NEW DELHI — Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to queries from Members of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, March 27, 2026, regarding the persistent issue of encroachment on Railway lands.
The discussion took place during Question Hour, following the conclusion of scheduled deliberations on matters raised with the permission of the Chair.
Key Focus Areas
While addressing the Upper House, the Minister outlined the government’s stance and administrative actions regarding property management.
-
Monitoring Mechanisms: The Ministry highlighted ongoing efforts to identify and document encroached areas across various railway zones.
-
Removal Procedures: Vaishnaw discussed the legal and administrative frameworks used to reclaim land required for critical infrastructure projects and safety zones.
-
Modernization Impact: The Minister noted that clearing encroachments is essential for the timely execution of station redevelopment and track expansion initiatives.
Parliamentary Context
The session underscored the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with the complexities of urban and rural land occupation. MPs raised concerns regarding the rehabilitation of displaced occupants and the prevention of new encroachments on vast Railway estates.
