MUMBAI: Western Railway launched a crackdown on encroachments, dismantling 45 newly constructed unauthorised huts in Garib Nagar, Bandra East.
This action came a week after the results of state elections were announced.
A WR official said, “The drive was conducted near the southern side of the railway overpass in Bandra East, where makeshift structures made of tin sheets, bamboo, tarpaulin, and bricks were erected.”
According to officials, these encroachments posed a significant threat to Mumbai’s suburban railway network, with frequent incidents of people crossing tracks dangerously near Bandra station.
The removal operation was carried out under the supervision of senior railway officials with the assistance of 30 employees, two JCB machines, and trucks.
The official said, “Prior notices were served to the occupants before dismantling the structures. To maintain law and order during the operation, a substantial police force, including railway police, city police, railway security personnel, and Maharashtra Security Forces, was deployed. A total of 101 officers and personnel ensured the smooth execution of the drive.”
While this action targeted temporary encroachments, passengers have raised concerns about permanent, multi-storey huts in the same area. Borivali resident Manoj Samarth, who works in BKC, said, “Many of these unauthorised structures are equipped with water and electricity connections, further complicating the issue.”
Railway officials said that the removal of encroachments is necessary for the future expansion of projects, the smooth running of trains, and keeping tracks free of garbage.
Politicians, cutting across party lines, are putting pressure on the railway administration to not touch these slum dwellers without rehabilitation.
Demolition of slums on railway land is difficult as there have been instances in the past of encroachers blocking the tracks, besides using violent methods to drive away the anti-encroachment teams.