Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Saturday said that it has cancelled the planned jumbo block this weekend between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations and the train services will be running as normal. An official statement issued by the Western Railway said, "The Jumbo Block scheduled during the night of 03rd/04th May 2025 between Mumbai Central and Mahim has been cancelled. Train services will run as per normal schedule." Earlier, on Friday, Western Railway had said that it will operate a jumbo block of four hours at night this weekend between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations. An official statement, the Western Railway said that to carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of four hours will be taken on up and down fast lines from 00.15 hrs to 04.15 hrs between Mumbai Central and Mahim stations in the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday, May 3 and 4. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, during the block period, all Fast line trains will be run on slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate railway station. It had said that there will be no block in the day over Western Railway's suburban section on Sunday. Western Railway reopens Mahim South-Shahu Nagar Foot Over Bridge (FOB) In an another statement, the Western Railway said that it has reopened Mahim South-Shahu Nagar Foot Over Bridge (FOB) for the public and that citizens can now use the newly repaired FOB. It said that in a move to strengthen safety and ensure convenience for local residents and commuters, Western Railway has repaired and reopened the Mahim South – Shahu Nagar FOB for the use of public use after being temporarily closed on 17th April 2025 due to safety concerns. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, this foot over bridge serves as a crucial east-west link for residents of Shahu Nagar to reach the west side of Mahim station which had deteriorated over time. The top deck slab which was built with precast RCC slabs had developed cracks had become unsafe for public movement. To restore safety and stability of the bridge, the old deck slab--40 meters long and 4 meters wide--was replaced with new I-section beams and chequered plates. The work involved the use of approximately 28.5 metric tonnes of steel and was completed in just 16 days, at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh.
03 May,2025 09:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA population estimation study of leopards conducted at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey Milk Colony last year by SGNP and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) - India has identified 54 individual leopards-- one of the highest leopard densities recorded anywhere in the world. The study revealed a thriving population of leopards in SGNP and its surrounding landscapes, showcasing a remarkable case of human-wildlife coexistence in a bustling urban setting. According to the study, of the 54 individual leopards, there are 36 females, 16 males, and 2 whose sex could not be determined. The researchers also documented four leopard cubs, indicating successful breeding in the area. The study carried out at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary near Vasai-Virar in Palghar district found that there are three adult male leopards in the sanctuary. Anita Patil, Conservator of Forests & Park Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, said: "The continued presence of these magnificent leopards in such a densely populated urban region speaks volumes about nature's resilience — and the importance of conserving the green spaces they depend on. Scientific monitoring exercises like this are vital for understanding the status of our wildlife and planning informed conservation actions."
03 May,2025 08:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Saturday announced a special initiative for collection of domestic sanitary which will now include pet waste and electronic waste (e-waste). The new services are aimed to make waste management in the city cleaner, safer, and more environment-friendly, the officials said. It said that from May 3, 2025, the Mumbai civic body has started collecting pet waste from households, and from May 5, 2025, a dedicated service for e-waste collection will also begin. The initiative is part of the city's ongoing efforts to manage the 7-8 million tonnes of daily solid waste and the expansion for collection of e-waste and pet waste follows after a positive public feedback and growing demand from citizens, an official statement said. As of now, 307 entities have registered for the sanitary waste collection, including 148 housing societies, 135 beauty parlours, 17 educational institutions, and 7 women’s hostels, it said. Registration of services: Citizens can register for both services using online forms and QR codes shared by BMC- Pet waste collection: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6zR8XHoOzXRNanCCdj4oKtS27Iu7vuaXBANiCGoKCfUCn5g/viewform E-waste collection: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemTxY-ifCjxU7VW-U7sYpr8JOD_Zj4XKnDB7uVpJyXsk6LxA/viewform QR codes for both services are also being shared through social media on BMC's official social media accounts and at various locations across the city, the officials said. According to the BMC, with the growing use of electronic items in homes, e-waste is increasing rapidly in Mumbai. Devices such as old phones, chargers, batteries, computers, TVs, and small appliances will now be collected separately. This prevents dangerous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium from harming the environment and public health. "Due to the increasing use of electronic devices in the Mumbai metropolitan area, a significant amount of e-waste is being generated. As this type of waste is hazardous in nature, it is essential to dispose of it scientifically, and to carry out its recycling and reuse. Recognising this need, the BMC will be launching a dedicated e-waste collection service from Monday, 5 May 2025. Under the initiative, the collection will include all types of e-waste such as unused mobile phones, chargers, batteries, computers, televisions, and small appliances," the officials said. They said that the BMC will also run a public awareness campaign focusing on safe e-waste disposal, its environmental impact, and how citizens can contribute. "The initiative, led by BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Commissioner Dr Ashwini Joshi, and Deputy Commissioner Kiran Dighavkar,"" the officials said.
