Pakistan Railways' Rawalpindi Division has successfully reclaimed railway land valued at millions of rupees following a large-scale anti-encroachment operation in several parts of the city, officials confirmed. The operation targeted illegal residential and commercial structures built on railway-owned land in Dhok Mangtal, Boring Road, and Habib Colony.
Details of the Operation
Assisted by the Railway Police and the district administration, railway authorities deployed heavy machinery, including bulldozers, to demolish the unauthorized constructions. According to railway officials, a total of 17 houses, five shops, three warehouses, and other illegal structures were razed during the drive. The encroached land was subsequently taken back into the possession of Pakistan Railways.
The operation faced resistance from some occupants, but the Railway Police helped overcome the opposition, allowing the clearance drive to proceed without major disruptions. Divisional Superintendent Noor Din Dawar stated that the recovered land is valued at millions of rupees, emphasizing that Pakistan Railways would not tolerate illegal occupation of its property under any circumstances.
Commitment to Protecting Railway Assets
Dawar further noted that the reclaimed property would remain under constant surveillance to prevent fresh encroachments. He reiterated that indiscriminate action against illegal occupations would continue as part of broader efforts to protect public assets, restore railway property, and remove obstacles hindering future development projects.
This operation underscores Pakistan Railways' determination to safeguard its land holdings, which are crucial for infrastructure expansion and service improvement. The recovery of valuable land in Rawalpindi is expected to facilitate upcoming railway initiatives and deter further encroachments.
