The railway demolition drive in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, was initiated by the local administration for the following reasons: 1. Encroachment: The railway tracks and land were reportedly encroached upon by illegal settlements and unauthorized constructions, obstructing the functioning of the railway network. The encroachments hindered the movement of trains and compromised the safety of passengers. 2. Safety concerns: Illegal establishments near railway tracks pose significant safety risks. Trains passing through these areas could be prone to accidents, derailments, or collisions due to encroachments, debris, or unauthorized structures. 3. Railway infrastructure development: The demolition drive aimed to clear the encroachments and reclaim the land for the expansion and development of railway infrastructure in Mathura. However, the Supreme Court's stay on the demolition drive suggests that there might be legal concerns, public interest implications, or the need for further examination of the matter to ensure proper implementation.