Jay Pawar, son of the late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, on Wednesday took to Instagram, urging a thorough probe into the recent aircraft accident. In his Instagram story, he stated, "Black boxes in an aircraft accident cannot be easily destroyed; the people of Maharashtra have the right to know the complete, transparent, and undeniable truth of this tragic incident that has shaken their hearts." Pawar called for an immediate suspension of VSR’s flight operations and demanded a comprehensive, impartial investigation into potential serious irregularities in the maintenance of the airline’s aircraft. Jay Pawar posted on his Instagram story on Wednesday. PIC/ JAY PAWAR'S INSTAGRAM Attempts being made to shield aviation firm VSR Ventures; international probe needed, says Rohit Pawar Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Rohit Pawar alleged that attempts were being made to protect aviation company VSR Ventures in connection with the plane crash incident that killed late Ajit Pawar. Objecting to Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu’s statement that there was “no security lapse” in the plane crash incident, Rohit Pawar argued that such a premature conclusion raises doubts about the seriousness of the investigation. Stating that a senior leader from Andhra Pradesh had attended the wedding of the VSR plane owner’s son in Rajasthan, Rohit Pawar pointed out that the party from the same state currently holds the Civil Aviation Ministry at the Centre. “Under these circumstances, one cannot expect a fully transparent and impartial probe, and reiterated his demand for an independent investigation mechanism,” the NCP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) urged. Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati, triggering demands from both the NCP factions and a section of the opposition leaders for an independent and thorough investigation. Rohit Pawar, in his presentation, stated that the probe should not remain limited to government agencies alone, and called for an independent panel comprising a retired judge, senior opposition leaders from both the Houses of Parliament, and representatives from NCP and other political parties.
18 February,2026 09:35 PM IST | MumbaiHealth Minister Prakash Abitkar on Wednesday issued a strict warning to all outsourced institutions providing services in the public health sector, directing officials to take stringent action, including blacklisting, against violators. In the health department, many critical services, ranging from CT scans, MRIs, dialysis, STEMI care, X-rays, blood testing, and emergency medical services (108, 102) to human resources, dietary services, sanitation, technical support, maintenance, and vehicle supply, are provided through private agencies. Minister Abitkar instructed district-level officials to conduct thorough inspections of these institutions to ensure compliance with rules, including proper payment of staff, adequate patient care, sanitary conditions, and adherence to all regulations. Inspection reports are to be submitted within 15 days, with payments withheld and strict action taken against non-compliant agencies. “Institutions must maintain quality standards, transparency, and follow departmental rules,” Abitkar said. District surgeons and health officers were directed to regularly inspect and evaluate outsourced agencies, with punitive measures, contract cancellations, and blacklisting enforced against violators. Officials found that supporting negligent providers may also face action. The minister also stressed the importance of public awareness, directing campaigns to ensure citizens know about facilities provided through outsourced agencies. The meeting reviewed ongoing state-wide health programs, including sickle cell screening, anaemia detection, elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), tuberculosis, malaria control, and maternal mortality reduction initiatives. Abitkar reiterated that public hospitals remain the primary support for citizens, emphasising the need for proper treatment, care, and quality services. The session was attended by the Health Director, Deputy Directors, and senior officials from the department. Two arrested in Thane for selling fake BP medicines worth Rs 9 lakh Maharashtra's Thane Police have arrested two men for allegedly selling counterfeit blood pressure medicines worth Rs 9 lakh by mimicking the name and packaging of a popular brand, officials said on Wednesday. According to a release from Kalyan police, the accused marketed fake “Telma AM” tablets, a combination of Telmisartan 40 mg and Amlodipine 5 mg, using the license of “Shriram Pharma” and passed them off as products of the original manufacturer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a raid on January 20 and seized 2,795 strips of fake “Telma AM” tablets valued at Rs 8,94,400, the release said. Following the FDA’s complaint, a case was registered at Manpada police station in Dombivli under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules, 1945. The prime accused, identified as Pankaj Radheshyam Upadhyay (33), a distributor and medical representative residing in Dombivli East, was arrested on January 21. Distributor aware of threat to patients, yet sold tablets “The accused (Upadhyay) was aware that the said medicine was fake and that its consumption could pose a serious threat to human life, yet he continued to distribute it,” the release state. During the investigation, police learnt that the stock of duplicate medicines had allegedly been supplied by Vivek Ajaykumar Rai (35), a resident of Kandivali East in Mumbai. He was arrested on February 16, police said. Further investigation is underway under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Atul Zende and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dombivli Division) Suhas Hemade, the release added.
