Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shinde said incidents linked to Naxal activities had reduced significantly and claimed that increased employment and livelihood opportunities were helping bring normalcy to affected areas, reported ANI.

“Home Minister Amit Shah has taken up the task of making the nation Naxal-free, and he is achieving success in it,” Shinde said, reported ANI.

“In Maharashtra too, Naxal activities have reduced in areas like Gadchiroli. People are getting employment and livelihood opportunities, and Naxalism is gradually being eradicated,” he added.

Gadchiroli witnessing change due to development and security measures

Shinde specifically referred to Gadchiroli, a district historically affected by Left-wing extremism, and said the situation had improved because of coordinated action by security forces and development initiatives, reported ANI.

“Naxal-free Gadchiroli is becoming a reality. That is why I thank Home Minister Amit Shah,” Shinde said while reiterating support for the Centre’s anti-Naxal campaign.

The Maharashtra government has in recent years focused on improving infrastructure, road connectivity, employment opportunities and welfare schemes in Gadchiroli and neighbouring tribal regions alongside intensified anti-Naxal operations.

Amit Shah says focus now on building a developed Bastar by 2031

Earlier, Amit Shah addressed a press conference in Chhattisgarh and said that making the country Naxal-free was only the first step, adding that the larger goal was to transform Bastar into a developed region by 2031, reported ANI.

“In 2031, when Bastar becomes fully developed, the world will see that it was Naxalism that had hindered its progress,” Shah said.

The Union Home Minister stated that anti-Naxal operations were intensified soon after the BJP government came to power in Chhattisgarh on December 13, 2023, reported ANI.

According to Shah, after a meeting of state Directors General of Police in August 2024, the Centre had announced a target of making the country free from Naxalism by March 31.

Security camps to be converted into public service centres

Shah said nearly 200 security camps had been established across seven districts of Bastar as part of anti-Naxal operations carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He announced that in the first phase, 70 of these camps would be converted into “Veer Shaheed Gundadhur Seva Deras” aimed at improving access to government welfare schemes and public services in tribal areas.

According to Shah, these centres will help deliver facilities and services directly to tribal communities in remote areas that were earlier affected by insurgency and lack of connectivity.

The initiative is expected to focus on expanding access to healthcare, education, welfare schemes and administrative services in Bastar.

Centre stresses development alongside anti-Naxal operations

The Centre has repeatedly maintained that its strategy against Naxalism combines security operations with long-term development initiatives in affected regions.

(With inputs from ANI)

According to a notification issued on May 19 by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Eastern Suburban Traffic, the affected roads are narrow and have been facing traffic obstructions due to vehicles parked on both sides.

Roads under odd-even parking rule

The odd-even parking regulation will be implemented on the following roads:

Main Street Road (from Galleria Circle to Swami Narayan Circle)
High Street Road (from D Mart Circle to Heritage Building)
Forest Street Road (from Orchid Avenue to Eden Garden Junction)
Saki Vihar Road (from PWD Office road leading to Westin Hotel up to Ambedkar Udyan)

How the parking rule will work

As per the order, odd-even date parking will be regulated on both sides of the roads. On even dates, parking will be permitted on the northern side of the road, while on odd dates, vehicles can be parked only on the southern side.

Restriction effective till August

The temporary parking restriction order will come into force from May 20, 2026, and remain effective till August 19, 2026.

Traffic police have urged motorists to follow the revised parking rules to avoid inconvenience and ensure smoother vehicular movement in the area.

Police impose odd-even parking rules across eastern suburbs

To ease congestion, the Mumbai Traffic Police imposed odd-even parking restrictions on multiple roads across the eastern suburbs. The restrictions came into effect on Tuesday, May 19, and will remain in force till August 18.

The orders were issued on Monday, May 18, under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Reason for the restrictions

According to the notifications, several roads in Mulund, Chembur, Chunabhatti, Trombay, Mankhurd, Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, and Ghatkopar are narrow. Double-sided parking on these roads has been causing severe traffic jams and obstructing the movement of emergency and essential service vehicles. To reduce congestion, the police have introduced odd-even parking rules on these stretches.

Odd-even parking system explained

Under the new system, parking will be permitted only on one side of the road depending on the date:

On even dates, vehicles can be parked on the north side of the road.

On odd dates, vehicles must be parked on the south side of the road.

The restrictions apply to the specific stretches mentioned in the official orders

While chemists’ associations in multiple states backed the bandh, Karnataka and nearly a dozen other states reportedly did not participate in the protest.

Large number of medical stores remain shut in Mumbai, Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, including Mumbai, several medical stores remained closed as part of the strike, causing inconvenience to customers seeking medicines and healthcare supplies. However, some pharmacy owners kept their shops open, citing public interest and the essential nature of healthcare services.

Some chemists oppose shutdown of essential services

Speaking on the issue, Shantilal, owner of Sangoi Medical Store in Malad, said shutting medical stores was not the appropriate way to protest.

“There are other ways to protest, but closure is not the solution. Medical service is an essential service, and we entered this business knowing that it is directly connected to patients’ needs and their lives,” he said.

He further stated that traders and chemists have several democratic ways to raise their demands before the government, but a complete bandh should be avoided considering the hardship caused to patients.

Online discounts spark fresh tensions in pharma sector

The strike has once again highlighted the growing tension between traditional chemists and online pharmacy companies over pricing, discounts and competition in the pharmaceutical sector. 

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, the veteran leader said leaders across political ideologies must come together whenever there is an opportunity to work in the national interest.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to protect the country’s prestige outside India. We may have different political views, but when it comes to the nation’s honour, political differences should not be brought in,” Pawar said during his address, reported PTI.

The Rajya Sabha MP was speaking at a gratitude and fellowship gathering organised by the Pune-based Lakshmanrao Gutte Rural Development Foundation for former state and district office-bearers.

Veteran leader recalls contributions of former prime ministers

During the event, Pawar referred to former prime ministers Indira Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, saying they always kept India’s long-term interests and international reputation at the centre of their leadership, reported PTI.

According to Pawar, political leaders may belong to different parties, but the country’s image and dignity should remain a common priority for everyone.

He urged political workers and former colleagues from various parties to continue contributing collectively whenever issues concerning national interest arise, reported PTI.

“If there is an opportunity to work together for the national interest, everyone should participate with one common purpose and contribute to enhancing the country’s prestige,” Pawar said.

Pawar speaks about his political journey from Baramati to national politics

The senior leader also reflected on his early years in politics and his journey from Baramati to Pune.

Pawar said he moved to Pune in 1958 at the age of 18 because there was no college in Baramati at that time. He later became active in student and youth politics and eventually rose through the ranks of the Youth Congress, reported PTI.

According to Pawar, he became the Pune City Youth Congress chief within four years and later went on to lead the Maharashtra Youth Congress before taking up responsibilities at the national level.

He told the audience that many people present at the gathering had spent the most energetic years of their lives working in youth organisations and public life before moving into different political parties over time.

“Some may be in different parties today, but all of you continue to remain connected with ordinary people and have consciously preserved your commitment to society,” he said.

Pawar recalls meeting Jawaharlal Nehru

Sharing memories from his early political years, Pawar recounted meeting India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at Teen Murti House in Delhi.

He said he and his colleagues had prepared several questions related to farmers and youth issues before the meeting, but forgot everything they wanted to ask once Nehru arrived, reported PTI.

“We had prepared many questions, but when Pandit Nehru came before us, his personality was so towering that we forgot what we wanted to say,” Pawar recalled.

Incident involving Indira Gandhi and Soviet Union visit

Pawar also narrated an incident involving Indira Gandhi during an official visit to the former Soviet Union.

