The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast light rain in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, while warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and isolated hail across several parts of Maharashtra. According to a bulletin issued at 12.59 pm, light rain is very likely in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar on Friday. Light rain or thundershowers are also expected in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. According to IMD Mumbai, the maximum temperature recorded on Friday was 32.2 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 32.8 degrees Celsius at Santacruz, with no rainfall reported at either station. Meanwhile, more intense weather activity has been predicted in other regions of the state. In north Maharashtra, Dhule and Nandurbar are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds reaching 50–60 kilometre per hour (kmph) and hail at isolated places. Similar conditions, though with slightly lower wind speeds of 30–60 kmph, are expected in Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Solapur, along with light to moderate rainfall in some areas. Across the Marathwada region, including Beed, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, Latur, and Dharashiv, thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds of up to 50–60 kmph and isolated hail have been forecast. In Vidarbha, districts such as Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal are expected to experience thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds of 30–50 kmph at isolated places. IMD flags lightning, wind damage risks, issues safety, and farm advisories IMD has indicated that weather conditions are likely to turn mainly dry across most districts from Sunday onwards. The department has warned of possible impacts, including cloud-to-ground lightning, falling of weak trees or structures due to strong winds, localised power disruptions, and damage to standing crops, plantations, and horticulture due to hail and gusty winds. Minor damage to kutcha houses is also possible. IMD has appealed to residents to avoid open fields during thunderstorms, refrain from taking shelter under trees, unplug electrical appliances, and stay away from water bodies and conductive objects. Farmers have been urged to harvest matured crops at the earliest and store them safely, provide support to young plants, avoid irrigation and spraying, and ensure proper drainage in fields. Livestock should be kept indoors during adverse weather conditions, the weather bureau said. The ongoing spell of pre-monsoon activity is expected to bring some relief from rising temperatures in parts of the state.
03 April,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGovernment employees in Maharashtra's Konkan division will undergo training in areas like AI, data analytics, blockchain and communication skills to enhance their efficiency and adaptability in governance, officials have said, reported news agency PTI. The training sessions will be held as part of a weeklong programme being implemented in association with the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat, a release said on Thursday, reported PTI. The initiative, jointly organised by the Government of India and the Maharashtra government, aims to bring dynamism in administrative functioning and connect government employees with modern technologies, it added. Maharashtra govt transfers 25 IAS officers Meanwhile, in a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Maharashtra Government on Thursday transferred 25 IAS officers including several municipal commissioners and district collectors. Municipal Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar G Sreekanth was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Jal Jeevan Mission in Navi Mumbai, while district collector Deelip Swami was posted as Managing Director of Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation in Akola. Latur Collector Varsha Thakur Ghuge was appointed as Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Mumbai. Deepak Singla, currently Additional Commissioner in Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will take over as Commissioner of MGNREGS in Nagpur, while Kolhapur Municipal Commissioner K Manjulekshmi has been posted as Additional Municipal Commissioner, PMRDA. Project Director RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) Rajendra Bharud was appointed as Kolhapur Municipal Commissioner, while Animal Husbandry Commissioner Pravinkumar Deore was posted as Collector of Buldhana. Bharat Bastewad, Commissioner of MGNREGS, Nagpur, was transferred as Collector of Latur, and Varsha Ladda of Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research, Pune was appointed as Municipal Commissioner of Amravati. Kolhapur Collector Amol Yedge was posted as Municipal Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, while Vijay Rathod, joint CEO, MIDC, was appointed Collector of Kolhapur. Chandrapur Collector Vinay Gowda G C was transferred as Collector of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Buldhana collector Kiran Patil was posted as Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, Pune. Solapur Collector Kumar Ashirwad was transferred as Collector of Nagpur, while Vasumana Pant was posted as Collector of Chandrapur. Gondia collector Prajit Nair was appointed Additional Municipal Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, while CEO of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Zilla Parishad Ankit was posted as Additional Municipal Commissioner of Nagpur. CEO of Kolhapur Zilla Parishad Karthikeyan S was appointed Collector of Solapur, and Amravati Zilla Parishad CEO Sanjita Mohapatra will serve as Municipal Commissioner of Sangli Miraj Kupwad City Municipal Corporation. CEO of Jalna Zilla Parishad Minnu P M was posted as Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, while Sangli Miraj Kupwad commissioner Satyam Gandhi was appointed CEO of Zilla Parishad, Amravati. Jasmine, Assistant Collector of Rajapur sub division was posted as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Kolhapur, and Anjali Sharma was appointed Municipal Commissioner of Jalna. Krishnakant Kanwaria, assistant collector Shahada sub division, Nandurbar has been posted as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Jalna. (With inputs from PTI)