03 May,2025 07:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai local train services on Central Railway are likely be affected on Monday by a potential motormen’s protest against “increased duty pressure” and the installation of cameras under a new system called the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in local trains’ driving cabs. ADAS is a technology that assists drivers with various aspects of driving, enhancing safety, reducing workload, and improving the overall driving experience by using sensors, cameras, and other technologies to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and detect potential hazards, then provide warnings or even take corrective actions. Notice boards have been put up by the Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS) at Mumbai CSMT stating that train motormen will “work to rule” starting Sunday morning. While CR officials said they were in negotiations with the union, commuters may start feeling the effects from Monday morning if issues are not resolved. A warning letter has also been sent by Anil Dube of the CRMS Loco Running Staff to the Divisional Railway Manager of Mumbai CR, a copy of which is with Sunday Mid-Day. The letter objects to the fact that cameras have been installed in the driver’s cab to ensure that the motorman is pointing and calling out signals. Pointing and calling is a globally recognised occupational safety practice in train driving, aimed at avoiding mistakes by pointing at important indicators and verbally calling out their status. “It has been noticed by CRMS Loco Running Staff Branch that cameras are being installed right in front of the motorman to monitor if he is calling out signals along with hand gestures. Whereas the motorman drives the train while sitting in the cab. Due to the single-person nature of the job, it is not possible to call out signals by hand gestures and it may cause obstructions in train operation. By installing cameras, the cadre working with honesty and integrity is being unnecessarily brought under suspicion,” Dube said. “It is unfortunate that instead of redressing several grievances of motormen pending for a long time, the administration is spending money on other unnecessary things. While working under the aforementioned busy conditions, it is not possible for a lone motorman to call out signals by hand gestures because no one is present in the cab for acknowledgement. Repeatedly calling out the signals with hand gestures alone, without any acknowledgement, may disturb the motorman’s concentration,” he said. Dube added that the motorman, giving undivided concentration while identifying the signals of his line among all lines in the same direction, ensuring the safety of tracks and overhead equipment, negotiating neutral sections, following all permanent and temporary speed restrictions, keeping a sharp watch on all gauges and lamps—amidst disputes with commuters and stress caused by trespassers—has to stop the train precisely at EMU local train halts at each station, even with changed brake power due to increasing rush. “It is unfortunate that the motorman is also disturbed by the continuous unpleasant audio-visual alerts of the ADAS. CRMS Loco Running Staff Branch demands that the administration should either seriously consider the hazardous working conditions of motormen or provide an assistant loco pilot to support them,” he said. Railway officials said negotiations with the motormen’s union were already underway and the protest was likely to be called off soon.