Referring to a conversation with former diplomat and prime minister I. K. Gujral, Pawar said Gandhi strongly objected when she felt India’s prime minister was not being accorded proper respect by Soviet authorities, reported PTI.

According to Pawar, Gandhi had asserted that she represented millions of Indians and would not tolerate any insult to the country’s dignity.

“I represent 40 crore people of India. If their prestige is not respected, I will never accept it,” Pawar quoted Gandhi as saying.

The NCP (SP) leader concluded by welcoming the coming together of former colleagues from different political backgrounds and encouraged them to continue engaging in initiatives aimed at public welfare and national development.

(With inputs from PTI)

She also reviewed operations at the A-2 Road Repair and Stores Depot, along with the Sewerage Department depot in the city’s ‘A’ Ward area.

During the visit, Bhide examined equipment used for pest and rodent control, assessed on-ground operational measures, and reviewed the overall functioning of the facilities.

She also checked staff attendance registers and verified the physical presence of sanitation workers on duty.

The civic chief directed officials to ensure prompt redressal of citizen complaints received through the MARG (Management and Redressal of Grievances) application and instructed departments to treat such complaints with priority.

Deputy Commissioner (Zone-1) Chanda Jadhav, Deputy Commissioner from the Municipal Commissioner’s Office Prashant Gaikwad, Assistant Commissioner of ‘A’ Ward Gajanan Bellale, and other civic officials accompanied her during the inspection.

Ashwini Bhide inspects sanitation workers’ outpost in Vikhroli

Last week, the BMC Commissioner also conducted a surprise inspection of a sanitation worker’s outpost at Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli East, civic officials said.

According to the BMC, Bhide interacted with sanitation workers stationed at the outpost in the S Ward and reviewed ongoing cleanliness operations in the area.

During the visit, she directed civic officials to prioritise the cleanliness of roads, surrounding areas and junctions across Mumbai, with a stronger focus on sanitation efforts.

The BMC said the Municipal Commissioner also instructed officials to work towards eliminating garbage dumping spots through sustained public awareness initiatives and regular monitoring.

She further stressed the need for the effective utilisation of modern sanitation machinery and manpower to improve waste management operations and maintain cleanliness standards across the city.

Deputy Commissioner Prashant Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 6) Santoshkumar Dhonde, Assistant Commissioner Samreen Sayyed and other civic officials were present during the inspection, the BMC added.

BMC commissioner conducts surprise inspection of Kanjurmarg waste management facility

Meanwhile, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide conducted a surprise inspection of the Kanjurmarg municipal solid waste management facility last week to review measures aimed at preventing foul odour at the site, according to the civic body.

The BMC said Bhide spent nearly one-and-a-half hours inspecting various operations at the facility and reviewing solid waste management processes. She also directed officials to improve operational efficiency and strengthen mitigation measures wherever required. 

According to the BMC, the commissioner inspected the waste segregation centre, composting unit, waste-to-energy plant, and the bio-reactor landfill site during the visit.

Regarding the proposal to change the name, the letter states that this is primarily a policy matter and must be considered by the State Government at the appropriate level. It also suggests that the words “National Park” should be retained in any proposed name to avoid ambiguity regarding its statutory status as a protected area.

However, the department raised strong objections to the university proposal. It noted that SGNP is a notified national park and an important wildlife habitat within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The letter warned that establishing a university would involve construction activities, transport infrastructure, public movement, utilities, and long-term institutional use, all of which could alter land use patterns and disturb wildlife habitats.

The letter further stated that such activities are inconsistent with wildlife conservation and protected area management. Citing provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Forest Conservation Act, the department said it cannot recommend setting up a university within the notified national park area.

“If the government intends to establish such a university, suitable land outside the notified national park area and ecologically sensitive wildlife zones may be explored,” the letter suggested.

A Forest Department source said, “The proposal to rename SGNP as Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Park was first suggested by an MLA a few years ago. The current Chief Wildlife Warden has only conveyed his views on the proposal in response to the suggestion. The response has now been forwarded to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department, who will take a further decision on the matter.”

Household items kept in the open after structures were cleared during the anti-encroachment drive near Bandra station

Demolition drive snapshot

Location
>> Garib Nagar, Bandra East
>> Adjacent to Bandra suburban railway station

Timeline
>> May 19 to May 23

Structures affected
>> 500 huts to be demolished
>> 100 huts protected pending rehabilitation

Land details
>> Encroached area: 5200 sq m

A resident carries household belongings, including a gas cylinder, during the demolition drive at Garib Nagar

Agencies involved
>> Western Railway
>> Maharashtra Police
>> RPF
>> Railway Engineering (Construction) Department

Personnel deployed
>> Around 1000 officials
>> 400 police personnel
>> 600 WR and railway officials

Day 1 progress

>> Drive began around 11 am on Tuesday
>> Nearly 20 per cent work completed by 5 pm
>> Around 100 huts facing Station Road were demolished
>> Work expected to continue till 8 pm daily

The rehabilitation divide

>> According to railway officials, a 2021 survey conducted with assistance from MMRDA and local NGOs identified around 100 huts eligible for rehabilitation. These homes will not be demolished until alternate accommodation is provided.

>> However, several residents alleged they were either excluded from the survey or never informed about the eligibility process.

Voices from Garib Nagar

MD Akbar Shaikh, resident
‘I am 48 now and have lived all my life here. I still don’t understand how they decided we were ineligible while only 100 houses qualified. I don’t remember any proper survey. My mother is sick, my child missed exams, and now our home is being demolished in front of us.’

Gulafsha, 32, resident
‘My family and I are homeless today. Even my pet cat got scared during the demolition, and I had to keep it in a cage. I spent my childhood here. We have nowhere to go and will stay on this ground until we get rehabilitation.’

Khushbu Naddaf, 28, a Mulund resident
‘We had heard demolition rumours for years, but nothing ever happened, so we believed this would remain our home. Now we are on the road with our children in this heat and have nowhere affordable to shift, especially with Eid this week.’

Mashroor Shaikh, 55, resident
‘I was born here, and my father lived here before me. Every document we have — Aadhaar, voter ID — carries this address. Now I’m sitting beside my belongings with no clarity about my family’s future and no assurance of rehabilitation’

MD Aslam, a Mulund resident
‘Back then, this land was unusable marshland, but now suddenly they remember it belongs to them. Three generations of my family lived here for over four decades. I stood here all day just to watch my home till the last moment before it turned into rubble’

What project involves

>> Fixing approximately 190 decorative heritage lights consisting of double arms 
>> According to BMC, the lights would have a dynamic effect, ultimately attracting tourists
>> While five prominent roads have been selected, the project may be scaled at a later stage

Need for project

>> To ensure proper illumination levels
>> To achieve energy efficiency compliance

Why these roads...

>> Linking Road is famous for street shopping
>> Carter Road has a 1.2 km coastal promenade
>> CD Road, KC Road, and Juhu Tara Road are prominent residential areas that see vehicular traffic due to their connectivity to the Coastal Road

Earlier facelifts

The BMC had earlier given a heritage facelift to several arterial roads in South Mumbai, including Fashion Street, the Gateway of India precinct, and Kala Ghoda.

The plans include building an integrated station complex over the coming years in the east for Bandra Terminus station with more platforms, shifting the maintenance facilities, undertaking more capacity augmentation and building more infrastructure.

“The moment the demolition drive is complete, we shall secure the entire land and begin our passenger amenities as well as capacity augmentation project works. The idea is to convert the place into an integrated station complex, build related infra and shift the maintenance facilities,” WR Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said, adding that the court directives are very clear about vacating and securing the land.

