Central Railway has cleared 27 permanent encroachments from railway-owned land in Dadar (East), marking a significant step forward in the implementation of the CSMT–Kurla 5th and 6th railway line project. The action has freed up vital land required for the long-awaited infrastructure initiative, which aims to enhance capacity and improve operations on one of Mumbai’s busiest rail corridors.
According to railway officials, the encroachments had occupied railway property for several years and were obstructing the space needed for the construction of the additional railway tracks. The clearance drive was undertaken jointly by railway authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
Extensive security arrangements were put in place during the operation. A total of 53 personnel were deployed, including 14 members of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), 26 personnel from the Government Railway Police (GRP), and 13 officers from Mumbai Police. Officials said the coordinated effort enabled the successful removal of all identified structures without any major law-and-order issues.
The CSMT–Kurla 5th and 6th railway line project is among Central Railway’s key infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening Mumbai’s suburban rail network. Once completed, the additional tracks are expected to increase operational flexibility, boost carrying capacity and reduce congestion along the heavily used corridor.
The project is also expected to improve the movement of both suburban and long-distance trains by easing existing operational constraints and reducing bottlenecks. Railway authorities believe the expansion will play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and reliability across the network.
Officials stated that land acquisition and clearance activities are being carried out in phases across the project route to facilitate timely implementation.
“Efforts are underway to make the required land available and remove all obstacles affecting the project. Similar drives will continue wherever necessary to ensure timely completion of the work,” an official said.
The latest clearance is expected to accelerate construction activities and bring the rail expansion project closer to completion.
Source: The Free Press Journal
