The Shree Hanuman Mandir, a spiritual hub for commuters and locals, has drawn mixed reactions from the public. | FPJ/ Salman Ansari
The Central Railway’s proposed removal of an unauthorized Hanuman temple near Platform No. 12 of the Dadar Central Railway station has been stayed. The Shree Hanuman Mandir, located on the east side behind the Railway Protection Force (RPF) office, had been identified for removal as part of an encroachment-clearing drive.
The action was initially prompted by a notice issued by the Assistant Divisional Engineer (Works), Byculla, Central Railway, on December 4, 2024. The notice granted a seven-day timeframe for the temple’s trustee or poojari to address the issue, citing concerns about safety and operational disruptions caused by the encroachment.
However, the matter took a turn after key political figures, including BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha, intervened. According to a statement issued by the Central Railway on Saturday, the leaders held discussions with railway officials and sought the intervention of Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways. Following this review, the demolition notice was stayed.
“The Assistant Divisional Engineer of Mumbai Division, Central Railway, had earlier issued a notice regarding the Mandir at Dadar Station, near Central Railway Platform No. 12, East Side, behind RPF Office, on dated 04.12.2024. In this regard, after the discussions between Ashish Shelar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha with the Central Railway officials, and upon the MLAs’ request to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, the matter was reviewed. Thereupon, the notice has been stayed,” read the statement from the Central Railway.
The temple, a spiritual hub for commuters and locals, has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While devotees have welcomed the decision, critics argue that political intervention in regulatory matters could undermine efforts to ensure safety and compliance in railway zones.
This stay has brought relief to the temple’s supporters, but it also raises questions about the balance between community interests and regulatory enforcement.
