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Western Railway Nears End of Garib Nagar Demolition Drive in Bandra

Railway says reclaimed land will be secured for Bandra Terminus expansion to add long‑distance services.

Overview

  • The court‑authorised anti‑encroachment operation began on Tuesday, May 19, and Western Railway officials reported roughly 85–90% of about 400–500 unauthorised structures cleared by Day 3.
  • Police, RPF and GRP deployed around 1,000–1,200 personnel to the five‑day operation and registered FIRs after stone‑pelting incidents led to multiple arrests and several injuries.
  • Demolitions included unauthorised religious structures that residents say increased tensions and triggered protests that at times required lathi charges to restore order.
  • Hundreds of families say they received little notice, allege inadequate rehabilitation and face urgent displacement days before Eid while officials say protected huts identified in a 2021 survey will not be removed until alternate housing is provided.
  • Railway and development authorities say the cleared 5,200 sq m plot will be fenced and used for an Integrated Bandra Railway Complex to expand Bandra Terminus capacity and allow more mail and express services.