Western Railway Launches Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive Near Bandra Terminus
Over 500 illegal hutments in Garib Nagar face demolition following Bombay High Court order as railways push infrastructure expansion and safety upgrades in Mumbai.
A massive anti-encroachment drive was launched by Western Railway in Mumbai’s Garib Nagar area near Bandra Terminus on May 19, 2026, as authorities moved to clear illegal structures built on railway land. The operation is being carried out jointly with the civic administration, Mumbai Police and railway security agencies amid heavy security deployment in the area.
Western Railway officials described the drive as critical for railway safety, infrastructure expansion and capacity upgradation. Officials said the action follows a clear and strict order from the Bombay High Court, which directed the immediate removal of illegal encroachments while protecting around 100 eligible hutments identified for rehabilitation.
According to railway authorities, nearly 500 unauthorised hutments are slated for demolition during the operation, which is expected to continue for five days until May 23. More than 1,000 officials and personnel have been deployed to carry out the clearance drive and maintain law and order.
Railway officials said the encroachments had become a major obstacle to critical railway infrastructure projects, including expansion work at Bandra Terminus and additional rail lines aimed at easing suburban rail congestion in Mumbai. Authorities stated that such illegal encroachments could not be allowed to hinder development and transportation upgrades in the city.
Demolition teams are currently focusing on removing temporary and unauthorised structures made of bamboo, tarpaulin and other lightweight materials. Officials said the operation has remained peaceful so far despite mixed reactions from local residents.
Western Railway stated that the reclaimed land will be used for railway safety improvements, operational upgrades and future infrastructure development projects. The railway administration also noted that similar anti-encroachment drives had been conducted in the area over the past two years as part of ongoing efforts to free railway land from illegal occupation.
Authorities expect the entire area to be cleared and sanitised over the next four months following completion of the demolition drive.
