In a significant crackdown on unauthorised encroachments, the Western Railway, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted a large-scale demolition drive near Bandra East railway station on Thursday. The operation targeted and successfully removed 45 unauthorised and soft encroachments, restoring vital public space around the station premises.
The drive was a meticulously planned operation involving approximately 150 personnel from various departments, including Western Railway, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and city police teams. Western Railway deployed four senior section engineers, three additional staff members, and 24 labourers for the operation. The RPF played a crucial role, contributing one inspector, one sub-inspector, six assistant sub-inspectors, and 19 male and eight female constables, alongside seven personnel from the Maharashtra Security Force. Complementing these efforts, the GRP from Bandra provided one senior police inspector, three inspectors, seven sub-inspectors, one assistant police inspector, and a team of 44 constables, including 20 female officers. The Nirmal Nagar city police station also participated, fielding one senior inspector, one inspector, two assistant inspectors, and a team of 13 constables.
Heavy machinery was integral to the operation, with two JCB machines and a truck deployed to dismantle the illegal structures efficiently. The encroachments had been causing congestion and safety concerns near Bandra East railway station. By clearing the area, authorities aim to improve accessibility and ensure smoother movement for commuters. Such drives are part of an ongoing initiative by the Western Railway and local authorities to reclaim public spaces and deter illegal construction activities. While these operations face challenges, they underscore the authorities’ commitment to maintaining law and order and prioritising commuter safety. As Mumbai continues to grapple with the dual pressures of urbanisation and limited space, actions like these highlight the importance of vigilant governance and collaboration among civic and railway bodies.