03 April,2026 07:52 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra’s largest auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2,500, will be constructed in Thane’s Ghodbunder-Waghbil area, state Transport Minister and Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik announced on Friday. The project, named Tirtharupa Nirupankar Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Natyagriha, has received state government approval with a budget allocation of Rs 138 crore and is expected to be completed within three years. Massive Capacity and Modern Design Features According to Sarnaik, the auditorium will have a total seating capacity of 2,500, including 1,600 seats in the main hall and 450 seats in each of the two balconies. A dedicated section of 12 seats will be reserved for persons with disabilities. The facility will also include separate lifts and specialised sanitation infrastructure to ensure accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Larger Stage Than Iconic City Theatre The auditorium’s stage will be designed to be 12 metres taller than that of Gadkari Rangayatan, one of Thane’s well-known cultural venues. This enhanced stage height is expected to support large-scale theatrical productions and complex stage setups. Officials believe the advanced infrastructure will position the venue as a premier destination for cultural performances and events in the state. Open Plaza to Host Cultural Activities The project will be developed over an area of 7,300 square metres, with nearly 60 per cent of the space kept open. Plans include a 2,000-square-metre plaza capable of accommodating around 2,000 people. This open space will be used for public events such as live performances, street plays and cultural programmes, adding a community-oriented dimension to the project. Parking and Revenue Facilities Planned To support large crowds, the auditorium complex will feature a three-storey parking facility with space for 650 cars and 300 two-wheelers. Additionally, two large banquet halls, each with a capacity of 1,000 people, will be constructed to generate revenue and support events such as conferences and social functions. Consultation with Theatre Community Sarnaik said that before the commencement of construction, the government will hold consultations with theatre producers, directors and artists to incorporate professional inputs into the project’s design and functionality. Boost to Cultural Infrastructure in Thane The proposed auditorium is expected to significantly enhance Thane’s cultural infrastructure, providing a modern platform for performing arts and large-scale events. Authorities believe the project will not only benefit artists and organisers but also contribute to the city’s cultural and economic growth.
03 April,2026 07:26 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination on April 6 for the upcoming by-election to the Baramati Assembly constituency in Pune district, according to party sources, reported news agency PTI. The bypoll is scheduled to be held on April 23 and has drawn significant political attention due to its high-profile nature. Bypoll Triggered by Ajit Pawar’s Death The by-election was necessitated following the death of senior leader Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati and was an eight-time MLA from the constituency. He passed away in a plane crash earlier this year, creating a vacancy in the Assembly seat. Sunetra Pawar, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, has been chosen as the party’s candidate for the crucial contest. Nomination to Follow Public Meeting Sources indicated that Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination papers after addressing a public meeting in Baramati. The event is expected to be attended by senior leaders, signalling the importance of the seat for the ruling alliance, reported PTI. Fadnavis and Shinde Likely to Be Present Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are expected to be present during the nomination process, underscoring the political significance of the by-election, reported PTI. Baramati Remains Key Political Stronghold Baramati has long been considered a stronghold of the Pawar family. In previous elections, Ajit Pawar secured the seat with large margins, including a victory by over 1.65 lakh votes in 2019 and more than one lakh votes in the 2024 Assembly election. The constituency continues to hold strategic importance in Maharashtra politics. Opposition Strategy Takes Shape While the faction led by Sharad Pawar has announced that it will not contest the bypoll, its ally, the Congress, has indicated that it will field a candidate to ensure a contest. This sets the stage for a politically significant electoral battle despite the absence of one major faction. Another Bypoll in Rahuri Constituency Alongside Baramati, the Rahuri Assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district will also go to polls on April 23. The by-election there was necessitated following the death of BJP legislator Shivaji Kardile. Focus on Leadership Continuity Sunetra Pawar, who recently assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister and was elected president of the Nationalist Congress Party, is expected to carry forward the political legacy in Baramati. The bypoll will be closely watched as it could influence the political dynamics in the region ahead of future electoral contests. (With inputs from PTI)
