CR to demolish 166 illegal religious structures built on railway land in Mumbai

The plan to raze such structures and clear railway land comes after a high court order

The Central Railway (CR) has identified 166 illegal religious structures built on its premises, which will be demolished soon.

The list includes illegal shrines near Byculla railway station on the main line. (HT File Photo)

These structures are located along the main line’s CSMT-Kasara route and along the CSMT-Panvel corridor on the harbour line.

“The high court has allowed to demolish all illegal religious structures that have been constructed inside the premises. We also have support from the police and the civic body,” said a senior CR official, who did not wish to be named.

On Tuesday, the CR released an ad in newspapers in the city that said: “The Honourable high court has passed the order directing the demolition and removal of unauthorised illegal structures situated within the jurisdiction of government and municipal corporation.” People operating these illegal structures can contact and submit their objections/requests and produce any letters of permission within one month, the ad further stated.

The list of illegal shrines include temples, churches, mosques and gurudwaras in Byculla, Kurla, Mankhurd, Kalyan, Panvel, Jaisai, Parel, GTB and Thane.