Western Railway has completed a major anti-encroachment drive in the Garib Nagar area of Bandra East, Mumbai. The operation, which started on May 19, 2026, cleared approximately 5200-5300 square meters of land. This move follows orders from the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court to remove unauthorized structures to make way for essential railway infrastructure.
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What new facilities will be developed in Bandra East?
The reclaimed land will be used to build an integrated railway complex to reduce congestion and improve passenger movement. Western Railway plans to expand the Bandra Terminus by increasing the number of platforms from seven to ten. Additionally, new stable lines for trains and an elevated road will be constructed to streamline traffic flow and provide better connectivity between Bandra Station and the Terminus.
How will this impact train services and connectivity?
The redevelopment is expected to significantly boost the operational capacity of the area. The railway plans to introduce 50 additional suburban train services and increase long-distance trains from Bandra Terminus from 21 to 30. This project also supports the expansion of the fifth and sixth railway lines between Santacruz and Mumbai Central and improves access to the upcoming Bullet Train station at BKC.
| Feature | Current Status / Plan |
|---|---|
| Platforms at Bandra Terminus | Increase from 7 to 10 |
| Long Distance Trains | Increase from 21 to 30 |
| Suburban Services | 50 new services planned |
| Land Cleared | 5200-5300 square meters |
| Structures Removed | Approx 500 illegal structures |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the encroachment drive conducted in Garib Nagar?
The drive was conducted to clear railway land for an integrated complex, increase train capacity, and resolve long-standing traffic and parking issues in Bandra East.
Who authorized the demolition of structures in Bandra East?
The demolition was carried out following a Bombay High Court judgment on April 29, 2026, and a subsequent refusal by the Supreme Court to stay the order.