Railway Ministry Suspends Demolition of Kurla-Trombay Slum Encroachments
The Ministry of Railways has officially put on hold the planned demolition of slum settlements along the crucial Kurla–Trombay railway corridor in Mumbai. This significant decision comes directly from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who cited pressing safety and operational concerns as the primary reasons for the stay. The intervention follows a high-level meeting in New Delhi between the minister and a delegation of Shiv Sena politicians who strongly opposed the eviction drive.
Timeline and Scale of the Planned Demolition
The demolition operation was initially scheduled to commence on February 10th. After a brief postponement, it was rescheduled for February 16th. Official railway data reveals the substantial scale of the issue: a total of 3,762 huts have been formally identified as encroachments along this railway line. These structures occupy approximately 9,000 square meters of railway land. Demolition notices were served to all identified households. However, occupants of 346 huts successfully obtained stays from the courts, leaving 3,416 structures that were imminently facing demolition before the ministry's last-minute intervention.
Political Pressure and Opposition Mounts
The stay was secured after intense political lobbying. A Shiv Sena delegation, including former Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale and Chembur legislator Tukaram Kate, met personally with Minister Vaishnaw to submit a formal representation against the drive. Opposition parties also rallied behind the cause. Mumbai Congress president and MP Varsha Gaikwad wrote a detailed letter to the railway minister, urging the cancellation of the demolition and demanding a concrete, permanent rehabilitation plan for the affected families.
In her correspondence, Gaikwad emphasized that the settlement has been in existence for over twenty years, providing shelter to thousands of impoverished and vulnerable families. She noted that previous attempts to demolish the huts had been halted due to court orders and interventions by local elected representatives. Echoing similar concerns, NCP leader Mudassar Patel, in a letter dated February 6th, highlighted the long-standing nature of the community and the widespread fear and unrest triggered by the fresh demolition notices among residents.
Assurances of Future Policy and Rehabilitation
Following detailed discussions, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured the Shiv Sena delegation that the proposed demolition would be stayed. Rahul Shewale, speaking after the meeting, provided further insight into the minister's assurances. "He also indicated that a joint meeting between the railway ministry and the Maharashtra government would be convened in the near future to frame a long-term policy, including permanent rehabilitation, for slum dwellers living along railway lines," Shewale stated. This suggests a shift from immediate clearance towards a more structured, policy-driven approach that balances railway safety with the humanitarian need for housing solutions.
The decision underscores the complex interplay between urban infrastructure management, land encroachment issues, and socio-political realities in Mumbai. It highlights the ongoing challenge authorities face in securing railway operational zones while addressing the housing needs of a significant urban population residing in informal settlements along vital transport corridors.
