Western Railway has launched another large-scale demolition and land clearance operation along Mumbai’s western suburban railway corridor to remove encroachments standing on railway property between Goregaon and Malad.
The action is being carried out following directions issued by the Bombay High Court as part of efforts to reclaim land required for upcoming railway infrastructure expansion projects.
According to officials, the ongoing drive covers railway land located on the eastern side between kilometre markers 28/3 and 28/6. Authorities stated that nearly 1,500 square metres of encroached land is being cleared during the operation.
The demolition exercise includes both permanent and temporary structures constructed illegally on railway property. Railway authorities said the drive involves removal of 36 permanent constructions along with 24 temporary encroachments.
Officials confirmed that 26 permanent structures have already been demolished as clearance teams continue operations using heavy machinery and debris removal equipment.
The operation is being conducted in accordance with a Bombay High Court order issued on February 26 this year. To maintain security and prevent disruptions, personnel from Mumbai Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and various railway departments have been deployed at the site.
JCB machines and dumpers are also being used to clear debris and reclaim the land for future railway use. Authorities said the work is being closely monitored to ensure smooth execution and avoid untoward incidents during the process.
The latest anti-encroachment action comes shortly after another major clearance drive at Garib Nagar in Bandra East, where nearly 500 illegal structures were targeted for removal.
Railway officials stated that the Garib Nagar operation has now entered its final phase, with manual dismantling work continuing on upper-floor portions above around 100 protected ground-floor units.
Source: Swarajya
