article Cited
- Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life)
- Political Parties Involved
- CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, BJP
- Railway Officials' Stance
- Eviction is part of infrastructure development