Western Railway Demolishes Illegal Encroachments in Bandra East After Court Orders

Mumbai witnessed heightened tension as Western Railway continued its large-scale demolition drive in Bandra East for the third consecutive day, clearing illegal encroachments spread across prime railway land near Bandra station. The operation, launched on May 19 under court directives, targeted more than 400 unauthorized huts and commercial establishments occupying nearly 5,200 square meters of strategically important land.

The demolition followed a decisive ruling by the Bombay High Court, which stated that the encroachments posed a serious threat to railway tracks and commuter safety. The court permitted the removal of the structures while granting relief to nearly 100 eligible occupants who qualified for rehabilitation under state government policies. The Supreme Court later upheld the High Court’s order, allowing the clearance operation to proceed without interruption.

According to railway authorities, the reclaimed land is estimated to be worth nearly Rs 600 crore and is considered critical for the long-pending expansion of Bandra Terminus. Officials said the redevelopment plan would significantly enhance railway infrastructure and operational capacity, including the introduction of up to 50 additional train services in the future.

The operation triggered unrest in the area as tensions escalated between residents and security personnel. Incidents of stone-pelting were reported during the demolition process, prompting law enforcement authorities to resort to baton charges to control the situation and disperse crowds. Despite resistance, the clearance drive continued under heavy security deployment.

More than 1,200 personnel, including police officers, railway protection forces, and administrative staff, were deployed to maintain order and ensure the demolition proceeded according to court directives. Authorities maintained strict surveillance throughout the operation amid concerns over public safety and possible escalation.

The demolition drive marks one of the most significant anti-encroachment actions carried out by Western Railway in Mumbai in recent years. The clearance of the disputed land is expected to play a major role in expanding railway infrastructure in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors while reinforcing judicial and administrative efforts to address safety risks surrounding railway operations.