03 April,2026 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued property tax bills for the financial year 2026–27, making them accessible to taxpayers from April 1 via SMS along with a direct payment link. The initiative is intended to simplify the payment process and improve tax compliance across the city. Bills Issued Digitally and in Print Civic officials said taxpayers can access their property tax bills through a link shared via SMS, enabling them to view and pay their dues online. In addition to the digital rollout, printed copies of the bills are also being distributed. The corporation has also hosted the bills on its official website, allowing property owners to complete payments through multiple digital modes at their convenience. Rebates for Early Payment To encourage timely payments, the civic body has introduced a graded rebate structure. Taxpayers who clear their full property tax dues for FY 2026–27, including any arrears, within the stipulated period will be eligible for concessions on the general tax component for the second half of the year. A 10 per cent rebate will be offered for payments made on or before June 15, 2026. Those paying between June 16 and June 30 will receive a 4 per cent rebate, while payments made between July 1 and July 31 will attract a 3 per cent concession. A 2 per cent rebate will be applicable for payments made between August 1 and August 31, 2026. Officials clarified that these rebates will apply only to the general tax component of the second half-year. Multiple Payment Options Available Collection centres have been set up at all ward offices as well as at the Citizen Facilitation Centre at the municipal headquarters. These centres will operate on working days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Taxpayers can make payments using credit cards, debit cards, cheques, demand drafts, or cash at these centres. Digital payment options such as Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, and Paytm are also available. Additionally, payments can be made through a WhatsApp chatbot service introduced by the civic body. Civic Body Urges Timely Compliance Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao acknowledged citizens’ cooperation in the previous financial year and urged property owners to pay their dues within the prescribed timeline to support civic services and infrastructure development.
03 April,2026 06:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentConstruction on the 21-kilometre tunnel, part of India’s first bullet train corridor, has reached a key milestone, with five kilometres fully excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). With excavation now complete in this section, work has progressed to the next stages of tunnel development, focusing on structural strengthening and long-term durability. Inside the tunnel, a drainage system is being installed using a drainage casting gantry to ensure that seepage water is efficiently collected and channelled through a dedicated network. Waterproofing gantries are also being deployed to install specialised membranes, creating a protective barrier against water ingress. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train tunnel lining work advances as structural framework takes shape Reinforcement bar cages are being placed along the tunnel profile, forming the steel framework required for the final concrete lining. This is followed by the lining gantry, which casts the permanent concrete layer, providing structural strength and a smooth internal finish. In addition, dedicated equipment rooms are being constructed to house critical systems required for tunnel operations and maintenance. With work progressing steadily across stages, the underground stretch of India’s first bullet train project is moving closer to completion.
03 April,2026 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Kishori Pednekar, has moved a proposal to make the recitation of ‘Manache Shlok’ — composed by 17th-century saint Samarth Ramdas Swami — mandatory in all civic-run schools, according to an NDTV Marathi report. The notice of motion, tabled by the former mayor, seeks to introduce moral and value-based education through the daily chanting of these verses, traditionally regarded as guiding principles for mental discipline, ethics, and character building. Pednekar highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the shlokas, noting that Samarth Ramdas Swami was the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and that the verses had a formative influence on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar during his childhood. Manache Shlok is a collection of devotional and philosophical verses widely recited in Maharashtra for self-improvement and mental strength. Defending the proposal amid criticism, Pednekar said the move is aimed at positively shaping young minds and instilling discipline and values. She asserted that such teachings should not be viewed through a religious lens, adding that the concept of God is universal and not confined to any one faith. Heated debate expected in BMC meeting on April 9 However, the proposal has sparked controversy. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has strongly opposed the move, arguing that civic schools should prioritise constitutional education over religious or culturally specific content. The party has also raised concerns that introducing such practices in a diverse, multi-religious city like Mumbai could lead to divisions. The issue is expected to be discussed at the BMC general body meeting on April 9, where it is likely to trigger heated debates between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition parties. The development comes amid ongoing debates over civic education policies in Mumbai’s civic schools, which cater to students from varied social and religious backgrounds. The proposal has already generated discussion across political and educational circles.
