Mumbai: A major anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Western Railway in Mumbai’s Bandra East has led to the demolition of hundreds of structures in the Garib Nagar slum area near Bandra railway station, triggering protests, political reactions and legal challenges.

The demolition operation, which began on May 19, was conducted on railway land adjoining Bandra Terminus and continued for several days under heavy police security. Railway authorities said the land was required for infrastructure expansion and redevelopment works connected to suburban rail services and future projects in the Bandra region.

According to officials, around 500 unauthorised structures spread across nearly 5,200 square metres of railway land were removed during the operation. Authorities stated that the reclaimed land would be used for railway-related development, including expansion of passenger facilities and improvement of traffic movement around Bandra Terminus.

Western Railway officials maintained that the drive was conducted following directions issued by the Bombay High Court. The court had allowed the authorities to proceed with the removal of encroachments while also directing protection for certain structures identified as eligible for rehabilitation under previous surveys.

Officials said fencing and preliminary construction work had already started in parts of the cleared area to prevent fresh encroachments. Railway authorities further stated that eligible residents would be rehabilitated in accordance with applicable government policies.

The demolition drive, however, sparked strong opposition from residents and local organisations. Many families claimed they had been living in the locality for decades and alleged that they were not given adequate time or alternative arrangements before the demolition was carried out.

Several Urdu media outlets, including inquilab.com and urdutimes.com, reported concerns raised by local Muslim residents, who form a significant section of the population in the affected area. Residents quoted in these reports alleged that the demolition had displaced economically weaker families shortly before Eid-ul-Adha preparations.

Some residents also alleged that small businesses, household belongings and local prayer spaces were affected during the operation. Authorities, however, maintained that the drive was limited to structures identified as illegal encroachments on railway property.

Tension escalated during the demolition after protests broke out in parts of the locality. According to police officials, incidents of stone-pelting were reported during the operation, following which security personnel carried out crowd-control measures. Several persons were detained and cases were registered in connection with violence and obstruction of government work.
The matter later reached the Supreme Court after petitions were filed seeking an immediate stay on the demolition. However, the apex court reportedly declined to halt the operation, allowing the railway authorities to continue the clearance drive.

The demolition has generated mixed reactions in Mumbai. Supporters of the action argued that encroachments near railway tracks posed safety risks and obstructed long-pending infrastructure projects. Activists and community organisations, on the other hand, criticised the timing of the drive and called for proper rehabilitation of displaced families, particularly with the monsoon season approaching.

With the demolition work largely completed, debris clearance, fencing work and security deployment continue in the area, while affected residents and social organisations are continuing to seek rehabilitation assistance from the authorities.

(Image courtesy: Mid-Day Mumbai)