Acting on the directions of the Bombay High Court and its monitoring committee, the BEST bus service inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has been completely halted. However, to ensure connectivity for tourists, the park administration has continued operating e-bus/CNG services between the main entrance and Kanheri Caves — a move that has sparked anger among visitors, as the fare has jumped to Rs 100 per person from the earlier Rs 20 charged by BEST buses. The bus waits to ferry passengers to Kanheri Caves. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE SGNP announcement On Wednesday, SGNP’s official Instagram account said, “As per directions of the Bombay High Court and the high-powered committee, the BEST bus service has been completely discontinued. For the convenience of visitors, the park administration has continued the e-bus/CNG bus service. The fare for this service is Rs 100 per person.” The kiosk to book tickets at the SGNP main gate Increased burden A large number of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts visit SGNP daily. For those wishing to visit Kanheri Caves, the BEST bus service was the preferred option as it was the most affordable and convenient mode of transport, which are located far from the SGNP main gate. Visitors say the halt of the service has forced them to rely on paid e-bus or e-rickshaw options, increasing costs. Tourists and wildlife lovers argue the move hurts budget visitors and discourages eco-friendly travel. Visitors left fuming Anand Mohite, Wildlife enthusiast and regular park visitor‘Charging Rs 100 per person with 60-70 passengers aboard means they are charging Rs 7000 per trip and Rs 14,000 for a round trip on a short 12-km route. With multiple trips daily, the earnings run into lakhs. Meanwhile, the common citizen is being milked at every step — Rs 133 park entry, Rs 100 bus fare, Rs 25 for Kanheri Caves, Rs 100 to hire a bicycle, and more hidden costs. How is an ordinary family supposed to afford this? A national park is meant for public access and conservation, not for squeezing money out of visitors and turning nature into a business venture.’ Ganesh Vakale, Nature lover and park observer‘This decision appears driven by personal perception and socio-political interests, with little regard for social welfare. Not everyone can afford R100 for a 7-km ride to the caves when the public BEST bus earlier charged just Rs 20. The ban also disrupts transport for indigenous tribal hamlets living there for generations. Courts must consider these ground realities before curbing a public service introduced through a government welfare resolution.’ Hitendra Pachkale, Tourist‘The BEST bus service inside SGNP was the most affordable mode of transport for visitors. Since CNG buses are environmentally friendly, BEST’s CNG buses should continue to ferry passengers to Kanheri Caves. Visitors already have to pay multiple charges levied by park authorities, including the entry fee, tiger and lion safari tickets, and fees for other activities. How can the common man enjoy these facilities if the rates keep increasing?’ Did you know? The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has stopped the operation of its air-conditioned bus route A-188 between Borivali East railway station and Kanheri Caves in SGNP on January 17, 2026. The decision follows directions from the Bombay High Court, officials said. Meanwhile, a regular visitor to the park told mid-day that the e-bus ticket at SGNP was priced at R50 in 2024. Official Speak SGNP deputy director, (South)‘The BEST bus services were discontinued due to the Bombay High Court order. We have a fleet of three environment-friendly (electric/CNG) buses that ferry visitors going to Kanheri Caves. Revenue generated from the tourists is used for the upkeep and maintenance of SGNP.’ Ticket at a glance(As displayed at the park) Entry TicketAdult Rs 133Child Rs 61 Tiger SafariAdult Rs 150Child (5 yrs-12 yrs) Rs 61 Lokvihar (boating)Two-seater Rs 113Four-seater Rs 230 Main gate to Kanheri Caves (E-buggy)Adult: Rs 150 / Child: Rs 100 E-bus Adult: Rs 100 / Child: Rs 50 To tourist complex area (E-buggy) Adult: Rs 100 / Child: Rs 50
20 February,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavSmokin’ hot shot A batsman hits the ball at a game in Five Gardens, Dadar Starry guests (From left) Iffat Dutt, Karuna Dutt, Asghar Wajahat, and Mahmood Farooqui at Prithvi Theatre. Pics Courtesy/Mahmood Farooqui and Wikimedia commons IT felt like a ‘catharsis’ as Mahmood Farooqui concluded his Dastan-e-Guru Dutt at Prithvi Theatre on February 15. Iffat Dutt, the daughter-in-law of Guru Dutt (inset), and his granddaughter, Karuna, were in attendance for the show. “If I had known before, I’d have been nervous,” the theatremaker admitted. In all, it was a full circle moment for Farooqui, as the show also ended with the launch of the book, Dastan-e-Guru Dutt, by playwright Asghar Wajahat. Now, that’s what we call a family moment. Pollution’s silent toil A rescuer tending to an injured kite(right) the Indian Black Kite. Pics courtesy/Priyanshu Kamble It is not just the residents who are affected by the city’s poor Air Quality Index (AQI); the Indian Black Kite, an apex aerial predator, is also suffering. Priyanshu Kamble Priyanshu Kamble, a conservationist working with Maharashtra Animal Rescue Association (MARA) emphasised, “It is the cumulative stress and the