Western Railway Clears Bandra for Mumbai Terminus Expansion
Western Railway demolished 94 illegal structures in Garib Nagar to accelerate the Mumbai Terminus expansion project.
Western Railway authorities executed a major demolition drive in Mumbai's Garib Nagar, Bandra East, to accelerate the Mumbai Terminus expansion. On Friday, October 30, 2026, teams successfully removed 94 illegal structures that had been occupying land essential for upcoming railway infrastructure projects.
Legal Mandate and Rehabilitation
The demolition was carried out in strict compliance with a Bombay High Court order issued on October 23, 2026, regarding Writ Petition (Lodging) No. 8840 of 2026. The court had directed that all eligible Project Affected Persons (PAPs) vacate their premises within one week, granting railway authorities a 48-hour window to clear the land once the deadline passed.
According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the rehabilitation process was already finalized. All 94 eligible PAPs had been provided with permanent alternative accommodation and had taken possession of their new homes prior to the operation. These specific structures had previously been exempted from a larger demolition drive in May 2026 to ensure a secure transition for the residents.
Transforming Bandra Terminus
The clearance of this land is a vital component of the massive redevelopment planned for the Bandra Terminus. The Western Railway aims to transform the station into a high-capacity hub through several key developments:
- Construction of an integrated railway complex on the eastern side of the station.
- The addition of a new Platform 8.
- Expanded stabling facilities for trains.
- Upgraded train maintenance infrastructure.
- Enhanced passenger circulation and improved general amenities.
Senior BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya inspected the site on October 29, 2026. He noted that the removal of these unauthorized structures is a prerequisite for building a multi-modal railway terminal. The vision includes a specialized yard capable of accommodating five to seven different categories of diesel locomotives. Construction is expected to commence this Diwali, with a complete transformation of the station anticipated by next year.
Massive Security and Workforce Deployment
To ensure the operation was completed smoothly and securely, a massive workforce of 472 personnel was deployed. The team included:
- 70 laborers and 76 engineers.
- 82 Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel.
- 108 Government Railway Police (GRP) officers.
- 206 city police officers.
The demolition was supported by heavy machinery, including five JCBs, one Poclain machine, and two trucks, all of which were utilized to clear the site efficiently.