Garib Nagar residents look on as their homes and establishments are demolished on Tuesday. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

“At present, 22 mail/express trains originate and terminate at Bandra Terminus. These will be increased by 50 per cent over the coming years. Overall, there is a plan to add 50 new originating express trains from the Mumbai region of WR,” he added. WR’s major safety-driven encroachment removal operation at Garib Nagar was conducted after due legal process extending over several years.

Garib Nagar residents look on as their homes and establishments are demolished on Tuesday. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Western Railway says...

The matter is not sudden or arbitrary. Proceedings under the Public Premises Act were initiated before 2017, and eviction orders were passed on November 27, 2017.

The issue has undergone extensive judicial scrutiny over nearly nine years, including proceedings before the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court.

Police personnel maintain law and order amid the massive anti-encroachment drive. PICS/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

The latest orders of the Bombay High Court dated April 29, subsequently upheld in further proceedings as well as before the Supreme Court, have permitted the removal of unauthorised encroachments, while protecting identified eligible structures.

WR is fully complying with judicial directions. Structures identified for protection through the joint survey process are not being disturbed.

The action is being undertaken primarily in the railway safety zone adjacent to active railway tracks, where unauthorised habitation poses serious risks to human life and train operations.

This railway area stretch is operationally critical to augment rail capacity. Removal of encroachments is essential for railway safety, operational flexibility, and future infrastructure expansion, including additional train services.

The proposed works are linked to the enhancement of carrying capacity on one of the busiest rail corridors in the country and will facilitate the introduction of additional long-distance train services for passengers across India.

Railway land cannot remain perpetually encroached, be it anywhere, and more so in safety-sensitive operational areas. The railway administration is acting strictly within the framework of law and court directions.

The operation is being carried out by the civil administration, police, and railway security agencies to ensure maintenance of law and order, and humane execution of the drive.

22
No of mail  trains that originate/terminate at Bandra Terminus

Mumbai’s air quality remains satisfactory

The city’s air quality remained in the `satisfactory` category on Wednesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 56, according to the Central Pollution Control Board’s Sameer App. 

While the air quality is considered satisfactory, it may cause minor breathing discomfort among sensitive individuals.

Deonar records highest AQI in city

Among key locations in Mumbai, Deonar recorded the highest AQI at 83, followed by Andheri East at 74 and Ghatkopar at 64. Bandra Kurla Complex registered an AQI of 62, while Byculla stood at 60. Borivali East recorded 53, and Chembur reported the lowest AQI in the city at 42.

AQI remains moderate across MMR region

In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Kalyan recorded an AQI of 100, placing it at the upper end of the satisfactory category, while Thane reported 72 and Navi Mumbai registered 69.

Humid conditions expected to continue

Weather officials indicated that humid conditions are likely to persist across Mumbai and surrounding regions through the day.

Maharashtra weather alert: Humid conditions prevail across coastal Maharashtra and Marathwada

Maharashtra continued to witness warm and humid weather conditions on Wednesday, with several regions recording above-normal minimum temperatures, according to the latest weather report issued at 8:30 am IST.

Nashik records highest maximum temperature

Nashik emerged as one of the hottest locations, recording a maximum temperature of 37.6 degrees Celsius on May 19, slightly above normal. Harnai also reported a high of 34.1 degrees Celsius, while Mumbai’s Colaba and Santacruz observatories recorded maximum temperatures of 33.2 degrees Celsius each.

Marathwada sees warmer nights

Among minimum temperatures, Parbhani recorded the highest at 30 degrees Celsius, which was 3.3 degrees above normal, followed by Beed at 28 degrees Celsius and Osmanabad at 27 degrees Celsius, both significantly above seasonal averages.

Humidity levels remain high in Mumbai, coastal belt

Mumbai remained humid, with relative humidity at 8:30 am recorded at 80 per cent in Colaba and 71 per cent in Santacruz. Mahabaleshwar recorded the highest morning humidity at 86 per cent, while Ratnagiri reported 78 per cent.

Mahabaleshwar, Jeur record cooler temperatures

Cooler conditions prevailed in hill station Mahabaleshwar, which recorded a minimum temperature of 18.4 degrees Celsius, while Jeur in Solapur district registered the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.

Humid weather likely to continue

Weather officials indicated continued humid conditions across coastal Maharashtra and warmer-than-normal nights in parts of Marathwada and central Maharashtra.

Devidas Lagade social worker, Guru Suryawanshi lawyer local resident and Anil Patil local activist

The agitation, held outside a Shiv Sena shakha in Turbhe Store, saw scores of citizens gathering with placards demanding the immediate relocation of the waste-related facilities. Protesters claimed the area was already burdened with severe pollution and health hazards.

Health concerns

Residents alleged that foul smell, smoke, and increasing air pollution from the dumping ground have made life miserable for nearby families. Protesters claimed several children and elderly citizens were suffering from breathing-related problems and repeated infections due to deteriorating environmental conditions.

A young resident of Turbhe Store, allegedly affected by pollution from the dumping ground

Advocate Guru Suryawanshi, a resident of Turbhe Store, said the issue was directly linked to public health. “We are not opposing development, but authorities cannot turn residential areas into dumping zones. Children are forced to inhale polluted air daily,” he said.

Civic assurance

Local activist Anil Patil warned that the agitation would intensify if authorities failed to respond positively. Residents said memorandums had already been submitted to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) demanding relocation of the dumping ground and cancellation or shifting of the proposed CBG project.

Meanwhile, NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde reportedly assured citizens that the civic body would examine the concerns raised by residents and take appropriate steps after reviewing the matter.

People Speak

Devidas Lagade, Social worker
alleged that residents had been raising complaints for years, but no concrete action had been taken. “The area already suffers because of pollution from the dumping ground. Now another waste processing project is being planned here,” he said.

Savita Lagade, Corporator
who participated in the protest along with several women residents, said families were facing difficulties due to the unbearable smell during evenings and nights.

Aboli Kulkarni, Corporator
questioned why citizens of one locality should repeatedly bear the environmental burden. “Every time a waste-related project comes up, it is pushed towards our area. Why should only Turbhe residents suffer while others enjoy clean surroundings?” she asked.

Thousands of flamingos wade through the shallow waters of the Talawe wetlands behind Nerul’s NRI Complex in Navi Mumbai

Playing by the book

A participative play reading at the venue. Pics COURTESY/QTP Entertainment

On the last Monday of every month QTP Entertainment sets the stage for participative play readings in an intimate setting. As participants step into the shoes of different characters, they bring famous texts to life, “This season, from April to June, focuses on plays adapted from books. We last read Robert Ick’s adaptation of 1984.”

Srishti Ray

Srishti Ray, associate producer, QTP revealed. In the coming week they are set to read Sujata Padmanabhan’s The Ghost of the Mountains adapted by Shaili Sathyu and Ritul Singh. Ray talks about the close-knit vibe of the space, “We wanted to do it informally — in a drawing room setting. So, anyone can walk in. All we request is that they RSVP beforehand at QTP.in.”

Young voices take the stage

Chaitanya Parab and Samyak Parashari. Pics courtesy/GRACE FOUNDATION

A festival of Rising Stars, Aarohi, returns today with its 24th edition at Ravindra Natya Mandir. It continues a long-standing tradition of showcasing emerging Indian classical musicians. Curated by Pancham Nishad and presented by GRACE Foundation, the festival will feature six young artists across two evenings. “It is a privilege to present Indian classical music on a stage that has consistently supported and celebrated India’s rich musical heritage,” said Chaitanya Parab. Flautist Samyak Parashari added, “Performing at Aarohi is an opportunity to connect listeners emotionally through the bansuri and contribute to keeping our classical traditions alive.”

