Kolkata, August 1, 2025

 

In a written reply to the unstarred question posed by MP Shri Samik Bhattacharya in the Rajya Sabha today on whether Government is aware of the severe encroachment issues at Park Circus Railway Station, Kolkata including the presence of hawkers blocking pavements and reducing passenger accessibility and if so, steps taken to remove unauthorised encroachments and ensure free movement of commuters, whether Government has received complaints regarding safety concerns at the station due to presence of anti-social elements and if so, the measures being implemented to enhance security, including deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and installation of CCTV surveillance, the Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Indian Railways have carried out eviction drives from time to time at Park Circus Railway Station for removal of encroachments, but these efforts have not been successful due to lack of support from the State Government.

The Union Minister added that Indian Railways has taken necessary action to address complaints related to passenger security through round-the-clock deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and the use of technology like CCTV surveillance systems. The deployment of security staff is based on factors such as station vulnerability, timing, location, threat perception, and past crime data. This deployment is reviewed regularly, and security personnel are optimally assigned at stations in coordination with Government Railway Police (GRP) to prevent crimes and take action against offences.

While answering on the cleanliness issues, Shri Vaishnaw replied that maintenance of cleanliness in the station premises is a continuous process. Several measures have been taken by the Railway to maintain hygienic conditions including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan cleanliness drive, installation of garbage bins to segregate waste at source, improving water disposal systems, and increasing the frequency of cleaning services at stations. He further remarked that with a view to improve the standard of cleanliness, the Railway regularly takes multi-pronged action by synergizing technology, educating users, providing equipment for mechanized cleaning, rag picking. pest control and garbage disposal to ensure proper cleanliness. Additionally, 'Pay & Use' scheme has been implemented for effective cleaning and maintenance of toilets.

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SSS/ 1.8.25/…

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