Mumbai building blocking railway line to undergo partial demolition

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has issued a directive for the residents of a building in Mumbai’s Vile Parle to vacate the premises within 15 days. A section of the building is to be demolished in order to give way for the expansion of the fifth and sixth lines of Western railways in the city.

On August 23, the railway officials stated that they have acquired the necessary permits for the line extension between Mumbai Central and Borivalli, except for a segment of the building, since the occupants of that section refused to vacate.

The court bench compromising of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, has appointed an officer from the Public Works Department in North Mumbai to supervise the partial demolition. The Mumbai building demolition will be dividing the structure into two parts while ensuring that the adjoining areas are not affected.

The Mumbai building to undergo demolition is Shreejikiran. It is a privately owned property by the petitioners. While three tenants in the portion to be demolished have vacated and accepted compensation, the owners residing in the other section have decided to fight for partial acquisition. As per the argument by the owners, the entire building may collapse if a partial demolition is executed.

Advocate Amogh Singh, the owners’ representative has been asked by the court to submit an application before the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) requesting full acquisition of the building rather than just a section. The decision from SLAO is expected to arrive within four weeks. Singh informed the court that the owners do not oppose the acquisition for public development.

Advocate Suresh Kumar, appearing for the Railways, assured the court that advanced techniques would be used for demolition to ensure minimal impact. No compensation has been granted for the entire structure and its land. However, Kumar indicated that supplementary compensation might be considered.

Kumar also highlighted that compensation had been awarded to tenants for the impacted structure.