Burgers, bourbon, barbecue

A view of the dining space

American food fans will have a field day at Phoenix Palladium. TAB-The American Buzz is the newest all-day dining space has opened at the Lower Parel address that promises American comfort food and craft cocktails. The menu features dishes like the Southwest Burrata Salad and Nashville Chicken Burger alongside Chevre pizzas and smoked meats.

NY-style pizza, Nashville Chicken Burger with fries. Pics courtesy/TAB

“TAB is about bringing the flavours of America to Mumbai with an emphasis on genuine community,” said founder Neha Pathan. Designed with graffiti walls and a New York-inspired aesthetic, the restaurant transitions seamlessly from lunch spot to evening lounge.

Just like the Japanese

A cocktail curation (right) participants roll the dice. Pics courtesy/Supa San

Roll the dice out for a new after-work plan. Supa San’s Nomikai Hours draws inspiration from Japan’s post-work culture, embedded in games and community. Offering 90 minutes of unlimited drinks accompanied by Janken games and power cards, this idea of happy hours could become Mumbai’s new after-work fix. “The experience is designed to feel spontaneous, and make an ordinary night memorable.” Sukul Kundan, director PCDR, ABNAH that owns the Japanese izakaya, told us.

The final statutory safety inspection of the 19.54-km corridor is expected to be completed later this month. “A government-appointed retired Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety official will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire Monorail corridor before granting the mandatory statutory clearance for passenger operations,” an official said.

Stalling and renewal

Monorail services have remained suspended since September 20 last year following repeated technical failures and multiple incidents. The MMRDA has completed procurement of all 10 new Made-in-India Monorail rakes and has also overhauled the existing fleet. The upgrade works included installation of communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling systems and refurbishment of older trains.

Metro integration

At present, Line 2B’s operational section phase 1 runs from Diamond Garden in Chembur to Mandale, Mankhurd. Preparatory works are now on at the Chembur station, which integrates with the Monorail at the MTNL junction, strengthening multimodal connectivity between the Metro and Monorail networks in the eastern suburbs.

Pathway at Mahalaxmi end

At Mahalaxmi, a pedestrian pathway is being built directly to the Jacob Circle junction. At the south end of the junction, the Aqua Line 3 Mahalaxmi station is located, and the Mahalaxmi suburban railway station is a few yards away.

An expert’s comment

Aditya Rane, Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP)
‘The restart of the Monorail is welcome, but the real issue is whether the system is finally being integrated into city’s larger public transport network. The Monorail suffered from poor interchange planning, isolated stations, weak first/last-mile access, and long headways. At its peak, daily ridership hovered around only 17,000 to 19,000 passengers — extremely low for a Rs 3000-crore urban mass transit investment. 

The upcoming interchange with Metro Line 2B and the skywalk connection toward Jacob Circle are important corrective steps. Global experience clearly shows that rapid transit systems succeed only when transfers and the last mile are seamless, intuitive, and physically integrated. 

The Monorail was originally envisioned as a feeder-distributor corridor connecting eastern suburbs with central Mumbai, but for years it functioned as a standalone line. Even today, its biggest challenge is that it does not directly serve the city’s strongest demand corridors like BKC, Lower Parel, Kurla interchange, or dense suburban rail catchments in a seamless manner. 

The corridor has often been criticised as a ‘technology-first’ project rather than a mobility-first project. However, the new integration with Metro 2B could improve the situation significantly. Recent low ridership on the newly opened Metro 2B section itself also shows the same lesson — connectivity matters more than infrastructure alone.

If the Monorail is now operated with reliable frequencies, proper maintenance, strong multimodal integration, unified ticketing, and better pedestrian access, it can still play a useful feeder role between Chembur, Wadala, Byculla, Mahalaxmi, and upcoming Metro corridors. 

Mumbai’s experience also offers a broader lesson for Indian cities: public transport projects should be evaluated not by novelty or engineering complexity, but by network integration, accessibility, frequency, and actual passenger utility.’

Passenger Voices

Harshad Joshi, commuter activist
‘It’s great that the only Monorail line in India is restarting. I hope that the focus will be on improving safety measures as there were fire incidents in the past’

Akbar Merchant, Metro Line 3 commuter
‘Metro 3 and the Monorail serve some of the most congested corridors well. Better integration at hubs like Chembur and Mahalaxmi can significantly improve connectivity. What’s missing is stronger marketing around time saving. Both systems have huge potential if integrated well’

Jitesh Utekar, commuter
’They should build a skywalk at MTNL junction, which will provide a direct and better access to Metro and Mono. Ideally, the Jacob Circle Monorail station should have been built 400-500m south of its present location to save money. Hopefully, this integration will boost Monorail ridership, and commuters from Chembur and Wadala will get direct access to Mahalaxmi and Mumbai Central without changing trains’

Khurshed Lawyer, commuter
‘There was definitely no need to waste money on a travelator between the Monorail and Metro stations. It was much more necessary to have extended the Monorail till Byculla station, where it would have guaranteed more footfall. The Metro and Monorail won’t benefit each other’

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has assured OBC community leaders of the government’s support. FILE PIC

OBC grievances

OBC leader Laxman Hake said promises have not been fulfilled. “Whether scholarships, hostels for students, budget allocations, or construction of buildings and infrastructure for community students and members, the government failed on all fronts,” he said.

The standoff

The Maratha-OBC conflict is likely to resurface in Maharashtra as both communities have expressed dissatisfaction with the state government. While OBC leaders have accused the government of neglecting their concerns, Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he will restart his agitation from May 30.

While the protest didn’t continue into Tuesday, baggage delays were still witnessed. Though many passengers got their luggage after waiting for one to four hours on Monday, some still hadn’t received them till noon the next day.

The message posted by Mahendra Chothani on X on Monday night and Air India’s reply, which came 13 minutes later

Thakkar’s son-in-law, Mahendra Chothani, who highlighted the incident on social media, stated that despite having landed around noon on Monday, the luggage was received at 3.30 pm on Tuesday. Chothani told mid-day, “We recently got the news that my father-in-law doesn’t have long to live as his body has grown weaker. When we informed him about this, he requested that we accompany him to his hometown for a pilgrimage.”

“My son and his wife had gone with him, and when they returned yesterday, they didn’t get their bags. My son tried to explain to the airport authorities that my father-in-law was ill and his medicines and reports were in the bags. Still, the latter said they couldn’t do anything as the strike had been called by a union and that it was a complicated matter,” he added.

No response

mid-day contacted Air India but didn’t receive a response by press time.  Information received from sources by this paper suggests that the airline had faced issues with the baggage-handling system as those who were participating in the strike were mainly loaders for the airline. 

The aftermath

The family went home, hoping that the senior citizen’s health wouldn’t deteriorate due to the situation. Chothani said, “I resorted to posting on X on Monday night because we weren’t getting any replies from the airline. Luckily, we eventually received the bags. We are now relieved.”

May 18
Day the cancer patient and his family landed in Mumbai

The issue

The signal on the road below the airport’s direct elevated corridor is located at the airport parking exit, enabling those who exit the airport to travel towards Marol or further ahead towards Andheri East and Powai.

The defunct signal before mid-day highlighted the issue. PICS/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR

However, the view of two working traffic lights was blocked by surrounding greenery in certain angles, and the only lights in clear view had been nonfunctional from the last week of April till the second week of May. This led to commuters claiming the area was becoming accident-prone.