03 May,2025 07:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarUnion Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday reviewed the progress of the ambitious Bullet Train project and said that the construction of the train's origin station in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai was progressing very fast, the PTI reported. Vaishnaw visited the construction site of the underground station at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and assessed the progress of the work completed so far. According to the PTI, Vaishnaw also inspected ongoing infrastructure works at Panvel and Juinagar railway stations in Navi Mumbai and assessed the progress of key railway and freight projects. At BKC, Vaishnaw was accompanied by officials from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is executing the over 500 km-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, along with representatives from Central Railway and Western Railway. Vaishnaw said that the lowest B3 basement level and the strengthening of the station walls have been completed. "The work at the bullet train's origin station in BKC is progressing very fast. The station wall work has been started, and simultaneously, the tunnel work is progressing very fast," the Railway Minister stated, reported PTI. Beyond the tunnel portion (Shil Phata), all ongoing works are moving at a high speed in the Maharashtra section following the land acquisition, the minister added. The minister said a multi-storey structure is planned at the BKC station. "The operational areas will be located on levels B1 to B3. The B3 will serve as a train parking area, B2 will house operational functions, and B1 with the ground level will serve passengers. Work is underway to build this world-class station," the minister further stated, reported PTI. NHSRCL officials said that approximately 76 per cent of the excavation work at the BKC bullet train station has been completed. Following the inspection, the Minister proceeded to Pune, where he was scheduled to flag off two long-distance trains later in the evening. The total cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor project is estimated at Rs 1.08 lakh crore. As per the shareholding arrangement, the Government of India will contribute Rs 10,000 crore, while the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra will each contribute Rs 5,000 crore. The remaining funding will be provided through a loan from Japan at 0.1 per cent interest. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had last week said that the bullet train project will become operational by 2028. Addressing media persons after visiting Panvel railway station, Vaishnaw stated that the government's long-term vision for expanding Mumbai's rail capacity and modernising its stations to meet the demands of the coming decades, reported PTI. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has guided us to work with a vision for the next 50 years. In that spirit, we are constructing a major coaching terminal at Panvel, which will serve as an origin point for trains," Vaishnaw said, reported PTI. Vaishnaw said that the construction of the coaching terminal is advancing rapidly and it is being built to support increased passenger flow and operational efficiency. He said the Panvel-Karjat suburban rail link, a key component of easing pressure on the Mumbai rail network, is also making steady progress. Vaishnaw also reviewed the dedicated freight corridor, which he described as being in its final laps of development. Once operational, it will divert goods trains off the main passenger lines, significantly enhancing the movement of local and express trains in the region. "The freight corridor's connection to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is progressing well. This will ease pressure on Mumbai's passenger rail lines and boost logistics efficiency," the Railway Minister added, reported PTI. The railway minister said that efforts are underway to implement the best international railway technology in India, with Panvel and other nodes in the Mumbai region poised to benefit from these innovations. "Our goal is not just expansion but transformation, and making Indian Railways more efficient, safer, and future-ready," the minister stated, reported PTI. (With PTI inputs)
03 May,2025 07:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the ongoing Mumbai Metro Line 5 project work, the Thane Police on Saturday issued traffic restrictions near Dhamankar Naka in Bhiwandi area of Maharashtra. A traffic notification said that diversions were announced in the Bhiwandi traffic sub-division due to the Mumbai Metro Line 5 project work near Dhamankar Naka Bridge, where AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd. will carry out pre-cast U-girder installation work. It said that to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion in the area the traffic diversions were being issued which will be in place from May 4. The Mumbai Metro Line 5, also known as the Orange Line, is a 24.9 km elevated metro line. It will be connecting Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan areas of Maharashtra. The project, once completed is expected to improve the connectivity within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The traffic notification was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Thane City, Pankaj Shirsat. It said that the traffic restrictions and diversions will come into effect from May 4, 2025 at 11 pm and will remain in place till May 5, 2025, 6 am and again on May 5, 2025 from 11 pm to 6 am on May 6, 2025. भिवंडी वाहतूक उप विभागाचे हद्दीत दि. ०४/०५/२०२५ आणि ०५/०५/२०२५ AFCONS इन्फास्ट्रक्चर लिमिटेड कंपनी तर्फे प्रीकास्ट यु-गर्डर उभारणीचे काम करण्यात येणार आहे तरी प्रवेश बंद व पर्यायी मार्ग पुढीलप्रमाणे. pic.twitter.com/Fn8gBHiADs — Thane City Police -ठाणे शहर पोलीस (@ThaneCityPolice) May 3, 2025 Traffic Restrictions: No Entry at Anjurphata Chowk: - All vehicles coming from Narpoli/Mankoli towards Kalyan Naka will be stopped at Anjurphata Chowk. - Heavy vehicles must divert at Anjurphata Chowk, while medium and light vehicles must turn left at Ratan Cinema to reach their destination. No Entry at Dhamankar Naka: - All heavy vehicles from Kalyan Naka towards Narpoli/Mankoli will be diverted left from Kalyan Naka via Ranjnoli Naka. - Medium and light vehicles must turn left at Dhamankar Naka and use the Varahadevi Talao–Khadi Machine route. Exempted Vehicles: The restrictions do not apply to police vehicles, fire brigade, ambulances, and other essential service vehicles. "The motorists are requested to cooperate and follow the diversions to help maintain traffic flow and safety during the metro construction," the officials said. Meanwhile, as per an another traffic notification, issued by the Thane traffic police on Friday, traffic movements were likely to be affected around the Majiwada Flyover in Thane district in Maharashtra due to repair works from May 3 to May 22 as they police on Friday issued diversions The Majiwada Flyover is a crucial route for vehicles traveling between Thane and Mumbai. A traffic notification, issued by the Thane Police, said that due to urgent repair works on the damaged surface of the Majiwada Flyover between Kapurbawdi and Jupiter Junction, traffic on the Ghodbunder–Mumbai route will be completely closed during night hours from May 3 to May 22, 2025, between 11 pm and 5 am.
