Jagdalpur:
After nearly half a century, the Jagdalpur Railway Colony has finally been freed from large-scale illegal encroachments that had plagued the area for decades. Around 50 hutments and unauthorized structures—long seen as a hub of illegal activities—were demolished this October, bringing immense relief to railway staff and local residents.
For decades, successive political leaders and parties reportedly patronized the encroachers, turning the colony into a center of nuisance, with even illegal power and water connections allegedly facilitated by complicit lower-level railway officials.
In 2021, then Divisional Railway Manager Anup Satpathy initiated decisive action following complaints from railway employees and their families. Several officials were punished for negligence and collusion. However, Satpathy’s efforts faced strong resistance from powerful political quarters. Even the then District Collector, who had initially assured support, reportedly withdrew under political pressure with elections approaching.
Despite years of obstruction, the long-awaited clearance has now been successfully executed in October 2025, marking a historic victory for integrity and rule of law. The railway staff and law-abiding residents have expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude, calling it “a long-overdue act of justice.”
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