Western Railway has completed a major five-day drive to remove illegal structures near Bandra railway station in the Garib Nagar area. The operation started on May 19, 2026, and ended on May 23, 2026. This move was taken to clear land for important railway projects aimed at improving passenger facilities.
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Why was the encroachment removed in Bandra
The primary goal of this drive was to expand the railway infrastructure. The cleared land will be used for the construction of the fifth and sixth railway lines between the Santacruz and Mumbai Central corridors. This expansion will help in reducing congestion and improving train movements in the city.
What are the key details of the operation
The operation was carried out following orders from the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. Western Railway officials confirmed that around 500 illegal structures were demolished. While 100 authorized ground-floor structures were left untouched, their illegal upper portions were removed. To prevent future encroachments, the railway is now building security walls and clearing the debris.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Operation Dates | 19 May to 23 May 2026 |
| Structures Removed | Approx 500 illegal units |
| Key Project | 5th and 6th lines (Santacruz to Mumbai Central) |
| Law Enforcement | Mumbai Police, GRP, and RPF |
| Legal Basis | Public Premises Act 2017 |
Was the drive peaceful
The process was mostly orderly, but a clash occurred on May 20, 2026, during the removal of an illegal religious structure. This led to stone-pelting and injuries to seven police officers. The police used a lathi charge to control the crowd and arrested 16 people in connection with the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Western Railway remove structures in Garib Nagar?
The removal was done to clear land for the fifth and sixth railway lines between Santacruz and Mumbai Central to expand infrastructure.
How many structures were demolished during this drive?
Western Railway officials confirmed that approximately 500 illegal structures were completely removed during the five-day operation.