Mumbai: In a significant step aimed at accelerating railway infrastructure development in the city, the Central Railway (CR) has demolished around 45 illegal encroachments, including a two-storey structure, near B D Chawl in Wadi Bunder close to Hancock Bridge, to fast-track the creation of a Vande Bharat train maintenance facility. The action was carried out following court orders and due legal procedure, officials confirmed.
The demolition drive was conducted on a stretch of railway land in the Wadi Bunder yard area, which has been identified for a key maintenance depot dedicated to Vande Bharat Express trainsets. Railway authorities stated that the land had been under long-standing encroachment by huts and unauthorised structures, which were obstructing planned infrastructure work.
Officials said the clearance of encroachments is expected to significantly fast-track construction of the Vande Bharat maintenance facility, which is considered essential for servicing and stabling modern semi-high-speed trains. The proposed depot is planned to include five dedicated stabling lines that will be used for parking, maintenance, and technical inspection of Vande Bharat trainsets.
The land clearance operation was carried out in a coordinated manner by Central Railway authorities, with assistance from relevant civic and enforcement agencies. According to officials, the structures removed included small residential huts as well as a permanent two-storey building constructed on railway property without authorization.
Railway sources noted that the Wadi Bunder yard is a strategically important location for Mumbai’s suburban and long-distance rail operations. The development of a dedicated Vande Bharat facility in this area is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance turnaround time for high-speed trains.
The Vande Bharat maintenance depot forms part of Indian Railways’ broader push to expand infrastructure for semi-high-speed train services across the country. These trainsets require specialised servicing facilities due to their advanced technology, higher operating speeds, and modern onboard systems.
Officials highlighted that groundwork for the depot has already begun, and the removal of encroachments will now allow uninterrupted progress of civil construction activities. The project is also expected to support future expansion of Vande Bharat services originating from Mumbai and neighbouring regions.
Railway authorities have been focusing on upgrading maintenance infrastructure across key zones, as the Vande Bharat network continues to expand rapidly. The development of dedicated depots is seen as crucial to ensure timely servicing, safety compliance, and smooth operation of high-speed trains.
The Central Railway reiterated that all such clearance drives are being conducted strictly under legal provisions, with court approvals and proper rehabilitation measures where applicable. Officials said the objective is to ensure that railway land is utilised effectively for public infrastructure projects that benefit long-term passenger services.
With the encroachments now cleared, work on the Wadi Bunder Vande Bharat maintenance facility is expected to accelerate, marking a key step in Mumbai’s ongoing rail modernisation efforts. Once operational, the depot will play a crucial role in supporting the growing fleet of Vande Bharat trains across Western and Central Railway networks.