18 February,2026 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNominations for the chairperson posts of key statutory committees of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation were filed on Wednesday, setting the stage for elections later this week. Prabhakar Shinde filed his nomination for the Standing Committee chairperson’s post, while Rajeshri Shirwadkar submitted her nomination for the Education Committee. Sandhya Doshi filed her papers for the Improvement Committee chairperson’s post with Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande. For the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Committee, Trishna Vishwasrao submitted her nomination to BEST Deputy Secretary Sushil Pawar. Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar and several corporators were present during the filing process. The nominations follow the constitution of the committees after the BMC General Election 2026. During a special meeting held on February 16, 26 members each were appointed to the Standing and Improvement Committees. The Education Committee comprises 22 municipal members and four non-municipal members, while the BEST Committee has 16 members. The deadline for filing nominations was 6 pm on February 18, with one nomination received for each post. According to the schedule announced by the Municipal Secretary’s Office, elections for the Education Committee and Standing Committee chairpersons will be held on February 20 at 11 am and 2 pm, respectively. Elections for the Improvement Committee and BEST Committee chairpersons are slated for February 23 at 11 am and 2 pm.
18 February,2026 09:01 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA Zilla Parishad school in Sandap village, Dombivli East, is functioning without a principal and with just two teachers for 56 students, while repair work and infrastructure upgrades remain pending. With authorities passing responsibility between agencies, villagers have begun raising funds to keep the school running. Stuck between authorities The village was merged into the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, but the Zilla Parishad school remains under ZP control, leaving accountability unclear. Damaged infra at the Zilla Parishad school in Sandap village, where repair work is pending Villagers say requests for repairs bounce between the municipal corporation and the Zilla Parishad, with neither taking full responsibility. Two teachers, many roles Teachers Girish Thakare and Chitra Bhalerao manage all academic and administrative work. “We have repeatedly requested repairs, more teachers and digital tools, but there has been no response,” said Thakare. Bhalerao had earlier run the school alone for two years. (From left) Teacher Girish Thakare with alumnus Anant Tukaram Patil and teacher Chitra Bhalerao at the Sandap ZP school in Dombivli East “I handled multiple classes, paperwork, sports and parent coordination on my own,” she said. Two village women occasionally volunteer to help with lessons during exam season. Villagers funding repairs Former student Anant Tukaram Patil, 69, has led local fundraising to support the school. “When the walls deteriorated in the rains, authorities kept redirecting us. Finally, we raised about Rs 15,000-16,000 from temple funds to repair one wall,” he said. The Zilla Parishad school building in Sandap village, Dombivli East, which currently operates with limited staff and infrastructure. Pics/By Special Arrangement Patil said many successful professionals from the village studied in the same school. “This school shaped our lives. Without it, many of us would never have progressed,” he added. Fire-damaged classrooms A short circuit sparked a fire on the second floor, rendering two classrooms unusable. All students from Std I