presence of heavy metals like lead and mercury in the air that usually drains the birds, which makes them unable to fly resulting in grounding, or severe breathing issues.” Bid for the best Untitled Bibi by Lalu Prasad Shaw; (left) a ‘bandwalla’ sculpture by Krishen Khanna; (far left) a bronze Pilichamundi mask available for auction. Pics courtesy/StoryLTD Art enthusiasts have between 3 pm and 8 pm today (February 20) to bid on five artworks in an auction, Friday Five, by shopping and auction platform, StoryLTD. The curated selection features a painting by artist Lalu Prasad Shaw, a ‘bandwalla’ sculpture by painter Krishen Khanna, a set of prints by Navjot, a bronze Pilichamundi mask, and a Mario Miranda illustration. Those keen to bid on these unique works can log on to storyltd.com. Let’s run beyond the marathon Runners at a practice session of a previous 5x5 run next to the Naval Dockyard. Pic courtesy/Bombay Running To reignite motivation after the Tata Marathon season, Bombay Running will host the 9th edition of its ‘5x5 Run’ from May 6 to May 10. Each day will feature a different route across the city, encouraging participants to stay consistent. Co-founder Deepak Oberoi reiterated, “Once the Tata Marathon is done for the year, a lot of people are motivated to run. In a way, this is our way to motivate them as running five kilometres for five days puts them in the right headspace and gives them the push they’re looking for.” The run also aims to rebuild discipline, maintain momentum and help runners transition smoothly.
20 February,2026 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayWestern Railway’s (WR) train management system (TMS) will soon be integrated with artificial intelligence to ensure train operations are smoother and faster. The new system, which is in the tendering stage, will involve colour-coding trains and alarms for delays. WR operates locals from Churchgate to Virar at peak headways of about three minutes. Instead of relying only on a printed timetable, those sitting behind screens at theWR’s control room monitors the movement of each train through the TMS, which is linked to signalling and traction power supply. Suburban services run safely and within minutes of schedule because of the decisions taken inside this room, which most passengers will never see. In it, large display panels show which section is occupied, which platform is free and which train is late — ona real-time basis. Western Railway’s control room, where the movement of trains is monitored in real time. Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar “We work all the time as trains need to run perpetually. We make decisions and convey them to those on the ground. Disruptions, untoward incidents, and other such things matter. Our job is to keep the system running. At any point, 95 local trains are running on the suburban section,” said a senior official manning the control room. The good old days Before the existing system, key stations had to be called up in sequence to keep track of the movement of trains, and once one cycle of calls to all stations was done, another cycle would begin from the opposite direction. What the control room does when... Incident: A train is held up near stationAction: Platform congestion is regulated Incident: A train skips a haltAction: Pacing is restored between services Incident: A fast local is delayedAction: Overtaking rearranged Incident: A train is short-terminated at Andheri or Borivli railway stationAction: The timetable is protected for the rest of the line Incident: Sudden delays occurAction: Train operations are staggered to prevent bunching of services What the new system entails >> It will be IP-based. Hence, link failure will be reduced>> It will be capable for showing different colours for various trains>> Advanced video wall display for improved visibility>> Alarm for delayed trains and failure of indicator board at controller’s workstation>> An increased storage capacity of TMS servers. Historic data can be stored for long periods How railway disruptions are handled When problems occur, actions are taken in sequence.>> Heavy rain: Trains slowed before waterlogged stretch>> Trespass/fatality: Train controlled till body is cleared>> Overhead wire trip: Power isolated only in affected section>> Stalled train in peak hour: Following trains held and diverted to avoid network-wide delays Teen Sawaal with Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Singh There is talk of a three-month shutdown of harbour line trains to Goregaon...The 5th-6th line from Bandra to Borivali is done. Now, the idea is to move south. There is a missing 5th-6th line link between Mahim and Bandra. To build this, we need to demolish the ramp of the harbour line trains for which we will need to shut down harbour line trains beyond Bandra to Andheri-Goregaon. Planning is being done; nothing is finalised. Let’s wait for the final plan. What are new advances are being taken up?We are appealing to passengers to form queues and, in a first, have drawn up patterns at Nallasopara station. We are also working on developing the first Carriage & Wagon Control Centre at Nandurbar, which will help train operations. It will assess the condition of trains on the move. What other activities are taking place?Monsoon preparations have started, and this year we have beefed up arrangements. We have identified locations and will minimise disruptions.