Voices

Mohammad Tassuvar Shaik, autorickshaw driver
‘After weeks, I came to this area. When I saw that the vehicles were actually stopping here, and that the lights were working, it felt a lot more organised. Now that doesn’t mean that there aren’t people who won’t break the rules, but when the majority is following them, it is a good sign.’

Kamlesh Gupta, autorickshaw driver
‘It is very good that the lights have been repaired, and we are very happy that the traffic police have done their job to ensure roads are safe, but I hope that it has been repaired well enough to last through the monsoon. We can only hope that everyone will drive properly while having civic sense now.’

A woman who frequently uses the road, 
‘I work at the airport and often cross the road from the airport exit side to get an autorickshaw. Today, for the first time in weeks, I have been able to cross the road without having to manoeuvre around vehicles speeding past me.’

03
No of traffic signals along the stretch

Conservation work underway atop the weathered Victorian dome at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

The dome is hidden behind scaffolding, mid-day takes you behind the scaffolding where craftsmen are repairing weathered stone, cleaning decades of algae growth and restoring intricate Gothic detailing on the UNESCO World Heritage structure. The massive restoration exercise, being undertaken by CR with guidance from heritage experts, combines old-world craftsmanship with modern technology such as radar scans and drone surveys.

What is being restored?

>> Cracked and weathered dome stonework
>> Removal of algae and vegetation growth on exterior surfaces
>> Damaged ornamental carvings and detailing
>> Structural weak spots identified through radar scans
>> The five-tonne Statue of Progress atop the dome

Radar scans reveal hidden damage

A radar scan and drone survey carried out by Central Railway a few years ago detected structural issues inside the dome that were not visible to the naked eye. Officials said these weak spots were repaired earlier, but a larger conservation programme has now been launched to restore the structure comprehensively.

The iconic dome of CSMT undergoes repairs as part of an extensive heritage conservation exercise. Pic/ Rajendra Aklekar

As CSMT is a Grade I heritage building and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the work is being handled by specialised teams including conservation engineers, stone craftsmen, skilled labourers and site supervisors trained in heritage restoration.

The science behind the restoration

Cleaning the structure
>> High-pressure water jets are used to remove algae
>> Vegetation was carefully removed without damaging the stone surfaces
>> Stained glass window panes are protected during cleaning

Repairing damages
>> Cracks in weathered stone are being filled and strengthened
>> Decorative detailing recreated using papier-mache sculpting techniques

Restoring the Statue of Progress
Officials said papier-mache is being used. “Papier-mache is a process where shredded waste paper is mixed with an adhesive binder. The dried pulp has a hard finish, which allows sculpting intricately,” an official said.

CSMT at a glance

>> Formerly known as Victoria Terminus
>> Construction began in 1878
>> Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens
>> Built over a span of 10 years
>> UNESCO World Heritage Site status granted in 2004
>> Known for Gothic Revival architecture, gargoyles, spires and stone carvings of local wildlife

Expert agencies involved

According to railway officials, the restoration process involved consultations with:
>> Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
>> Central Building Research Institute
The agencies assessed the strength and stability of the 138-year-old structure before restoration began.

Spokespreson Speaks

Dr Swapnil Nila, chief spokesperson, Central Railway
‘The restoration is done internally by the Central Railway with the guidance of subject experts to restore each and every minute detail of the stone building’

Historians Speak

Deepak Rao, City historian
‘It is an iconic building and a structure that has witnessed Mumbai grow into a megacity. Conservation of the place is important. The CSMT restoration should become a model for conservation across the city’s historic infrastructure’

Bharat Gothoskar, City chronicler
‘The restoration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is not merely about preserving a historic building; it is about safeguarding one of Mumbai’s most powerful public symbols. The challenge is to balance conservation with the daily pressures of a living, heavily used railway station’

A Jaldi 3 with Nitin Dossa, executive chairman, Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), on the rise and what the harried Mumbaikar can do now.

Nitin Dossa, executive chairman, Western India Automobile Association (WIAA). File pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
 
We see a jump of Rs 4 per litre now. This will also have a snowball effect on essentials, all services...
Even if the war has temporarily stopped or eased, call it temporary or permanent, it is important to keep people first. As an immediate step, both the state and central governments must cut tax on petrol and pass on some relief to people/commuters. 

Certain austerity measures, most revolving around fuel, are proposed.
This is not to sound alarmist, but when a prime minister of a country tells people to adopt some fuel-saving measures, etc., maybe something big is going to happen. While car pooling is possible, it is good if people who know each other come together and set up car pooling. I recall that the WIAA had, under the leadership of businessman Ram Gandhi, started a car pooling initiative 40 years ago. The initiative told people to call in at a particular, dedicated number, and it would connect people going to roughly the same area at similar times.

Public transport can be an alternative...
The government, in parallel to increasing petrol prices, must make executive buses. This is a good time for the BEST bus services to have better frequency, maybe more routes. Let us see the big red step up as it has so often in the past in times of crisis.

Current cost in Mumbai

Petrol: Rs 107.59/litre
Diesel: Rs 94.08/litre
CNG: Rs 81/kg

Aries  
March 21 – April 20
Diminishing funds point to a chink in security somewhere. Maintain distance from some people.  
Cosmic tip: Continue making right decisions according to personal karma. 

Taurus
April 21 – May 20
Business/career make big strides up the ladder of success. There’s a temporary lull in work. 
Cosmic tip: Firmly say you aren’t interested in listening to gossip about anyone.

Gemini
May 21 – June 21
It’s only after giving up certain habits that you realise how much extra time there is now. Business/career is slowly getting rooted, becoming stronger as time goes by. 
Cosmic tip: Get enough sleep. 

Cancer 
June 22 – July 23
No matter how much someone may try to trip up some good news coming to you or tries to interfere; it’s no use at all. 
Cosmic tip: Don’t worry. You get what’s due.

Leo 
July 24 - Aug 23
Those in a relationship sometimes get tired of these unnecessary arguments, when there’s no need for that conversation.  Be careful about what you eat to avoid indigestion. 
Cosmic tip: Be aware of actions, not words. 

Virgo 
Aug 24 – Sept 23
Insecurity stepped before you for just a moment, then slithered away soundlessly. Expected fluctuations at work don’t touch you. 
Cosmic tip: Consider insights being shared by a wise person. 

Libra 
Sept 24 – Oct 22
Being good-naturedly tolerant with younger family members, doesn’t mean allowing them to forget their roots and ethics. 
Cosmic tip: Don’t give up. Live up to your own image.

Scorpio  
Oct 23 – Nov 22
Living life in a manner that’s admired by people is due to trying to incur positive karma. 
Cosmic tip: Guard your time like it is sacred. Anything else can come back except time. 

Sagittarius 
Nov 23 – Dec 22
Trying hard to get a project off to a good start seems to be delaying it even more, till there’s a message in person from someone who holds the reins. 
Cosmic tip: Don’t complicate a relationship.

Capricorn 
Dec 23 – Jan 20
Visiting your birthplace helps you find yourself again. Steer conversation away from a certain subject. 
Cosmic tip: Remember family didn’t make a decision. You did.

Aquarius 
Jan 21 – Feb 19
A celebration in the family brings near and dear ones closer, figuratively and in person. You are safely anchored in a karmic relationship. 
Cosmic tip: Pursue an ambition till it is reached successfully.

Pisces 
Feb 20 – March 20
Stay away from a legal case that is a waste of time, money and energy. Carefully laid out plans get a fuse at the last minute. 
Cosmic tip: Keep yourself under the radar at work. 

Mid-day spoke with Garib Nagar residents who are directly affected by the demolition.

