In its submission to the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Railways has presented an affidavit with compelling reasons for the eviction of squatters from railway land in Haldwani. The affidavit emphasizes the pressing need to clear the encroachments to facilitate the expansion of the Haldwani Railway Station. The expansion is crucial for enhancing station infrastructure and enabling the operation of trains like the Vande Bharat Express.

The affidavit underscores the significance of Haldwani in the Kumaon region and highlights the space constraints at the Kathgodam terminal station. It contends that the Haldwani Railway Station represents the sole viable option for the required expansion, necessitating additional railway lines, platforms, washing pits, sick line sheds, stabling lines, and rate handling platforms. These enhancements are deemed essential for originating long-distance and special trains, such as the Vande Bharat Express, from the Haldwani Station.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Railways draws attention to the looming threat of soil erosion and the intense flow of the Gaula River, expressing concerns that these factors may compel the eventual relocation of the Haldwani Railway Station. In light of this, the affidavit stresses the urgent need to reclaim the encroached railway land.

The submission urges the Supreme Court to order the removal of encroachments, asserting that it is imperative for authorities to address the illegal occupation of railway land by encroachers. The encroachments reportedly involve the unauthorized shifting of railway lines towards the city side.

In response to the petitions challenging the eviction order issued by the Uttarakhand High Court, the Ministry of Railways contends that the expansion and protection of railway infrastructure take precedence. The pending matter before the Supreme Court involves residents from Mohalla Nai Basti, Haldwani, who claim long-term occupancy, with their land title deeds pending before the district magistrate.

The petitioners argue that they have been part of the community for years, with their names registered in the house tax records. They emphasize the payment of taxes over the years and the provision of essential services, such as gas connections, based on their residential addresses. The petitioners criticize the High Court for disregarding their documented evidence of title and occupation and cite established legal principles calling for the protection of the right to life and livelihood for those facing displacement.