03 April,2026 05:37 PM IST | MumbaiSocial activist Anjali Damania has released details of alleged call records linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, popularly referred to as “Bhondubaba,” triggering fresh political debate in Maharashtra. According to Damania, the Call Detail Records (CDR) indicate multiple interactions between Kharat and several political figures, even as most leaders have denied any association with him. The revelations come amid an ongoing probe into Kharat’s alleged network, which investigators believe may be extensive. Damania shared the details through a video posted on social media, stating that while such information often reaches investigative agencies, it is equally important for the public to be informed. Frequent Calls With Political Figures Among those named, Rupali Chakankar reportedly had the highest number of recorded interactions with Kharat. Damania claimed that Chakankar made a total of 177 calls, with conversations lasting over 33,000 seconds in total. Additionally, Chakankar’s sister, Pratibha Takad, is said to have made 236 calls to Kharat, indicating frequent contact within the same network. The data also mentions 17 calls linked to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to Damania, the longest of these conversations lasted approximately 21 minutes. Of the total, 10 calls were reportedly incoming, while seven were outgoing. Damania has called on Shinde to clarify the context of these interactions, stating that transparency is necessary given the nature of the ongoing investigation. Other Leaders Named in Call Records The CDR data also includes references to senior leaders such as Chandrakant Patil and Sunil Tatkare, both of whom allegedly had eight calls each with Kharat. However, Damania clarified that the records pertain only to standard phone calls, and no data related to WhatsApp or other messaging platforms is currently available. Family Contacts and Public Disclosure Damania noted that the highest volume of contact in the records was with individuals identified as family members or close associates, followed by interactions with Chakankar. She reiterated that while such data is routinely accessed by institutions, placing it in the public domain is essential for accountability. “People should know who was in touch with whom and how frequently,” she said. Court Sends Kharat to Police Custody in Second Rape Case In a significant legal development, a court in Nashik district has remanded Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in connection with a second rape case. The self-styled godman, a former merchant navy officer, was already lodged in Nashik Road Central Jail under 14-day judicial custody in a separate rape case. He was taken into SIT custody from the jail following the latest arrest. The case stems from allegations by a 35-year-old woman, who accused Kharat of sexually exploiting her multiple times since 2020 under the pretext of religious rituals. The complaint was registered at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik district on March 17.