A local stated, "I have been living here since 1981, I have grown old in this locality and now I am seeing this day."

Speaking to mid-day residents shared their painful ordeal of being affected with the massive demolition drive. They showed emotional scenes, speaking about the difficulties faced by families who fear losing their homes and belongings.

Residents worried about their future

Some Garib Nagar residents claimed they had been living in the area for several years and were worried about their future after the demolition exercise.

"There are school and college going girls and boy. There are senior citizens residing here and their future is now at stake," an another resident told mid-day.

 

 

 

 

 

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Local residents said the demolition has disrupted daily life, affecting children, elderly people and workers living in the settlement.

Large-scale demolition

A massive demolition drive began on Tuesday based on the directives issued by the Bombay High Court.

Western Railway authorities launched the operation to clear unauthorised structures from railway land as part of a major infrastructure expansion and redevelopment project. Officials said the drive will continue over the next four days.

Visuals from the site showed heavy police deployment, demolition machinery, and debris removal operations as teams continued clearing structures in the densely populated settlement area.

Residents alledge lack of notice

Residents of Garib Nagar near Bandra East railway station expressed anger, helplessness and betrayal on Tuesday as a large-scale demolition drive continued in the slum area adjoining railway land.

Late actor and ex-MP Sunil Dutt stood by us

“Today if Sunil Dutt was here, no one would have been able to touch or move us from here,” one resident said during the operation, adding that he has been living in Garib Nagar since 1981.

We were safe only because we voted for Sunil Dutt: Garib Nagar resident shares his ordeal amidst Western Railway`s demolition.#Bandra #bandraslum #garibnagar #westernrailway #mumbai #mumbainews pic.twitter.com/csTykLBcqN

— Mid Day (@mid_day) May 19, 2026

Residents question political promises

Another resident claimed that no notice was received before the demolition began and questioned the lack of surveys before the action.

The new phase of the project is expected to begin later this month and will introduce advanced video analytics into the city’s security network.

Features will include facial recognition, speed detection, traffic monitoring and behavioural analysis.

Mumbai Police have already installed more than 10,000 CCTV cameras across the city in earlier phases of the Mumbai City Surveillance Project. Officials said the upcoming expansion will significantly strengthen the city’s real-time monitoring and public safety systems.

The project is being carried out by a consortium comprising GVPR Engineers Limited, Secutech Automation and CMS Computers.

Upgraded surveillance network

According to officials, the upgraded surveillance network will improve coordination between law enforcement agencies and assist authorities in daily operations such as traffic regulation, incident response and urban monitoring.

Camera feeds will be integrated into a unified operational system to allow faster response and better management of security situations across Mumbai.

Officials added that the enhanced system will also support disaster response efforts, civic administration and traffic management in one of India’s most densely populated cities.

The Maharashtra government has approved Rs 2,140 crore for phase three of the surveillance project, with the main contract awarded to GVPR Engineers.

Diesel boats at Gateway of India to go electric: Rane

In a major green initiative, the Maharashtra government will gradually convert diesel-powered boats operating at the iconic Gateway of India into electric vessels, state Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane said on Tuesday, reported the PTI.

Partnering with Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank to fund the conversion project, the government will prioritise 25 beneficiaries in the initial phase and aim to modernise the traditional fleet of the Koli community.

"Currently, 97 licensed wooden boats operate in the Gateway of India area and boat owners spend up to Rs 1 lakh per month on diesel. There is a need to implement a special scheme to convert passenger and fishing boats into electric boats to promote eco-friendly tourism and reduce the expenses of boat owners," Rane said during a meeting with the bank`s chairman and BJP MLC Pravin Darekar, news agency reported.

The strike has been announced by wholesale and retail medicine traders across the country in support of their pending demands.

According to the FDA, all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure that citizens continue to receive medicines without disruption during the bandh.

V T Jadhav, Joint Commissioner (Drugs), FDA Maharashtra headquarters, said the administration has coordinated with chemists, hospital-linked pharmacies and 24-hour medical stores across the state.

Instructions have also been issued to maintain adequate stock of essential medicines.

Coordination with district authorities

Under the directions of FDA Commissioner, district-level coordination has been strengthened with collectors, police departments, district surgeons, health officers, the Indian Medical Association, private hospitals and semi-government healthcare institutions.

Officials said efforts are being made to ensure that essential medicine shops remain operational at village and taluka levels.

Public asked not to believe rumours

The administration has appealed to citizens not to panic or believe rumours regarding medicine shortages.

The FDA stated that emergency support systems have been activated across Maharashtra to handle any urgent requirement related to medicines during the strike.

Control rooms have been established at district FDA offices to assist citizens facing difficulties in obtaining medicines.

In emergency situations, the Maharashtra FDA headquarters can also be contacted for support in arranging essential medicines.

Citizens can contact the FDA control room on mobile number 9890293253 for urgent assistance.

He replaces Shridhar Dube Patil, who has now been transferred as the Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Mundhe is widely known for his strict administrative approach and tough decision-making style. Over the years, he has served in several important government departments and civic bodies, including the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Nagpur Municipal Corporation.

His tenure in previous postings has often been marked by strong action against irregularities, corruption and violations of rules.

His appointment has already sparked discussion in administrative and political circles across Maharashtra.

Key challenges

Officials in the FDA department believe Mundhe’s appointment comes at an important time for the state.

Maharashtra has recently witnessed growing concerns over drug regulation, counterfeit medicines and food safety enforcement. Sources said the government expects tighter monitoring and stricter implementation of regulations under Mundhe’s leadership.

The FDA is responsible for monitoring the quality and sale of medicines, food products and healthcare-related services across the state.

Dube Patil shifted to SRA

Outgoing FDA Commissioner Shridhar Dube Patil has now been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The SRA plays a major role in redevelopment projects across Mumbai and nearby regions, especially large-scale slum rehabilitation and housing projects.

Officials said Dube Patil handled several important monitoring drives and regulatory actions during his tenure at the FDA.

The reshuffle is being viewed as part of the government’s effort to strengthen governance and improve regulatory enforcement in key departments.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has activated district-level emergency control rooms and coordinated with hospitals and 24x7 pharmacies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of life-saving medicines.

Chemists and wholesalers from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad are expected to gather at Azad Maidan to press for their demands against online medicine platforms and alleged regulatory disparity between retail chemists and e-pharmacies.

FDA Commissioner Shridhar Dube Patil said the administration has held meetings with chemists’ associations and FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal ahead of the protest.

“We are fully prepared to handle any emergency situation during the strike. Emergency contact numbers have been activated in all districts across Maharashtra, and officials have been instructed to remain on alert,” Patil said.

Chemists’ concerns

Sunil Chajjed, general secretary of the Navi Mumbai Retail Chemists and Wholesalers Association, said the protest revolves around three major concerns raised repeatedly by chemists across the country.

“The first demand is complete closure of illegal online medicine sales. Secondly, online platforms are offering discounts of 30 to 40 per cent, which is badly affecting retail chemists. FDA has capped discounts for us at around 16 to 20 per cent, then why are online companies getting away with such practices?” Chajjed questioned.

He further alleged that several online platforms are supplying medicines without valid prescriptions. “Sleeping pills, habit-forming medicines and even MT pills are allegedly being sold without proper prescriptions online. Youngsters are increasingly consuming sleeping pills. If we retail chemists sell medicines without a prescription, our licence can be suspended and strict action is taken against us. Then why different rules for online platforms?” he asked.

Chajjed added that chemists are not against competition, but want a “fair and regulated system.”

“We are ready to compete with anyone, but the competition should be genuine and legal,” he said, warning that the agitation may continue in the future if demands are ignored.