20 February,2026 07:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Kasturba Marg police have arrested a 37-year-old man for allegedly duping senior citizens through a debit card swapping fraud in Borivali East. The accused, Francis Patrick Fernandes, was caught outside an ATM booth on Carter Road No. 9. A search of his bag revealed a shocking haul of 71 debit cards. According to the police, the accused lived with his widower father, who is suffering from paralysis. Debit cards seized from the 37-year-old by the Kasturba Marg police Investigations revealed that Fernandes allegedly learned the trick from a group of youths from Uttar Pradesh who would travel to Mumbai to commit ATM-related fraud. He subsequently turned the scam into his full-time “business,” cheating dozens of unsuspecting victims over several months. The team of investigators The Crime Detection team carried out the operation under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Jayraj Ranaware,along with: >> PI Jaymala Vasave>> API Sarla Thorat>> PSI Dhiraj Vaykos>> PSI Aniket Shinde The accused would allegedly observe victims’ PINs and swap their debit cards while ostensibly assisting them. Representation Pic/iStock The modus operandi >> Fernandes targeted senior citizens at ATMs in Borivli East under the pretext of helping them withdraw cash>> He would observe victims’ PINs and swap debit cards, allegedly cheating three on February 7, 10, and 13.>> He has been booked under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and 66(d) of the IT Act Police advisory The cops have urged everyone not to share debit cards or PINs with strangers under any circumstances Case that led to arrest When Santosh Shiva Naik, 75, visited the Bank of India ATM on February 7 around 11.45 am to withdraw money, the accused allegedly offered assistance, memorised the PIN, swapped the card, and later withdrew Rs 10,000 from the victim’s account. Based on CCTV footage analysis, police found that Fernandes frequently visited the ATM every few days to target the elderly. A trap was laid outside the ATM, leading to his detention and subsequent arrest on February 17. Feb 7Day 75-year-old was duped by accused in Borivali East
20 February,2026 07:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 20. Aries March 21 – April 20There’s an intense work-related karmic cycle that has to be coped with a patient attitude (not everyone works as fast as you). Cosmic tip: Stay away from an avoidable argument. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Exploring memories is no longer hurtful or saddening as you’ve worked through all that pain, understanding the reason for that chapter in life.Cosmic tip: Be grateful to the universe for payments coming in. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Weigh each word/ sentence before articulating it, as some word or nuance may upset the other person. A better financial cycle begins. Cosmic tip: Enjoy a light-hearted and swiftly moving day. Cancer June 22 – July 23Be patient with delays as this slow karmic cycle runs out of steam by 2 pm. Changes due bring happier outcomes and a loving friendship.Cosmic tip: Keep your distance from negative or envious people. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Understanding thoughts and motives is the connecting thread in a conversation that was needed for a while. Cosmic tip: Be careful while driving, or even being driven by someone else. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Take a little extra care of yourself if dealing with a stressful career/ business. Delayed payments are received.Cosmic tip: Listen to gut feeling if there’s even slight hesitation about a plan. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Repairs are undertaken. An assignment which is not like the usual ones requires different planning. Cosmic tip: Bring a balance between home life and professional life. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Today is positive for meetings, negotiations and networking. Those not in a committed relationship meet some interesting people at a party. Cosmic tip: Be patient when a reply is delayed. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22An evolving business idea can be introduced in a conversation as it’s workable now. Read a tricky document carefully.Cosmic tip: Choose the right person as a financial advisor. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Travel for business/ work ends on a promising note. An understanding of successes helps prepare a plan.Cosmic tip: Don’t tire yourself out in this hectic phase, getting enough rest and sleep. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Payments arrive via net-banking, making you happy. Several on-going matters are resolved easily today.Cosmic tip: Do some charitable works as a ‘thank you’ to the Higher Power for all you have. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Contracts signed earlier bring profits, but free time is at a premium…..there’s so much work to complete.Cosmic tip: Feel secure in the knowledge that the universe is looking to your benefit always.
