19 January,2026 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
The drive was conducted jointly by the BMC and Mumbai Police`s Zone XI. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Police on Monday launched a massive demolition and anti-encroachment drive between Goregaon and Borivali to clear roads near metro stations and congested roads, civic officials said.
The BMC with the assistance of Zone XI police, carried out a large-scale crackdown on illegal hawkers across Mumbai's western suburbs, clearing some of the city's most congested roads and transit zones, officials said.
According to police sources, the drive was conducted jointly by the BMC and Zone XI police and covered an extensive stretch from Goregaon to Borivali West.
During the special drive, key areas targeted during the operation included Kandivali Metro Station, New Link Road, Dahanu Karwadi, M.G. Road, Link Road, S.V. Road, Motilal Nagar, Raam Mandir, and surrounding suburban railway station areas. These locations are known for heavy pedestrian movement and frequent congestion caused by unauthorised hawking, the police said.
Officials said the operation focused on reclaiming footpaths and public spaces to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and traffic flow.
During the drive, hawkers illegally occupying footpaths were removed, restoring access for pedestrians.
Civic teams also cleared illegal settlements set up under bridges, where members of a community had reportedly established temporary bases, officials said.
The civic officials stated that the roads near Kandivali Metro Station and Dahanu Karwadi were completely cleared following the action. Meanwhile, no illegal hawkers were found operating along the Vasant Complex stretch on Link Road after the enforcement drive.
Several hawkers across the Mumbai Police's Zone XI jurisdiction were booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 287 for unlawful obstruction. Separate action was also taken against vendors operating illegally within railway station premises.
According to civic officials, the anti-encroachment drive was aimed at ensuring smooth pedestrian and vehicular movement, reducing congestion in high-footfall areas, and reclaiming public land, particularly near metro stations and major arterial roads.
The BMC has warned that such enforcement drives will continue in the coming days as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain public order and public convenience across Mumbai.
