Western Railway launches anti-encroachment drive near Bandra station in Mumbai

Western Railway has started a 5-day demolition drive in Gareeb Nagar, Bandra East, where more than 400 unauthorized structures are being demolished on the orders of the Bombay High Court. | Photo credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

The Western Railway (WR) on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) began a five-day anti-encroachment drive near the Bandra East railway station following a Bombay High Court order allowing the railway authorities to remove illegal constructions.

Also Read: A major anti-encroachment operation was carried out to clear the Howrah station area in Bengal

Heavy security

The drive is set to remove at least 400 unauthorized structures on 5,200 square meters of land. The demolitions were carried out under strict security measures. Over 1,000 personnel from the Railway Protection Corps, Government Railway Police and State Police were deployed amid opposition from residents.

“The drive needs to be seen in a larger context as it is deeply related to safety and the railway expansion plan,” said a WR spokesperson, adding that it was not a sudden plan but has been ongoing since 2017. According to WR, the encroached land will be used to widen the fifth and sixth railway lines that will run between Santacruz and Mumbai to reduce traffic congestion in central Mumbai and destinations.

Authorities tried to take action against the encroachment in 2017, but the matter went to the Bombay High Court after opposition from residents. After the HC ordered the eviction and demolition of the illegal structures on April 29, 2026, the railway authorities have launched a drive that will last till May 23.

Pointing out that the Bombay HC order allowing eviction of illegal encroachments has been upheld by the Supreme Court, a Western Railway spokesperson said, “The order has also directed to protect the identified 100 legal structures and we will do that.” A survey to identify the authorized structure was conducted in August 2021.

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya termed the move as a victory and a lesson for the opposition.

Published – 20 May 2026 10:31 IST