to VIII are now accommodated in just two ground-floor rooms. Push for outside help Anant’s son, Tejas Patil, is now seeking support from NGOs and local groups. “Better infrastructure will encourage families to continue their children’s education here,” said Tejas, a software engineer. What is working >> Mid-day meals continue>> Uniforms and textbooks provided annually>> Students still participate in sports events>> Despite limited facilities, one student recently represented the school at a sports meet in Gujarat. What the school urgently needs Infrastructure>> Structural repair and safety audit>> Classroom restoration after fire>> Electrical maintenancePainting and wall repair Learning support>> Digital equipment like projectors and screens>> More benches and classroom space School mail id: zpschoolsandap@gmail.com
18 February,2026 07:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde at the latter’s Nandanvan residence in Thane. ЁЯУН #рдореБрдВрдмрдИ |рдорд╣рд╛рд░рд╛рд╖реНрдЯреНрд░ рдирд╡рдирд┐рд░реНрдорд╛рдг рд╕реЗрдиреЗрдЪреЗ рдЕрдзреНрдпрдХреНрд╖ рд░рд╛рдЬ рдард╛рдХрд░реЗ рдпрд╛рдВрдиреА рдЖрдЬ рдирдВрджрдирд╡рди рдпрд╛ рд╢рд╛рд╕рдХреАрдп рдирд┐рд╡рд╛рд╕рд╕реНрдерд╛рдиреА рд╕рджрд┐рдЪреНрдЫрд╛ рднреЗрдЯ рдШреЗрддрд▓реА.рдпрд╛рд╡реЗрд│реА рддреНрдпрд╛рдВрдЪреНрдпрд╛рд╕реЛрдмрдд рд╡рд┐рд╡рд┐рдз рд╡рд┐рд╖рдпрд╛рд╡рд░ рдЪрд░реНрдЪрд╛ рдЭрд╛рд▓реА. рддрд╕реЗрдЪ рдирдВрджрдирд╡рди рдпрд╛ рдмрдВрдЧрд▓реНрдпрд╛рдЪреНрдпрд╛ рд╣реЗрд░рд┐рдЯреЗрдЬ рд╡рд╛рд╕реНрддреВрдЪреЗ рд╡реЗрдЧрд│реЗрдкрдг рдЬрдкрдд рдХреЗрд▓реЗрд▓реНрдпрд╛ рд╕реБрдзрд╛рд░рдгрд╛рдВрдЪреЗ рддреНрдпрд╛рдВрдиреА рд╡рд┐рд╢реЗрд╖ рдХреМрддреБрдХ рдХреЗрд▓реЗ. рдпрд╛ рдмрдВрдЧрд▓реНрдпрд╛рдд… pic.twitter.com/og6mXc5SBO — Eknath Shinde - рдПрдХрдирд╛рде рд╢рд┐рдВрджреЗ (@mieknathshinde) February 18, 2026 According to information from Shinde's office, the two leaders held discussions on various issues. This is the first meeting between the duo after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Elections. Shinde welcomed Thackeray with a shawl and bouquet. The two leaders were seen seated together, exchanging views in an informal setting at the bungalow. Shinde’s son and Kalyan Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Shrikant Shinde was also present during the meeting. Thackeray reportedly admired the heritage architecture of the Nandanvan bungalow, including the rare and historic photographs preserved there. He shared memories associated with the building and commended Deputy CM Shinde for maintaining its historical and artistic value. Shinde informed Thackeray that the bungalow’s heritage look had been carefully preserved, while the surrounding area was designed to match its style, reflecting the city’s cultural and aesthetic heritage. An accomplished caricaturist and art enthusiast, Thackeray appreciated these efforts and praised the emphasis on art and heritage despite the demands of political life. MNS had supported Shiv Sena in Kalyan-Dombivali, Nashik civic polls The visit is likely to generate speculation, especially after the MNS extended its support to the Shinde-headed Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli and Nashik civic bodies to form the government. In the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC), where the Shiv Sena emerged as the single-largest party, MNS's five corporators played a key role in helping the Shinde-led party cross the majority mark. Similar backing was also extended in Nashik, causing strains in the Shiv Shakti alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), which is being headed by Raj Thackeray’s cousin Uddhav Thackeray. Some voices from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) camp had described MNS’s support to the Shinde-headed party as sending "the wrong political message".
