Bandra encroachment crackdown: Garib Nagar demolition starts amid police cover

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New Delhi: A major demolition drive began at Garib Nagar near Bandra Terminus in Mumbai on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after the Bombay High Court allowed Western Railway to act against unauthorised structures in the area. The drive is scheduled to run from May 19 to May 23, with police deployed at the site during the operation.

The action comes after the court’s May 6 order, which permitted Western Railway to continue the demolition. The court also said that slum dwellers found eligible in the 2021 surveys must have their rights protected, making the drive both a land clearance action and a sensitive political issue.

Demolition Order

Demolition Order

Demolition drive begins near Bandra Terminus

The demolition work started at Garib Nagar in Bandra, an area located near one of Mumbai’s busy railway points. Western Railway is carrying out the action to clear railway land allegedly occupied by illegal structures.

Heavy police deployment has been made in the area. Security was tightened as the demolition began, with officials moving in for what is expected to be a multi-day operation.

Court order sets key condition

The Bombay High Court allowed the demolition drive, but it also placed a clear rider. The rights of slum dwellers found eligible in the 2021 surveys must be protected.

That condition is likely to become the main point of scrutiny over the next few days. The drive is aimed at unauthorised structures, yet eligible families cannot simply be treated the same way as fresh encroachers.

Political row reaches the site

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who was present at the site, thanked the Railways and police for the demolition of what he called “Bangladeshi” encroachments at Bandra Terminus.