Mumbai witnessed a major anti-encroachment operation on Tuesday as Western Railway launched a large-scale demolition drive in the Gareeb Nagar area near Bandra East railway station. Bulldozers were deployed to clear more than 700 alleged illegal structures built on railway land.
The action was carried out following directions from the Bombay High Court. According to Western Railway officials, the demolition drive aims to remove encroachments from railway property and support future infrastructure development in the area.
Officials stated that the operation will continue for the next four days. They added that the removal of illegal structures is essential for ensuring safer railway operations and preparing land for upcoming development projects.
A senior Western Railway official said that the drive is part of efforts to build a safer and future-ready rail network in Mumbai. Police personnel, railway staff, and ground workers have been deployed in large numbers to maintain law and order during the operation.
Reports suggest that over 700 unauthorised slum dwellings had come up along the overbridge leading to the eastern side of Bandra station. As demolition work continued, many residents became emotional and recalled late actor and politician Sunil Dutt, who was remembered for supporting slum dwellers and raising issues related to housing rights.
The large-scale operation also triggered tension in parts of the locality as affected families watched their homes being demolished. Authorities, however, maintained that the action was being conducted under legal orders and necessary security arrangements had been made to prevent any untoward incident.
Western Railway has reiterated that clearing encroachments is necessary for operational safety, smoother passenger movement, and future railway expansion projects in Mumbai.
