A large-scale demolition and eviction operation commenced on Tuesday at the Garib Nagar slum cluster near Bandra railway station after directions from the Bombay High Court. Authorities from Western Railway began removing unauthorised structures as part of a broader railway expansion and land redevelopment initiative in Mumbai.
Officials said the drive is expected to continue for nearly four days and forms a crucial part of the long-pending fifth and sixth railway line expansion between Santacruz and Mumbai Central. The project is aimed at improving suburban rail operations and reducing congestion on one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.
According to railway officials, the cleared land will also support future redevelopment and expansion plans around Bandra Terminus. Authorities stated that the newly vacated space would help facilitate nearly 50 additional originating trains from Mumbai, improve segregation of suburban rail traffic, and enhance connectivity between the suburban station and Bandra Terminus.
The demolition follows recent court orders permitting the removal of encroachments from railway land. The High Court observed that illegal settlements and accumulated waste near railway tracks posed risks to infrastructure safety and train movement. However, the court also directed the administration to protect the rights of eligible slum residents identified in official surveys.
Authorities clarified that residents deemed eligible for rehabilitation cannot be evicted without alternative accommodation provided by the state government. Officials said housing arrangements have already been made for recognised occupants, while action is being taken against unauthorised structures beyond the approved list.
In an official statement, Western Railway said the operation was initiated after a prolonged legal process and was “not a sudden or arbitrary action.” The railway administration further stated that the encroachments were located inside a designated “railway safety zone” adjoining active railway tracks.
Visuals from the site showed heavy police deployment, demolition equipment, and large-scale debris removal operations as civic and railway teams continued clearing structures in the densely populated locality.
Source: Mid-day
