Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 30: Central Railway (CR) has demolished 45 illegal huts near B D Chawl in Wadi Bunder, close to Hancock Bridge, to clear land for a proposed Vande Bharat maintenance depot, officials said.
The action, carried out following court directives, removed long-standing encroachments including a two-storey structure that had occupied railway land for years. Officials said the demolition was part of efforts to reclaim space within the Wadi Bunder yard, where groundwork for the new facility has already begun.
The planned depot is expected to play a key role in maintaining Vande Bharat trainsets and will include five stabling lines for parking and servicing.
Around 60 railway personnel participated in the operation, supported by the engineering wing, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and city police. Authorities maintained tight security during the drive, deploying three earthmovers to ensure the clearance was completed smoothly without any law-and-order issues.
Officials said the depot design includes a large covered shed measuring approximately 400 metres in length and 36 metres in width, aimed at enabling efficient maintenance operations. The structure will feature polycarbonate roofing for natural light, along with solar tubes and roof ventilators to improve ventilation and reduce energy consumption.
Plans also include extending the existing inspection overhaul (IOH) shed by about 70 metres, with the addition of maintenance pits for underframe examination of trains. An approach road is also proposed to enhance accessibility to the facility.
Electrical works will involve installation of internal lighting, electrification of extended sections and setting up of a dedicated substation to support overhead equipment.
Railway officials said civil and signalling works have progressed to around 17 per cent, while tenders for mechanical and electrical components are nearing finalisation. Wadi Bunder yard, one of Mumbai’s oldest railway facilities dating back to 1882, continues to remain a vital part of the city’s rail network.