Mumbai: The railway ministry has stayed the demolition of slums along the Kurla–Trombay railway line, citing safety and operational concerns. The decision follows a meeting between a delegation of Shiv Sena leaders and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi.The demolition was scheduled to start on Feb 10 and was later rescheduled to Feb 16.Railway data shows there are 3,762 huts that have been identified as encroachments along the Kurla–Trombay railway line, covering an area of around 9,000 sq m. Demolition notices were served on all 3,762 huts. Then, occupants of 346 huts secured court stays, leaving 3,416 structures that were slated for demolition before the ministry’s intervention.A Shiv Sena delegation comprising former MP Rahul Shewale and Chembur MLA Tukaram Kate met the railway minister and submitted a representation opposing the eviction drive.Opposition parties also stepped in. 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 said the settlement had existed for over two decades and was home to thousands of poor and vulnerable families, noting that earlier demolition attempts had been stalled following court interventions and representations by local elected leaders.NCP leader Mudassar Patel, in a letter dated Feb 6, said the settlements had existed for more than two decades and housed thousands of poor and needy families. He pointed out that earlier demolition attempts were deferred due to interventions by courts and local representatives and said that the fresh notices had triggered widespread fear and unrest among residents.After detailed discussions, the railway minister assured the Shiv Sena delegation that the proposed demolition would be stayed.Shewale said, “He also indicated that a joint meeting between the railway ministry and the Maharashtra govt would be convened in the near future to frame a long-term policy, including permanent rehabilitation, for slum dwellers living along railway lines.”
