The Central Railways’ move to clear an unauthorized Hanuman temple at Dadar Station has sparked a wave of mixed reactions, as the Railway Ministry seeks to advance vital infrastructure projects. A formal notice, issued by the Assistant Divisional Engineer (Works), Byculla, on December 4, mandates that the temple be dismantled within seven days. Located behind the Railway Protection Force (RPF) office near Platform No. 12 on the eastern side of the station, the temple is identified as an encroachment on railway land.
The demolition order comes as part of an ongoing push to modernise Dadar Station, a key node in the Central Railway network. The development is part of a broader initiative led by the Indian Railway Station Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) aimed at upgrading passenger facilities and enhancing operational efficiency. However, the temple, which has stood for several years, has now become a point of contention. The notice highlights that the structure obstructs the movement of commuters and vehicular traffic, thereby impeding the essential work required for station modernization. Railway officials are under pressure to ensure that this infrastructure upgrade progresses without delays, which has prompted the decision to remove the temple. In a statement, an official made it clear that failure to vacate the premises would result in forced removal at the trustees’ expense.
The situation has elicited strong emotions from local residents and commuters. Some support the move, citing the need for better infrastructure to handle the high volume of traffic at the station. “Dadar is one of the busiest stations, and its development is crucial,” said Suresh Kamble, a regular commuter. Others, however, argue that the temple holds deep sentimental value for a large section of the local community. One anonymous shop owner remarked, “The temple is very old and holds great significance for thousands of people.” While the need for infrastructure development is undeniable, the dilemma highlights the challenge of balancing religious sentiments with urbanisation efforts. The Railways’ decision reflects the tension between preserving historical structures and meeting the growing demands of urban development. As the clock ticks down on the seven-day deadline, the fate of the Hanuman temple hangs in the balance, with stakeholders on both sides eagerly awaiting the resolution.