18 February,2026 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday directed a Rs 50-lakh penalty on the contractor responsible for delays in the construction of the flyover between Dindoshi Court and Dadasaheb Phalke Film City, part of the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road (GMLR) project. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar inspected the ongoing work and instructed the contractor to accelerate construction to ensure the flyover is opened for traffic by May 31, 2026, ahead of the monsoon. The GMLR project, designed to ease traffic between Mumbai’s western and eastern suburbs, is being executed in four phases. Phase 3(a) includes the elevated flyover and rotary junction. The 1.26-km flyover currently has 31 pillars completed, with 20 out of 30 spans finished, accounting for 75 per cent of the work. BMC ramps up resources to ensure Goregaon-Mulund flyover, twin tunnel ready on schedule Bangar directed deployment of additional manpower and machinery to complete remaining spans and related works such as deck slab casting and access ramps on schedule. He also asked authorities to relocate utilities, including water pipelines, sewage lines, and Adani Power transformers, which are obstructing the flyover alignment. Following the inspection, Bangar also visited the site of the twin tunnel construction (‘launching shaft’) in Dadasaheb Phalke Film City. Two state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines will be deployed for the underground segment. Preparatory work for lowering the first TBM into the shaft is expected to begin by March 10. BMC officials said the project is crucial for providing faster, safer, and more efficient connectivity across the city, and all efforts are being made to meet the deadlines.
18 February,2026 06:54 PM IST | MumbaiThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Wednesday commemorated the 350th martyrdom year of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur with a series of educational and cultural programmes under the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ initiative, witnessing enthusiastic participation from thousands of students across the civic body’s schools. The main events, scheduled to be held at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai on February 28 and March 1, were preceded by multiple activities across TMC schools, aimed at spreading awareness about the Sikh Guru’s legacy of sacrifice and religious freedom. As part of the initiative, 365 schools organised a morning procession in which nearly 14,474 students participated. The rallies echoed with patriotic slogans, while students carried placards highlighting the Guru’s sacrifice and promoting social unity and communal harmony. An elocution competition also drew strong participation, with 2,751 students from 390 schools delivering speeches on the historical significance of the title ‘Hind Di Chadar’, the Guru’s supreme sacrifice for protecting religious freedom, and his enduring message of national integration. In another awareness drive, 16,301 students from 156 schools took part in rallies across various localities, spreading the message of brotherhood and social cohesion. Students showcase patriotic songs, honour Guru Tegh Bahadur’s legacy The commemoration further featured a singing competition that saw 3,195 students from 200 schools present patriotic and devotional songs, underlining themes of courage, sacrifice and humanity. Civic officials said the large-scale participation reflected a growing awareness among students about India’s history and the importance of religious tolerance and unity. The series of programmes, they added, successfully reinforced the values of harmony, equality and brotherhood inspired by Guru Tegh Bahadur, revered as ‘Hind Di Chadar’.
