Five-Day Operation Launched to Clear Railway Land Near Bandra Terminus
A large-scale demolition operation began on Tuesday at Garib Nagar in Mumbai’s Bandra area after the Bombay High Court permitted Western Railway to proceed against alleged unauthorised structures built on railway land.
The action, scheduled to continue until May 23, is being carried out under heavy security presence with officials from civic authorities, railway agencies and police forces deployed across the locality.
Hundreds of Security Personnel Deployed at Site
Authorities intensified security arrangements in and around the demolition zone to prevent unrest during the operation. According to officials, personnel from the Mumbai Police, Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police have been stationed in the area since early morning.
Emergency arrangements, including ambulances, fire brigade units and barricading, were also put in place as precautionary measures during the clearance drive.
The demolition exercise is focused on structures allegedly constructed illegally on railway-owned land near Bandra Terminus.
Bombay High Court Allowed Action With Conditions
The operation follows a May 5 order of the Bombay High Court permitting Western Railway to continue demolition proceedings in the area.
At the same time, the court directed authorities to ensure protection for slum residents who were found eligible during surveys conducted in August 2021.
The High Court observed that rehabilitation rights of eligible Project Affected Persons (PAPs) must be safeguarded under existing legal provisions even while removing encroachments.
Residents Earlier Moved Court Against Demolition
Before the latest action, residents represented by the Garib Nagar Rahiwasi Welfare Sangh Society had approached the court alleging that earlier demolitions affected families eligible for rehabilitation.
The petition claimed that several homes belonging to recognised Project Affected Persons were demolished despite interim protections previously granted by the court.
Residents also argued that the demolitions caused displacement, hardship and mental distress, raising concerns regarding constitutional protections related to equality, livelihood and shelter.
BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya Visits Site
Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya visited the demolition site during the operation and praised railway authorities and police officials for carrying out the drive.
Somaiya also made remarks alleging that the operation targeted illegal encroachments linked to “Bangladeshi” occupants near Bandra Terminus, a statement likely to trigger political reactions in the coming days.
Rehabilitation Linked to Mumbai Infrastructure Project
During court proceedings, railway authorities informed the High Court that eligible displaced residents would be rehabilitated through arrangements connected to the Mumbai One infrastructure project.
The rehabilitation process is reportedly tied to development works associated with Mumbai Metro Line 6 and related urban transport expansion projects being implemented in the city.
Officials maintain that the clearance drive is necessary for railway safety, infrastructure development and removal of long-standing encroachments from operational land parcels.
Political and Humanitarian Debate Intensifies
The demolition at Garib Nagar has once again reignited debate in Mumbai over balancing infrastructure expansion with rehabilitation rights of slum residents.
While authorities argue that illegal structures on public land must be cleared for development and safety reasons, activists and local residents continue to raise concerns regarding displacement and rehabilitation delays.
The issue is expected to remain politically sensitive as demolition work continues over the next several days.
