The Northern Railway administration has initiated strict enforcement action against illegal encroachment on railway property in Shahjahanpur by officially issuing eviction notices to 137 shops and commercial establishments. These notices were posted on August 20, 2026, under Section 4 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Affected shopkeepers must appear before the Estate Officer of the Moradabad Division within seven days, or face demolition with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local administration.
Background of the Encroachment Action
Northern Railway Senior Section Engineer Deepak Sharma confirmed that these notices were served following a long-pending review at the Moradabad Divisional Headquarters. The railway administration is taking a zero-tolerance approach toward unauthorized occupants on railway land to ensure smooth infrastructure maintenance and safety.
Impact on Local Business Owners
The issuance of these notices has caused significant distress among the affected business owners. The occupants stated that they have relied on these shops for their livelihoods for a long period, and they fear that the forced eviction will lead to a crisis regarding their employment and housing.