03 May,2025 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTraffic movements were likely to be affected in some parts of Thane district in Maharashtra due to repair works from May 3 to May 22 as they police on Friday issued diversions around the Majiwada Flyover. The Majiwada Flyover is a crucial route for vehicles traveling between Thane and Mumbai. A traffic notification, issued by the Thane Police, said that due to urgent repair works on the damaged surface of the Majiwada Flyover between Kapurbawdi and Jupiter Junction, traffic on the Ghodbunder–Mumbai route will be completely closed during night hours from May 3 to May 22, 2025, between 11 pm and 5 am. वाहतूक नियंत्रण अधिसूचना, कापुरबावडी pic.twitter.com/M9fgWpYaHK — Thane City Police -ठाणे शहर पोलीस (@ThaneCityPolice) May 2, 2025 It said that the repair work includes milling the damaged mastic surface using a milling machine and applying fresh mastic in phases. "The work will be carried out by N.A. Construction Pvt. Ltd. and only after one phase is completed, the next will begin," the officials said. The traffic notification was issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Thane City, Pankaj Shirsat. It said that to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid congestion in the area, the following traffic diversions were being made- Road Closures: - Entry for vehicles moving from Ghodbunder to Mumbai via Tatvagyan Bridge will restricted to enter the flyover from the Tatvagyan Bridge ramp. - Vehicles moving from Bhiwandi to Mumbai via Balkum Fire Brigade Bridge will be restricted from entering the flyover at the ramp. Alternative Route: All vehicles on these routes are advised to use the slip road via Kapurbawdi Circle to reach their destination. Exemptions: The restriction will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire brigade, ambulances, green corridor services, oxygen supply vehicles, and other essential services. The traffic notification stated that the diversions and traffic restrictions will be in effect from May 3, 2025 to May 22, 2025, between 11 pm and 5 am at night. "The traffic control measures will not apply to emergency vehicles, including police, fire brigade, ambulances, green corridor vehicles, oxygen gas transport, and other essential services," the traffic notification said. Authorities request the public to cooperate and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience.