Emergency support

Despite the bandh, chemists’ associations have claimed that emergency healthcare services will not be disrupted.

“We have instructed all association members to conduct the protest peacefully without causing inconvenience to citizens. Our members have also been asked to remain available during emergencies and cooperate with the police, FDA, and the public,” Chajjed said.

A representative from Millennium Medical Stores said, “We are symbolically participating in the strike, but we are attached to Millennium Hospital, so we will remain operational for emergency requirements.”

“We don’t want patients to suffer. Emergency medicine support will continue wherever necessary,” Chajjed said.

‘Stock up on essentials’

An Apple Chemist outlet in Navi Mumbai. PIC/ABHITASH SINGH

At several medical stores across Navi Mumbai, pharmacists said they had informed regular customers in advance to stock up on routine medicines. However, emergency dispensing facilities will remain available in select locations.

Champat Jat, associated with Apple Chemist outlet in Navi Mumbai, said, “Patients who require regular BP, diabetes or heart medicines should avoid waiting till the last minute. Though emergency services will continue, it is always safer to keep essential medicines in hand.”

Shravan Jat from Apple Chemist echoed this, saying, “Senior citizens and patients undergoing ongoing treatment should remain cautious. We are trying to assist customers while also supporting the bandh.”

FDA emergency control room numbers

- Zone 1 South Mumbai, Colaba to Byculla — Ajay Mahale: 9323690325

- Zone 2 Mahalaxmi to Wadala, Sewri — Hemant Aade: 9869333651

- Zone 3 Kurla East, Ghatkopar, Chembur, Govandi, Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar — PR Rawat: 8007877854

- Zone 4 Bandra East & West, Vikhroli to Mulund, Sakinaka, Chandivli, Powai — Sheetal Deshmukh: 9404993598

- Zone 5 Khar, Santacruz, Vile Parle, Juhu, Andheri — Poonam Salunkhekar: 8108192001

- Zone 6 Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Malad —Rakesh Edulwar: 9619270766

- Zone 7 Kandivli, Borivli, Dahisar — Aarti Kamble: 9323459896

In case of an emergency…

- Contact the nearest FDA emergency control room

- Reach out to nearby hospitals with in-house pharmacies

- Visit designated 24x7 pharmacies operating during the bandh

- Carry valid prescriptions for critical medicines

- Avoid panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling

- Senior citizens and patients with chronic illnesses should keep essential medicines in advance

The two depots together cover 11.58 acres of land.

According to a proposal set to be discussed by the BEST undertaking, temporary arrangements are being planned as the construction of permanent replacement depots is expected to take up to seven years.

The proposal is still awaiting approval from the BEST Committee and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Temporary bus depot planned

As part of the interim arrangement, a temporary depot will be built on 6.17 acres of the existing land. The temporary facility will be able to accommodate 145 buses.

However, the current Dharavi and Kalakilla depots together hold 288 buses, creating a shortage of parking space for the remaining vehicles.

BEST officials are still working on alternative arrangements for the remaining buses.

The proposal states that the remaining 5.41 acres of land will only be handed over to the redevelopment project once the permanent depots are completed and operational.

According to BEST officials, two new permanent multi-storey depots will be constructed under the redevelopment plan.

Depot 1, spread across 8,602 square metres, will have the capacity to park up to 275 buses. Depot 2, built on 10,544 square metres, will also accommodate up to 275 buses.

Commercial spaces are expected to be developed on the upper floors of both buildings.

Penalty clause for delays

Officials said that once the permanent depots become operational, the temporary depot site will be fully handed over by BEST to the Dharavi redevelopment project and the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA).

The agreement also includes a penalty clause for delays. If the developer fails to complete the project within the agreed timeline, penalties will be imposed as per the Development Agreement (DA) signed in June 2024.

Major step in Dharavi redevelopment

The proposed transfer marks another important step in the large-scale Dharavi redevelopment project, which aims to transform one of Asia’s largest informal settlements through new housing, infrastructure and commercial development.

While officials maintain the drive is aimed at removing unauthorised structures affecting railway safety and infrastructure, residents insist the issue is no longer just about encroachments, but about rehabilitation, legitimacy, and survival.

‘Why were we given electricity?’

As demolition teams continued operations, residents repeatedly pointed to electricity meters, water connections, and official address documents as evidence that authorities had recognised the settlement for years.

“If this place was illegal, then why were we given electricity connections less than a year ago? Why were we given water supply and government documents carrying our addresses?” questioned Bannu Abdul Hamid Sheikh, 55.

Bannu and Aaliya

She also claimed railway authorities had earlier permitted them to reside there and facilitated utility access over time.

Many alleged that some households had recently received electricity meters, while others were still awaiting promised connections when demolition notices suddenly arrived.

“This is absolutely wrong, they cannot just wake up after years and take everything without proper prior notice,” said Mohammed Shafi Sheikh, 62, adding, “Kids are all over the place and being injured by debris, while the elderly have nowhere to sit in this scorching heat. What will we do during the monsoon?” he added.

‘We made this place liveable’

Several families said the settlement was once marshland and dumping ground, transformed through years of labour by the people now facing eviction.

"This used to be jungle, `gobar` and `daldal`," said another resident Naazma.

“We worked hard to make it liveable. Now that the land has value, they are removing us,” Bannu Abdul Hamid Sheikh added.

For many, Garib Nagar is not temporary shelter but a place where generations have grown up.

“I was born here, got married here, and had children here. Now suddenly we are being called Bangladeshis,” said Aaliya Sheikh, 55, another resident of Garib Nagar.

They also accused BJP leader and former MP Kirit Somaiya of targeting the locality through repeated visits and making allegations about them being Bangladeshis.

बांगलादेशी मुक्त बांद्रा टर्मिनस
700 अनधिकृत झोपड्या/बांधकामाचे तोडकाम सुरू
मी प्रत्यक्ष जागेवर जाऊन पाहणी केली pic.twitter.com/ys2ruJ2XJ0

— Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) May 19, 2026

"That Somaiya came here and everything changed for us," said Bannu.

Rental crisis adds to panic

Beyond the demolition itself, residents say the immediate challenge is finding affordable housing in Mumbai`s expensive rental market.

"We barely earn enough to survive. How can the poor suddenly arrange Rs 1-lakh deposit and rent worth Rs 25,000 rent?" questioned 34-year-old Farzana Khan.

Several families claimed they were informed about the demolition barely a week in advance, leaving little time to shift belongings or secure accommodation.

As evening approached, many said they planned to remain near the demolished structures themselves.

"We will sit here only. At night, we will tie cloth sheets and stay under them. Where else can we go with our little kids?" said Shehnaaz Sheikh.

"The night we got hope, my husband died"

Standing amid debris and packed belongings, Naazparmin Javed Khureshi claimed that her family had once been promised rehabilitation.

“Two years ago, when 62 houses were approved, one of them was in my husband’s name. That night, he went to sleep at 2 am after hearing the news. When I checked on him at 4 am, he had died of a heart attack as he was overwhelmed with happiness that we were finally going to get a house,” she revealed.

Naazparmin Khureshi(right)

According to Naazparmin, despite the approval and repeated surveys by civic authorities over the years, the promised house never materialised.

Around her, families scrambled to salvage utensils, mattresses, and documents as demolition teams continued operations in the locality.

Even "protected" residents remain fearful

Authorities have reportedly identified around 140 structures eligible for rehabilitation protection.

However, uncertainty persists even among those residents.

Families claim electricity supply has been disconnected in several protected structures as well, creating fears that further demolitions could destabilise the entire locality.

