Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Bombay High Court Allows Kurla Railway Encroachment Removal
The Bombay High Court has allowed railway officials to remove homes built in a safety area beside the Kurla–Trombay railway line.
The court said the structures can interfere with railway work and put residents at risk.
Before removal, officials must give residents new notices allowing 30 days to leave.
The Collector must record information about the families living there.
For each demolished structure, authorities must provide Rs 2,000 a month for six months.
Officials must also look into housing schemes for families who qualify.
The court said families cannot insist on getting a new home in the same place.
If residents do not leave after the notice period, railway officials can proceed with removal, with police protection.
The Bombay High Court allowed Central Railway to remove hutments within the railway safety zone along the Kurla–Trombay line.
The court directed authorities to issue fresh 30-day eviction notices before removal.
It dismissed a petition by seven Rajiv Gandhi Nagar residents challenging action against structures on railway land.
The Mumbai Suburban Collector must document affected families, and each demolished structure is eligible for Rs 2,000 monthly for six months.
Authorities must explore housing under applicable schemes for eligible families within six months; residents cannot demand rehousing at the same location.
- Who
- Central Railway, authorities responsible for rehabilitation, and residents of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar.
- What
- The Bombay High Court allowed removal of hutments in the railway safety zone and ordered fresh notices and assistance measures.
- When
- The article is dated October 10, 2026; residents must receive 30 days' notice, and housing options must be explored within six months.
- Where
- Along the Kurla–Trombay railway line in Kurla East, Mumbai.
- Why
- The court said the encroachments obstruct railway operations and endanger residents.
Railway Safety and Infrastructure
Residents Facing Displacement
Removal of structures
Railway Safety and Infrastructure
Central Railway argued that unauthorised structures obstruct infrastructure development and pose public-safety risks; the court allowed their removal after fresh notices.
Residents Facing Displacement
Seven residents challenged action against their structures on railway land. The court rejected their petition but directed notice and support measures for affected families.
Rehabilitation and relocation
Railway Safety and Infrastructure
The court permitted removal and clarified that displaced residents cannot insist on alternative accommodation at the same location.
Residents Facing Displacement
The court ordered family details to be recorded, a six-month ex-gratia payment for each demolished structure, and consideration of housing options for eligible families.
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Railway line
- Kurla–Trombay
- Notice period
- 30 days
- Safety zone
- The article identifies a 10-metre buffer and safety zone along the tracks.
- Monthly payment
- Rs 2,000 per month for six months for each demolished structure
- Housing options
- Authorities must explore options for eligible families under applicable government schemes within six months.
- Petition
- Filed by seven residents of Rajiv Gandhi Nagar in Kurla East; dismissed by the court.