The demolition operation had triggered protests from residents, some of whom had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. However, the matter was dismissed by the apex court on the same day. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto) 

Meanwhile, late-night operations continued at the site as Western Railway’s Permanent Way team worked to clear the rubble. (Pic/Special Arrangement) 

The team includes three gas-cutting squads from Andheri, Dadar, and Borivali, along with 24 trackmen from Andheri, Dadar, Borivali, and Bhayander. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto) 

Officials said the teams are using gas cutters to remove steel channels and iron angles embedded in the debris to speed up the clearance process. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto) 

Meanwhile, the Western Railway said that the action is being undertaken primarily in the railway safety zone adjacent to active railway tracks, where unauthorised habitation poses serious risks to human life and train operations. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto) 

This railway area stretch is operationally critical to augment rail capacity. Removal of encroachments is essential for railway safety, operational flexibility, and future infrastructure expansion, including additional train services, Western Railway said. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto) 

The proposed works are linked to the enhancement of carrying capacity on one of the busiest rail corridors in the country and will facilitate the introduction of additional long-distance train services for passengers across India. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto) 

The operation is being carried out by the civil administration, police, and railway security agencies to ensure maintenance of law and order, and humane execution of the drive. (Pic/Nascimento Pinto)