Mumbai: Western Railway has initiated a significant anti-encroachment drive in Garib Nagar, Bandra East, aimed at clearing unauthorised structures to facilitate railway expansion and commercial redevelopment. The operation, which began on Tuesday, is being conducted in close coordination with civic authorities, police, and railway security forces to maintain law and order in the densely populated locality.
Footage from the site captured heavy machinery at work, teams clearing debris, and a substantial police presence as officials systematically removed encroachments. The drive is expected to continue over the next four days.
According to officials, the action forms part of Western Railway’s long-pending plan to lay additional fifth and sixth tracks between Santacruz and Mumbai Central. This infrastructure upgrade seeks to reduce congestion on suburban services and enhance overall operational efficiency.
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The reclaimed land also carries high commercial potential. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) has auctioned nearby prime plots to private developers as part of broader modernisation initiatives.
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The Bombay High Court has authorised railway authorities to proceed with the removal of unauthorised constructions on railway land, citing safety concerns posed by such settlements and accumulated waste to tracks and infrastructure. At the same time, the court has instructed officials to safeguard the rights of eligible slum dwellers identified through official surveys. Those qualifying for rehabilitation must receive alternative housing from the state government before eviction.
Roughly 100 legally recognised residents are slated for rehabilitation, while action will be taken against all other encroachments in the area.
Once cleared, the land will support the expansion of Bandra Terminus, enable around 50 new originating trains from Mumbai, and create improved connectivity between Bandra suburban station and the terminus. These steps are intended to allow better segregation of suburban and long-distance operations, easing pressure on one of the city’s busiest rail corridors.