Title - Darjeeling Himalayan Railway concerned over encroachment

KURSEONG, 24 APRIL: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) officials are concerned over regular encroachment and occupation of railway lands in the hills.

It was learnt that large tracts of the DHR land has already been occupied and encroached upon in the hills and presently too, such practices have been reported at different places in the hills. Besides, people have also been using the railway tracks for their own interests.

As per the DHR officials, on such occupied areas of the railway, illegal private buildings, schools, play grounds and other establishments have come up. In some places constructions have come up so close to the railway tracks that there is hardly any space for the train to pass through, which can hamper both the moving train and the people living in such premises. In Kurseong, near the Railway Yard, a large portion of the tracks are used by vehicles as parking space and even the trains have to halt for a while in order for the vehicle to be moved away. After the train passes, the vehicles are again parked on the railway tracks. Such activities are not only seen in Kurseong Town and its outskirts, but also all over the hills along the railway lines. Hence, train services are hampered on a daily basis.

According to sources, even the Kurseong Tourist Lodge and other major places in Darjeeling  are said to have been built on railway lands, but with the passage of time railway land is dwindling.

The DHR Director, Mr M D Bhutia said that recently a toy train was derailed at Kakjhora near Darjeeling due to negligence of the locals. The construction materials were thrown on the tracks, resulting in the derailment of the train. He added that he had several projects in mind to make use of railway lands, but due to certain problems they have not been able to go with the plans.