The eviction of small traders from Platforms 4 and 5 of Lumding Railway Junction has left several families facing an uncertain financial future, with affected vendors struggling to identify alternative sources of income.
The traders, many of whom had operated vending and catering businesses at the station for years, were asked to vacate their establishments following Railway Department directives and the completion of legal procedures.
For these vendors, the shops were more than just business premises; they were their primary means of supporting their families. Several traders became emotional as they spoke about losing the income that sustained their households.
While some depended on their earnings to pay their children’s school fees, others used the money to cover daily household expenses and medical costs for elderly family members. With their businesses now shut, meeting these financial commitments has become a major concern.
The lack of clarity over alternative livelihood options has further heightened their anxiety. School fees, household necessities and other family obligations remain immediate challenges for those affected.
The eviction has also highlighted the economic vulnerability of small traders in Lumding, where limited employment opportunities and uncertainty surrounding small businesses continue to affect livelihoods.
Although the railway directives and legal procedures remain in force, the situation has prompted concerns over the rehabilitation of the displaced vendors. Calls have been made for the Railway Department, local administration and other concerned authorities to explore alternative arrangements that could allow them to resume business.
For the affected families, the closure of these establishments represents the loss of their principal source of livelihood, leaving traders with the difficult task of finding ways to sustain their households and rebuild their businesses.
