24 May,2026 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BJP Leader Kirit Somaiya. File Pic
As debris and damaged structures lined parts of the Bandra East railway station area on the sixth day of the massive encroachment drive, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya visited the site and claimed that railway officials and municipal police had successfully cleared the first section near the railway tracks while work on the railway terminal section was also progressing.
He said the project would improve facilities for the nearly two crore commuters who travel through the terminal.
Somaiya claimed the redevelopment project would transform the area within six months. He said the land needed for infrastructure work would be provided, while eligible residents would receive alternative accommodation.
Two days earlier, CRPO Vineet Abhishek had also hinted at a fast-paced rollout of the redevelopment project, saying, "This plan will be executed sooner than you expect."
"The land required for the infrastructure project will be provided, while eligible people will get alternative accommodation," Somaiya added.
Somaiya also made strong remarks targeting alleged illegal occupants and what he described as "vote-bank politics."
"One thing is very clear -- Bangladeshis will not be given any place, and those involved in vote-bank politics will be taught a lesson. Action will be taken against Bangladeshis, ineligible occupants and land mafias," he said.
Western Railway now wants to turn the stretch of rubble into a new gateway for Bandra station -- replacing years of congestion, traffic chaos and cramped pathways with open roads, parking spaces and breathing room for commuters.
"Whenever we come to the Bandra East side, people always complain that the area is chaotic," CRPO Abhishek said. With this area cleared, our goal is to create designated parking plans, proper walking lanes, solve traffic jam issues through joint coordination with authorities and expand the Railway capacity, said officials.
Officials added that the newly available space is extensive and may even help double operational railway capacity in the future. As per ANI reports, the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) had auctioned nearby land to private developers for redevelopment work, said officials.
Plans are also being discussed to improve connectivity between Bandra Terminus and Bandra station while shifting some railway-related operations to the newly available space.
Even as authorities speak of redevelopment and expansion, several residents continue to live in difficult conditions after portions of their homes were demolished. In some partially protected structures, upper floors were removed while ground floors remain occupied.
Residents are dealing with damaged homes, debris, irregular electricity supply and lack of proper water access. Temporary rehabilitation arrangements have not yet been clearly announced for many families and while their so called 'protected' houses under the High Court order remain amid debris and rubble evreywhere, they remain outside on the streets in despair with no clarity on rehabilitation.
