Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 10: The Railway Ministry has stayed the proposed demolition of slums along the Kurla–Trombay railway line, citing safety and operational concerns, following a meeting between a Shiv Sena delegation and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi.

The demolition drive, initially scheduled to begin on February 10 and later rescheduled to February 16, has been put on hold after the intervention. According to railway data, a total of 3,762 huts were identified as encroachments along the Kurla–Trombay railway corridor, spread across nearly 9,000 square metres. Demolition notices were issued to all identified structures.

However, occupants of 346 huts obtained court stays, leaving 3,416 structures that were slated for demolition before the ministry stepped in to halt the exercise.

A Shiv Sena delegation comprising former Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale and Chembur MLA Tukaram Kate met the railway minister and submitted a representation opposing the eviction drive. Following discussions, the minister assured them that the demolition would be stayed.

Opposition parties also voiced strong objections. Mumbai Congress president and MP Varsha Gaikwad wrote to the railway minister seeking cancellation of the demolition and demanding a permanent rehabilitation plan. In her letter, she noted that the settlement had existed for over two decades and housed thousands of poor and vulnerable families, adding that earlier demolition attempts had been stalled due to court interventions and representations by elected representatives.

Nationalist Congress Party leader Mudassar Patel, in a letter dated February 6, echoed similar concerns, stating that the settlements had existed for more than two decades and were home to thousands of needy families. He said the fresh notices had triggered fear and unrest among residents, recalling that previous eviction attempts were deferred following court orders and political intervention.

Shewale said the railway minister had also indicated that a joint meeting between the Railway Ministry and the Maharashtra government would be convened soon to formulate a long-term policy, including permanent rehabilitation, for slum dwellers living along railway lines.