20 February,2026 03:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 14. Aries March 21 – April 20Income from several avenues is revealed. Some have a second job. Office politics can be treacherous, so safely keep away from them..Cosmic tip: Don’t be overly possessive or hyper-reactive. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Today is good for buying a household item on sale at the nearest electronic store. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Sense a relationship settling down to a place of love and belonging to each other. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Staying away from discussions about an absent person is your way of not encouraging gossip. A successful business trip is a feather in your cap. Cosmic tip: Maintain a workable balance between career/ business. Cancer June 22 – July 23Simplifying life as much as possible helps the mind remain calm and untroubled. Career graph shows a gradual upward move. Cosmic tip: Cease this struggle between emotions and what is right according to karma. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Maintaining happiness and peace within the family has always been a mindset you’ve held onto.Cosmic tip: Don’t get into a struggle with a slow-moving karmic cycle that ends by late afternoon. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A difficult colleague moves to another department, which is a relief..Cosmic tip: Think carefully, being aware of each angle of the matter before doing anything about it. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Changing life around in several ways is done with full intention and focus. Some difficult issues keep you occupied. Cosmic tip: Keep the mind calm and answers to two questions emerge. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22You have every right to question an action or words uttered in a roundabout manner. A meeting clears several blocks to completing the work.Cosmic tip: Balance karmas perfectly by making right choices. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Buying property or having interiors of the home modernised is being considered. Try not to live in the past or the future.Cosmic tip: Enjoy the present moment. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20When you are detached from the outcome, then it’s easier to make decisions with a calm and untroubled mind. Deals and negotiations work out after a slight delay of two days.Cosmic tip: Be patient. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Singles meet someone who begins playing an important role in your life over time. Socialising in the evening is fun.. Cosmic tip: Maintain an emotional connection with someone special. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Maintain an emotional connection with someone special.Cosmic tip: Keep a friend’s confiding in you to yourself, even if someone mentions the same topic.
20 February,2026 03:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 10. Aries March 21 – April 20You look forward to spending time with a loved one in the evening. A work-related trip is delayed for a week. Cosmic tip: Try and be less forthright in interactions with people (in general). TaurusApril 21 – May 20Several issues or matters have no solution as of now, so keep them aside for a while. Consume a varied diet every day.Cosmic tip: Deal with mini arguments at home in a good-natured manner. GeminiMay 21 – June 21There’s reconciliation if there’s been a temporary estrangement between couples. A phone call in the morning begins the day on a good note.Cosmic tip: Take whatever decision you feel is right in the circumstances. Cancer June 22 – July 23Making time for a friend navigating a difficult life is something you are good at. Cosmic tip: Enjoy the simple pleasures of life with optimism and happiness is the message of the Tarot today. Leo July 24 - Aug 23The immediate past has seen miracles manifest; this strengthens faith. Reaching a goal has been quite a struggle.Cosmic tip: Consciously be kind (this tilts the karmic cycle in your favour). Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Narrating the truth (which sounds too filmy) brings up smiles and general laughter. There’s news about a salary increase soon.Cosmic tip: Don’t trust blindly; wait till the person has proved their trustworthiness. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Business travel increases, but positive results appear after a month. Time resolves most issues, so don’t get worried.Cosmic tip: Avoid meaningless rituals as they feed stress. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Maintaining an attitude of forgiveness takes you on a higher spiritual path.Cosmic tip: Work through conflicting emotions with meditation or any other method that works for you. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Studying nuances and different facets of the situation is something learnt through life’s experiences.Cosmic tip: Keep reactions logical when there’s little possibility of agreeing with someone. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Life and experiences open up a whole new vista with an attitude of openness and acceptance. Cosmic tip: Remain focused as there’s too much to cope with. (It’s a relief the plateau phase is over.). Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Living life has taught how to say the right things in a softer manner, which in turn encourages maturity and diplomacy. Cosmic tip: Take a short break if possible, or work from home. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20You feel decisions taken were delayed for too long; but this was necessary as too many angles had to be considered.Cosmic tip: Think if you are ready to give an emotional commitment.
