Two major suburban railway expansion projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) continue to face delays due to large-scale encroachments on land required for construction, according to information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has identified 1,574 encroachments across the Kalyan-Badlapur third and fourth railway line project and the Airoli-Kalwa Elevated Corridor.
The information, obtained by RTI activist Anil Galgali, shows that while 998 encroachments have been removed, nearly 17,068 square metres of land remain under illegal occupation.
According to MRVC’s reply dated July 14, 2026, the Kalyan-Badlapur third and fourth railway line project recorded 706 encroachments on railway and newly acquired land between Kalyan and Badlapur stations. Of these, 620 have been cleared, while approximately 9,668 square metres continue to remain encroached. MRVC stated that the encroachments had occurred over different periods, making it difficult to identify a specific year.
The Airoli-Kalwa Elevated Corridor project was found to have 868 encroachments between Digha Gaon and Kalwa station. While 378 structures have been removed, around 7,400 square metres of land are still occupied. MRVC gave a similar explanation, stating that the encroachments had accumulated over several years.
The RTI also sought information on instances of re-encroachment after eviction drives. However, MRVC responded that such data was “not available” (N.A.).
Commenting on the findings, RTI activist Anil Galgali said encroachments have become a significant challenge for railway infrastructure projects in Mumbai, resulting in project delays, rising costs and additional pressure on public finances. He also called for continuous monitoring, stronger security measures and greater accountability to prevent fresh encroachments on cleared land.
Responding to the RTI findings, Sunil G. Udasi, Chief Manager (Corporate Coordination), MRVC, said the Airoli-Kalwa Elevated Corridor remains a strategically important project for Mumbai’s suburban railway network. He said substantial progress has already been made, including the commissioning of Digha Gaon station and completion of key infrastructure works. He added that rehabilitation activities are currently underway in coordination with the Maharashtra government and other stakeholders to facilitate timely completion of the project and improve suburban rail connectivity across the MMR.
Source: The Free Press Journal