03 May,2025 03:56 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Autorickshaw Drivers-Owners’ Association Joint Action Committee of Maharashtra has announced a statewide protest on May 21, 2025, in opposition to the Maharashtra government’s decision to approve e-bike taxi services. Demonstrations are set to take place in front of all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. Shashank Rao, President of the Joint Action Committee, stated that the government has approved e-bike taxis under the guise of providing self-employment opportunities to unemployed youth. However, the committee argues that this decision poses a serious threat to the livelihood of approximately 1.5 lakh autorickshaw drivers across Maharashtra. “Our organisation raised concerns before the government-appointed committee that was tasked with evaluating the feasibility of e-bike taxis. Despite this, the government proceeded without consulting us before granting approval. This unilateral decision disregards the concerns of the existing public transport sector,” Rao said in a statement. A joint meeting of autorickshaw association leaders from Mumbai, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and rural regions took place on April 27, 2025. During the meeting, it was unanimously decided to hold a protest on May 21, 2025, to demand an immediate rollback of the e-bike taxi approval. The Autorickshaw Joint Action Committee has called on all affiliated organisations and their members to join the protests, urging the government to reconsider its policy in order to protect the livelihoods of traditional rickshaw drivers and ensure fair decision-making in the transport sector. The state government, in its cabinet meeting held in April, gave its approval for e-bike taxis, expected to generate 10,000 employment opportunities in Mumbai and an equal number in the rest of Maharashtra. Speaking to media persons after the meeting, state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, said, “The decision will enable people to travel more at less cost. A trip which would have earlier cost Rs 100 will now cost around Rs 30 to Rs 40.” However, the minister clarified that the travel rates have yet to be worked out for the e-bike taxis that will come into operation. State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik further stated that in order to ensure that there is no damage to the environment (pollution) only e-bikes will be given permission for the business. Asked about the safety of passengers, Sarnaik claimed that modalities have been worked out. “Regulations are being worked out to ensure the safety of passengers, especially women travellers,” the minister added. Besides making commuting cheaper for travellers, the policy aims to provide job opportunities for nearly 20,000 people across Maharashtra. “In Mumbai itself, we expect 10,000 job opportunities and an equal number of opportunities in the rest of Maharashtra,” Sarnaik claimed.
03 May,2025 02:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA Borivli-based man and his mother had a narrow escape after their car was struck in a multi-vehicle collision on the Andheri flyover on Friday afternoon. Nikhil Motiramani and his mother Rita Motiramani survived the crash without life-threatening injuries. The Andheri police have launched an investigation into the incident. Nikhil’s marriage is scheduled for next month and he had taken the day off on Friday for some wedding preparations. The damaged rear of the Motiramanis’ vehicle Speaking with mid-day, Nikhil recounted the harrowing incident. “My marriage was fixed just last week, and our family has been busy with the preparations. I was travelling from Borivli to Bandra with my mother in the backseat. As we reached the Andheri flyover, a car suddenly rammed us from behind. I was driving at around 40 kmph when I lost control of the vehicle, which jumped over the divider and veered into the opposite lane. In the opposite lane, another vehicle collided with my car from the left side,” Nikhil said. Damaged left side of the Motiramani car Nikhil alleged that the car was speeding. “I still don’t understand how the driver rammed us from behind. Clearly, he was speeding. Thankfully, we both survived the incident. However, my mother suffered a spinal injury, and doctors have recommended an MRI scan. I’m praying for her swift recovery,” he said, adding that the driver who hit his vehicle from behind must be held accountable as the accident was caused solely due to his fault. ACP Shashikant Bhosale of Andheri Division said, “We are investigating this matter.”
03 May,2025 10:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaOn Saturday, the city continued experiencing hot and humid weather, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.4 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a mainly clear sky on Saturday, May 3. Temperatures will range from a cool 26 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 33 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 25.3 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. The mercury is expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius as May draws near. Meanwhile, the major civic-run hospitals in the city that lack special facilities for heatstroke cases altogether are the Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (Sion Hospital), and Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and RN Cooper Hospital. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On May 3, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'good' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 57 at 10:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'good' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 87. Byculla, Malad and Kandivali recorded 'good' air quality with an AQI of 48, 64 and 29, respectively. Chembur, Sewri and Mulund recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 56, 49 and 21, respectively. Meanwhile, Worli recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 63. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'good' category with an AQI of 93, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 56. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
03 May,2025 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe cyber wing of the state police on Friday apprehended a 25-year-old engineering graduate for allegedly harassing Environment Minister Pankaja Munde with repeated phone calls and messages, an official said. The accused was identified as Amol Chhaganrao Kale, a resident of Beed district. He was held from Bhosri near Pune, an official said. Munde, a BJP leader, had been receiving repeated calls and messages on her personal mobile number for the last couple of days, following which a complaint was filed with Maharashtra Cyber. A case was registered under section 78 (stalking), 79 (acts or words intended to insult modesty of woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act, and the user of the mobile number was tracked down. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
