New Delhi, India , December 15, 2025 :
The Encroachment on Indian Railways land has crossed 1,068 hectares nationwide, according to a government assessment released on December 15, 2025, triggering intensified eviction drives and legal action across multiple railway zones. Officials described the scale of unauthorized occupation as a major challenge to rail safety, infrastructure expansion, and revenue generation.
The assessment found that Northern Railway and Western Railway zones account for the highest number of encroachment cases, involving illegal residential structures, roadside markets, warehouses, and commercial establishments built on railway land. More than 10,000 encroachment-related cases are currently pending in courts across the country.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has directed all zonal railways to accelerate eviction operations, working closely with state governments and local administrations to ensure law-and-order support during removals. In 2025 alone, coordinated drives have helped recover over 200 hectares of railway land, officials said.
The encroachments pose serious hurdles to strategic rail projects, including Dedicated Freight Corridors, station redevelopment programs, and future high-speed rail corridors, where land availability is critical. Railway authorities warned that unauthorized occupation near tracks also increases the risk of accidents and operational disruptions.
To strengthen enforcement, Indian Railways has deployed drones and satellite-based mapping tools to identify and document encroached areas with precision. Dedicated anti-encroachment task forces have been formed in high-risk zones, and violators face penalties and prosecution under the Railways Act.
Officials estimate that the reclaimed land—often located in prime urban areas—is worth billions of rupees and could significantly boost non-fare revenue through redevelopment and commercial leasing. The government says the crackdown is essential to protect public assets amid rapid urban expansion and mounting land pressures.