18 February,2026 06:37 PM IST | ThaneThe Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Wednesday said the debate over leadership of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc has resurfaced and can no longer be brushed aside, signalling unease within the alliance and taking an apparent swipe at the Congress. The Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit pointed to murmurs from disgruntled Congress leaders and figures linked to the erstwhile United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime, suggesting that the INDIA bloc’s leadership could be entrusted to West Bengal Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee or Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, news agency PTI reported. “The decision has to be taken on Mamata, Stalin or someone else,” an editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana said. Instead of waking up only when elections are announced and then discussing the Opposition alliance, it is necessary to hold deliberations among partners and take considered decisions, the editorial opined. The Congress has been leading the INDIA bloc, a coalition of Opposition parties formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to counter the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. ‘What happened to INDIA after Lok Sabha polls?’ asks Saamana “The issue of change in the leadership of the INDIA bloc has once again come to the fore. What happened to the INDIA bloc after the Lok Sabha polls? This question is before many. But has this question occurred to the Congress?” the editorial questioned. In West Bengal, the Congress is fighting against the Trinamool Congress led by Banerjee. In Kerala, it is up against the Left. In Maharashtra, the Congress chose to contest independently in the recent civic body polls, which benefited the BJP, it noted. “The question concerns not just the nation but also the political discourse. Whenever elections are announced, the INDIA bloc may wake up and hold talks. But taking a conscious decision by sitting together is wiser,” it suggested, reported PTI. “The decision has to be taken on Mamata, Stalin or someone else,” the Marathi publication reiterated. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has taken a firm stand that he remains unbothered if he is “thrown out of Parliament” or cases are foisted on him by the government, which reflects his fighting spirit, the editorial said. However, party workers become lethargic if they remain away from power and lose the hunger to regain it, the editorial added. Even though the BJP did not secure a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and its government at the Centre survives with outside support, its “arrogance” has not diminished, the Sena (UBT) claimed. This is not the first time the Sena (UBT) has expressed disappointment with the Congress. Responding to a question by PTI in an interview last month on whether the INDIA bloc still exists, Thackeray said, “Probe a bit and check whether the INDIA bloc is there or not. It is true that we met only once after the Parliament polls at Rahul ji’s residence.” (With PTI inputs)
18 February,2026 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for the collection and recycling of used PET bottles. This MoU marks a significant step towards promoting a circular economy. The agreement between the Maharashtra Government and Coca-Cola was signed during Mumbai Climate Week in the presence of State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde. According to officials, this is the first time Coca-Cola has entered into such an MoU with a state government in India. As per the officials, the Environment and Climate Change Department signed the agreement with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages to roll out the “Maha-rPET Campaign” across the state. Furthermore, secretary Jayashree Bhoj and director of the State Climate Action Cell Abhijit Ghorpade formalised the agreements on behalf of the Maharashtra Government. Various initiatives to be launched in Mumbai for waste management Under the campaign, structured PET bottle collection systems, awareness drives and information-education initiatives on responsible disposal will be implemented in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Panvel, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed and Palghar. Collection facilities will be set up at retail outlets, hotels, workplaces and public places, with year-round coordination with schools, institutions and local self-governing bodies. Officials, while briefing about the MoU, said that the public-private partnership aims to create a practical and community-centred PET waste management model, aligning policy oversight with on-ground execution to enhance sustainability and climate resilience. State Climate Action Cell signs MoU with Climate Trade LLP The State Climate Action Cell signed an MoU with Climate Trade LLP to strengthen climate awareness, stakeholder engagement and capacity building, reinforcing implementation of Maharashtra’s State Climate Action Plan. During the event, Minister Munde also released two key guidance reports prepared by the State Climate Action Cell. A report developed in collaboration with the 'C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group' titled 'Net Zero Transition in Energy and Buildings in Maharashtra Cities' outlines a roadmap for climate-resilient urban development. Seven cities, including Mumbai, Amravati and Thane, have drawn up action plans focusing on net-zero municipal buildings and rooftop solar expansion. Another report, prepared with the Centre for Water and Sanitation, titled Climate-Responsive WASH Services, offers practical guidance on climate-aligned water and sanitation delivery, highlighting circular economy practices, energy transition and inclusivity based on urban experiences in the state. Officials said, “The agreements and reports will strengthen institutional capacity, improve inter-departmental coordination and position Maharashtra at the forefront of city-focused climate action, creating a replicable model for other states.”
