Western Railway started a major demolition drive in Bandra’s Garib Nagar, Mumbai, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The operation aims to clear around 400 illegal structures built on 5,200 square meters of railway land. This five-day exercise is scheduled to finish by May 23, 2026.
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What is the scale of the demolition drive?
The operation is a joint effort involving a large force to maintain order and ensure efficiency. The following resources were deployed for the clearance work:
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Personnel | 1,000 Railway staff (RPF, GRP, Engineering) |
| Police Force | 400+ Mumbai Police personnel |
| Machinery | 4 JCBs and 1 Forklift |
| Support | Police vans and Ambulances |
| Land Area | 5,200 to 5,300 square meters |
Why is Western Railway clearing this land?
The demolition follows a Bombay High Court order from April 29, 2026. The railway needs this space for several critical infrastructure projects to reduce commuter rush and improve safety. The cleared land will help in expanding the fifth and sixth lines on the Santacruz-Mumbai Central corridor. This will allow the introduction of 50 new originating trains from Mumbai and better connect Bandra suburban station to Bandra Terminus. It also supports connectivity for the upcoming Bullet Train station at BKC.
Who is affected and what are the legal grounds?
The drive is based on legal processes dating back to eviction orders from November 2017. Vineet Abhishek, CPRO of Western Railway, clarified that the action is not sudden and follows judicial directions. While 400 structures are being targeted, about 100 structures identified in a 2021 survey as eligible for rehabilitation will be protected and not demolished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the demolition drive conducted in Garib Nagar?
The drive was conducted to clear 5,200 square meters of railway land for infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the 5th and 6th lines on the Santacruz-Mumbai Central corridor.
Is this action based on any court order?
Yes, the operation follows a Bombay High Court order issued on April 29, 2026, and is part of a legal process that started with eviction orders in November 2017.