In a large-scale anti-encroachment operation, authorities removed 80 unauthorized slum structures from railway land in Borivali East, reinforcing efforts to secure vital transit corridors and uphold safety on the Mumbai rail network.
The clearance was part of a planned initiative by the Mumbai Division of Indian Railways and was executed with coordinated support from multiple enforcement agencies. The operation targeted encroachments located between kilometer markers 34/18 and 35/05 along the railway alignment. An additional 43 structures were cleared from the nearby eastern zone, marking a substantial step in reclaiming occupied railway land. The demolition was overseen by the Engineering Department’s SSE (Works/Land), with labor assistance and logistical support provided by the Inspector of Works (IOW). Materials like iron sheets and bamboo from two larger hutments were salvaged and securely stored in the departmental godown. In total, 110 personnel took part in the operation, including officers from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Security Force, and Home Guards. The clearance was conducted peacefully with no reported disruptions to public order, thanks to tight security and pre-emptive planning.
Officials confirmed that the anti-encroachment action is part of an ongoing policy to protect railway infrastructure from unauthorized occupation. Encroachments not only threaten the structural integrity of tracks and stations but also pose safety risks to passengers and railway workers. With Mumbai’s dense urban sprawl often leading to informal settlements near key transit points, authorities emphasized the need for proactive, coordinated interventions. Such drives are crucial in reclaiming government-owned land, facilitating infrastructure upgrades, and ensuring smooth train operations.
The successful execution of the Borivali clearance is expected to bolster further encroachment removal efforts across the city’s railway zones. It also underlines the pressing need for sustainable urban planning that addresses housing shortages without compromising critical public infrastructure.