18 February,2026 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA court in Thane has acquitted a 32-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl. The court, while passing the order, observed that the case appeared to arise from a personal dispute with the victim's mother over a marriage proposal. As reported by news agency PTI, special POCSO Court Judge D S Deshmukh, in the judgement on February 13, noted that the accused and the victim's mother were in a relationship, and when he refused to marry her, a quarrel ensued. The court also said, “The possibility of the victim being tutored could not be ruled out, and her testimony did not inspire confidence to establish sexual assault,” as cited by PTI. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on August 11, 2019, when the 10-year-old victim and her mother were returning from a market in the Mumbra area of Maharashtra's Thane district. The accused, Mohammad Nashir Rain, a local tea seller, hugged the child from behind and made obscene advances. When the mother intervened, the accused assaulted her, resulting in a fracture, the prosecution alleged, reported PTI. The accused was charged under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. However, the defence argued that the complainant (the minor girl's mother) and the accused were in a long-standing relationship and that the legal action was retaliatory. Prosecution fails to prove “foundational facts” Thane court, while passing the orders, stated that the prosecution has failed to prove the "foundational facts" necessary to establish guilt. It also noted significant inconsistencies in the testimonies of the mother and the daughter. The court also mentioned, “The mother admitted to visiting a lodge with the accused twice, and that a dispute existed regarding the accused's refusal to marry her,” as per PTI. Thane court further said, “It appears that the girl's mother and the accused were in a relationship, and when the accused did not agree to marry her, a quarrel took place between them.” Considering the evidence on record and the circumstances, the court also noted, "The possibility of tutoring the victim can not be ruled out. In such circumstances, her evidence on record does not inspire confidence to hold that she has been sexually assaulted by the accused," as cited by PTI. The court also pointed out that while the mother claimed her hand was fractured in the scuffle, the medical evidence did not support the assertion. It further observed that variations in the victim's statements weakened the prosecution's case. The defence taken by the accused that he is falsely implicated in this case appears to be more probable, the court said while acquitting the man, who had undergone over three years of detention during the trial. (With inputs from PTI)
18 February,2026 02:42 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentDespite new Metro lines, buses, and app cabs, suburban railway remains the city’s transport lifeline, with weekday ridership on CR alone surging to 62 lakh passengers. Add WR’s daily 31 lakh riders, and Mumbai’s suburban network is now inching towards the 1 crore daily mark. Officials say rapid housing growth across MMR is pushing more commuters onto trains, intensifying crowding and safety concerns. Why local is preferred? “From CSMT to Kalyan, about 51 km, a local train takes roughly 75 to 80 minutes and costs around Rs 15. Even Karjat or Kasara, over 100 km away, can be reached in two to two and a half hours for Rs 30 to Rs 50 in second class. With season passes, the cost per trip drops to just a few rupees. Road travel takes longer in traffic and can cost hundreds or more, while metro lines do not reach these towns. That is why the suburban railway remains the cheapest and most practical option,” an official said. Voices Paresh Rawal, public policy expert“We can see the crowding on the ground. Passenger estimates based on ticket formulas may not reflect the real surge. Authorities must study growth corridors and increase services accordingly.” AV Shenoy, Mumbai Mobility Forum“The spike is linked to the housing crisis and rapid real estate growth in the MMR. With affordable homes scarce in Mumbai, people are pushed to distant townships but still rely on local trains to commute.” Why crowds keep rising >> Rapid real estate growth across MMR>> Workers living further from the city>> Limited new rail alternatives in expanding suburbs>> Local trains still cheapest and fastest option>> Transport experts say the numbers reflect City’s housing crisis Metro vs local trains Mumbai now has four Metro lines carrying about 9 lakh passengers daily Metro Line 14.5–5 Lakh Lines 2A & 7 combined2.5–3 Lakh Line 3 (partial)1.3–1.6 Lakh Total Metro ridership 9 Lakh Even combined, Metro usage is still a fraction of suburban railway traffic Ridership snapshot Central Railway weekday average62 lakh Central Railway 2025 weekday average45 lakh Western Railway daily average31 lakh Total suburban riders93 lakh per day Busiest day on record January 5, 2026CR ridership72.18 lakh WR ridership52.07 lakh Officials say the spike may be linked to the first working day after the holiday season and renewal of monthly passes. Why officials are concerned >> Rising passenger density is linked to:>> Overcrowding and platform congestion>> Passenger falls and injuries>> Increased commuter conflicts>> Pressure on train frequency and capacity>> Railway planners say weekday-only data gives a clearer picture than older averages that included quieter weekends
18 February,2026 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