Protected against demolition but no electricity

"If neighbouring houses are demolished, our homes will also get damaged" one resident said, adding, "Without electricity and basic services, how do we live here? Moreover, there is no guarantee till when we will get our promised houses."

Did Supreme Court issue a stay order?

Tension escalated further after residents claimed that a Supreme Court stay order had been issued around noon during the demolition process.

According to locals, some residents showed digital copies of the alleged order to officials on site.

However, they claimed authorities demanded original documents before halting any action.

Despite the claims, demolition activity reportedly continued in parts of the locality.

"Give us another place first, then we will demolish our houses ourselves"

Amid the chaos, residents insist they are not resisting redevelopment itself, but are demanding clarity and rehabilitation before eviction.

"Even if you want to demolish our homes, first give us another place," Naazma said. "If we get homes, we ourselves will break these houses and leave."

According to an official statement, the block had been planned to carry out preparatory overhead equipment (OHE) work related to the removal of infringement along the route.

It said that the block was intended to facilitate essential maintenance and infrastructure work on the section. However, the plan has now been withdrawn, and no disruption will take place during the mentioned period.

No impact on train services

With the cancellation of the block, train operations on the Igatpuri-Khardi section will continue as normal. Passengers will not face any changes or interruptions in services on this route during the earlier proposed dates.

Central Railway has requested passengers to take note of the cancellation and assured that there will be no special traffic or power blocks during the stated period.

CR moves to take over CIDCO-run Navi Mumbai stations

Meanwhile, following mounting complaints over the poor condition of Navi Mumbai railway stations maintained by CIDCO, the Central Railway on Friday sought complete handover of all stations under the civic body, along with their revenue models, promising full maintenance and upkeep. The proposal was discussed at a meeting on Friday, with officials indicating the transfer could be completed within six months.

Will take complete responsibility: Spokesperson

‘We will take complete responsibility, but CIDCO needs to vacate and hand over the entire premise to us. It cannot be that railways maintain the station, and the revenue is taken by CIDCO. The Navi Mumbai stations are getting revenue only because of the presence of the railways. The real estate value of the place has only gone up because of the presence of railways. CIDCO also takes a surcharge from railway passengers’
A railway spokesperson

Years of the blame game

Passengers have faced hardship for years due to poor coordination between CIDCO and the railway administration, with both agencies allegedly shifting responsibility over station maintenance and repairs.

“After positive discussions in this meeting, the railway administration has agreed to accept the transfer of all the stations under CIDCO jurisdiction to the Railways, carry out pre-monsoon works, and carry out daily works in the next six months,” Mhaske said.

According to civic officials, the decision follows a meeting held on April 23 between the water supply authorities and the water resources department. The move is part of a broader strategy to manage water resources efficiently until August 31, considering the current water deficit in the Andhra and Barvi dams and forecasts of lower-than-normal rainfall in the upcoming monsoon season.

As part of the works, upgradation, urgent maintenance, and repair operations will be carried out on Barvi Gravity Pipelines No 1, 2, and 3 at the reservoir located within the Jambhul Water Treatment Plant.

Areas impacted due to water cut

The MIDC supplies water to the Mumbra, Diva, Kalwa, Majiwada-Manpada, and parts of the Wagle ward committee areas under the TMC jurisdiction.

The 24-hour complete water shutdown will affect the following areas across the Thane district:

• All areas under Diva and Kalwa Ward Committees (except certain parts of wards 26 and 31 in Mumbra)
• Rupadevi Pada, Kisannagar No 2, and Nehru Nagar in the Wagle Ward Committee
• Kolshet Khalcha Gaon in the Manpada Ward Committee

Officials from TMC cautioned that after the water supply resumes, the pressure will remain low for the next one to two days, which may impact regular supply schedules.

The civic body has also appealed to residents in the affected areas to store sufficient water in advance and use it sparingly during the shutdown period to avoid inconvenience.

Last month, TMC announced a 24-hour water cut in several parts of the city due to urgent maintenance and pipeline upgradation works under the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation MIDC water supply scheme.

It had, accordingly, implemented a water cut across Thane from 12 pm on April 23 for a 24-hour period.

In a press conference at Tilak Bhavan in Mumbai, Sawant claimed that several students who had scored very low marks in Class 10 and Class 12 examinations had secured exceptionally high percentile scores in MH-CET, including 100 percentile in some cases.

He demanded a high-level inquiry into the examination process and strict action against those found responsible.

Sawant alleged that at least 22 students who had secured barely 35 to 40 per cent marks in board examinations later achieved extremely high scores in MH-CET.

According to Sawant, one student who had scored only 37 per cent in Class 10 allegedly secured 99.971 percentile in MH-CET. He further claimed that some students with around 45 to 51 per cent marks in board examinations obtained 100 percentile scores in the entrance test.

The Congress leader also pointed to discrepancies among top-ranked candidates in the mathematics section. He claimed that several students who secured 100 percentile in CET mathematics had comparatively low scores in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) mathematics examinations.

Demand for clarification from govt

Sawant questioned how such large differences in academic performance were possible and sought an explanation from Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.

He also demanded clarity on who controls the MH-CET examination system and raised questions regarding the role of certain officials allegedly associated with the examination process.

Comparison with NEET paper leak case

Referring to the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak, Sawant said examination-related scams were creating anxiety among students and parents across the country.

He criticised the rise in alleged examination irregularities and said competitive examinations play a decisive role in shaping students’ futures.

Sawant further alleged that the same officials have been working in the MH-CET examination cell for several years without transfers and called for a detailed investigation into the functioning of the system.

MH-CET cell yet to respond

Sawant said he had previously raised the issue on social media platform X, following which the MH-CET examination cell reportedly claimed that the circulated list of students was unclear.

He stated that student identities had intentionally been hidden while sharing the data publicly and said he would submit another letter along with supporting documents to the MH-CET authorities seeking clarification.

No official response from the state government or MH-CET authorities had been issued at the time of reporting.

Speaking at a meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai, CM Fadnavis said the state government has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four major companies for nuclear energy generation projects.

The agreements are expected to bring total investments of nearly Rs 6.5 lakh crore, generate 25,400 MW of power, and create around 1.23 lakh jobs across Maharashtra.

The companies that signed agreements with the Maharashtra government include NTPC Limited, Adani Power, Reliance Industries Limited, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited, an official statement said.

The meeting was attended by state Energy Minister Atul Save, senior officials from the energy department, and representatives of the participating companies.

Maharashtra to support clean energy projects

CM Fadnavis said Maharashtra has significant opportunities in clean energy generation and that nuclear power will play an important role in achieving India’s target of reducing carbon emissions.

“Investment coming into the clean energy sector in Maharashtra will strengthen India’s journey towards becoming an energy-rich nation,” the chief minister said.

He assured companies that the state government would extend full cooperation for project implementation and site surveys.

Adani Power will invest Rs 1.5 lakh crore in Maharashtra. The project is expected to generate 6,000 MW of power and create around 12,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Reliance Industries Limited plans to invest Rs 2 lakh crore, leading to power generation of 7,200 MW and creating more than one lakh jobs.

NTPC Limited will invest Rs 1 lakh crore in projects expected to generate 7,200 MW of electricity and provide around 5,000 jobs.

Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited will invest Rs 2 lakh crore, generating 5,000 MW of power and around 3,000 jobs.

Focus on zero carbon emissions

The chief minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of making India a zero-carbon emission and energy-secure nation, and Maharashtra intends to contribute strongly towards that goal.

He added that the investments would not only strengthen energy production but also boost employment opportunities and industrial growth in the state.