20 February,2026 03:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseFour people were injured after a cylinder blast triggered a fire in a room at Dighe Chawl, behind Rekha Medical near Vakola Bridge, Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai's Santacruz East area on Thursday evening. The incident was reported at 6.52 pm, following which the Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot. The blaze was brought under control and extinguished by 7.26 pm, officials said. According to information provided by the authorised medical officer at V N Desai Hospital, a total of four injured persons were admitted, of whom three were later shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital for further treatment. The injured have been identified as: Javed Abdul Shaikh (30), who sustained 55 to 60 per cent burns and was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital. Avantika Ajay Gawade (45), who suffered 30 per cent burns and was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital. Sumati Ramesh Gawade (65), who sustained 35 to 40 per cent burns and was shifted to LTMG Sion Hospital. Yash Gawade (15), who suffered 10 to 12 per cent burns and is admitted in stable condition. Further investigation into the cause of the cylinder blast is underway.
19 February,2026 11:56 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Mumbai Division of Western Railway has rolled out a major upgrade in suburban train services from Thursday, coinciding with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. As part of the expansion, 12 new air-conditioned (AC) services have been introduced, taking the total number of daily AC local services from 121 to 133. Officials said the AC rakes are equipped with automatic door-closing systems, enhancing passenger safety while ensuring a cooler and more comfortable commute. In addition, three new non-AC suburban services have been added to the timetable. The move is aimed at easing overcrowding and improving travel comfort for daily commuters on the Mumbai suburban network. Railway officials said the initiative reflects Western Railway’s continued focus on upgrading infrastructure and services across the Mumbai suburban system, often described as the lifeline of the city.
19 February,2026 11:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAs part of an ongoing drive to improve passenger amenities across the Mumbai Division, authorities have completed the full renovation of toilets at Mahim Railway Station. Officials said the upgrade includes improved fittings and infrastructure, along with the addition of extra washbasins and WCs to enhance commuter convenience. A new, fully compliant Divyangjan washroom has also been constructed to ensure better accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
19 February,2026 11:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday urged environmental experts to broaden their focus beyond global climate issues to include the agriculture sector and rural economy, highlighting the severe damage caused by excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Speaking at the valedictory session of Mumbai Climate Week at Jio World Centre, the governor said the increasing reliance on chemicals in farming was not only harming soil fertility but also polluting the environment and contributing to serious health issues. “The adverse effects of chemical farming are dangerous. It leads to environmental pollution and the rise of serious diseases,” he said. “Environmental experts, while deliberating on global environmental protection, must also consider agriculture and the rural economy.” Governor Devvrat pointed out that chemical fertilisers such as urea and DAP, along with pesticides, release harmful gases like nitrous oxide, contaminate groundwater, enter the food chain, and render soil infertile. In contrast, he noted that natural farming improves soil fertility, organic carbon content, and groundwater levels. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotion of natural farming through the National Mission on Natural Farming. Citing a newspaper survey that detected pesticide residues in the breast milk of 105 mothers, the Governor stressed the urgent need to address these health risks. Reflecting on Indian culture’s traditional reverence for nature, he recalled how ancient education took place in close proximity to the environment. He contrasted this with modern consumerism, which he said has accelerated degradation. The governor cited the Covid-19 lockdown period, when reduced human activity led to cleaner rivers and clearer skies, as clear evidence that human interference is the primary cause of environmental harm. Concrete action over debates: Pankaja Munde calls for large-scale environmental steps Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde called for moving beyond intellectual debates to large-scale, concrete action on environmental protection. She noted that past prioritisation of development and infrastructure at the expense of the environment has led to the global crisis being faced today. “Environmental issues are not confined to one region but are global in nature; hence, a global perspective is essential while implementing solutions,” she said. Munde highlighted the stress on soil, water, and air due to industrialisation and infrastructure expansion, and pointed out that economically backward nations had allowed harmful industries in pursuit of growth and were now bearing the consequences. She expressed satisfaction that Mumbai Climate Week had provided a platform for experts from India and abroad to exchange ideas and hoped future conferences would focus on implementation. Collective efforts key to climate resilience: Mayor Ritu Tawde Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde emphasised that urban development, economic growth, and climate responsibility must advance in coordination rather than in isolation. She said climate resilience cannot be achieved by government alone and requires collective efforts from public institutions, private industries, financial partners, research bodies, and citizens. “Strong public-private partnerships, innovative financing, technical cooperation, and positive behavioural changes among citizens are essential,” she added. The three-day Mumbai Climate Week, organised by Project Mumbai, brought together environmentalists, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on climate change solutions.
19 February,2026 07:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