03 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarThe Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) on Friday reiterated its concerns over alleged irregularities in recent state assembly elections, drawing parallels between voting patterns in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a press conference in Pune, party president Prakash Ambedkar cited data presented by economist Parakala Prabhakar to question the transparency of the electoral process. Late-Night Voting Figures Raise Questions Ambedkar referred to Prabhakar’s analysis of official notifications issued by the Election Commission of India, claiming that a significant portion of votes in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections were recorded well after standard polling hours. According to the figures cited, approximately 4.16 per cent of total votes were cast between 11:45 pm and 2 am, with nearly 52 lakh votes recorded between 8 pm and 2 am. Of these, over 17 lakh votes were reportedly cast after midnight alone. Ambedkar argued that such patterns were “unusual” and comparable to trends observed in Maharashtra during the 2024 Assembly elections. Maharashtra Turnout Spike Under Scrutiny The VBA leader pointed to what he described as a sharp increase in voter turnout in Maharashtra after the official close of polling. He noted that turnout stood at 58.22 per cent at 5 pm on polling day, but rose to 66.05 per cent in the final figures released later—an increase of 7.83 percentage points. Citing Election Commission data, Ambedkar said that between 5 pm and 11:30 pm on November 20, 2024, the total number of votes polled increased by nearly 66 lakh. He further claimed that an additional rise of close to 10 lakh votes was recorded just hours before counting began. In total, he alleged that over 75 lakh votes were added between the evening of polling day and the night before counting. Concerns Over Transparency and Data Disclosure Ambedkar also raised concerns about the non-availability of booth-level data, particularly Form 17C, which details votes polled at individual polling stations. He alleged that such data was not made publicly accessible in the Maharashtra elections, limiting independent verification. He argued that similarities in voting patterns and data gaps across states point to deeper issues in the electoral process, including questions about transparency and accountability. Call for Legal Intervention The VBA has already initiated legal proceedings over the matter. Party member Chetan Chandrakant Ahire has filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court, naming the Union government and the Election Commission among respondents. Ambedkar said he had also written to Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, urging the Congress to join what he described as a legal challenge to the election results. The correspondence, sent on two occasions in 2025, invited the party to intervene in the case pending before the Supreme Court of India. ‘Legal Fight Needed, Not Just Protests’ While opposition parties have staged protests over alleged irregularities, Ambedkar stressed that legal action is essential to address such concerns. He argued that courtroom scrutiny, rather than street mobilisation alone, would be more effective in examining discrepancies and ensuring electoral integrity. The VBA has maintained that early legal intervention could have prevented similar concerns from arising in subsequent elections. The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to the specific claims raised during the press conference.
03 April,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarWestern Railway (WR), while sharing Mumbai local train updates, announced a major traffic and maintenance block between key sections in Mumbai on April 4 and 5, 2026. An official statement said that a major block will be undertaken on the fifth line between Bandra Terminus and Bandra from 10 am on April 4 to 10 pm on April 5. The work is being carried out to augment Culvert No. 22. During this period, Level Crossing No. 18 between the two stations will remain closed for road traffic. Jumbo block between Mumbai Central and Mahim In addition, a jumbo block will be conducted between Mumbai Central and Mahim, the statement said. It said, this block will take place during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, from 12:15 am to 4:15 am. Impact on train operations During the jumbo block, all fast line trains will be diverted to slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate. The maintenance work will include track, signalling and overhead equipment upgrades. Advisory for commuters Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as changes in train operations and temporary disruptions are expected during the block period. WR witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend Meanwhile, Mumbai’s suburban railway network on the Western Railway is witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend: daily ridership remains below pre-Covid levels, yet revenue has not only recovered but surpassed earlier figures, largely driven by AC local trains. WR operates as many as 133 AC local trains on its suburban section. According to the latest data, WR’s general suburban services carried an average of 34.87 lakh passengers daily before Covid, generating about Rs 2.12 crore in daily revenue. In contrast, current figures show 29.52 lakh daily passengers, but higher earnings of Rs 2.39 crore per day. WR Mumbai Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Singh attributed the increase in earnings to a change in passenger mix, with more commuters opting for AC EMUs. 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals “In March 2026 alone, about 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals. There has been a noticeable rise in commuters opting for first-class and AC local services, which yield higher fares,” he said. Additionally, stricter enforcement against ticketless travel has improved compliance and contributed to higher collections. Another factor is changing post-pandemic travel behaviour. With hybrid work models still in place, the number of daily office commuters, once the backbone of suburban traffic, has not fully rebounded. At the same time, occasional and non-regular travellers are more likely to purchase single tickets instead of heavily subsidised monthly passes, improving per-passenger revenue.
03 April,2026 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by her elder son Parth, met senior party leader Praful Patel at his residence in New Delhi, a party spokesperson said on Friday, reported PTI. The meeting took place on Thursday night amid the speculations of controlling the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after the death of former party chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, the spokesperson added. Parth Pawar denounces speculation The meeting assumes significance as Parth Pawar on Thursday described reports targeting Praful Patel, NCP's working president, and Sunil Tatkare, the party’s Maharashtra unit chief, as "unfounded and speculative," the PTI reported. The reports had suggested that they tried to take over the party following the death of then Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. Parth's statement came amid speculation that Sunetra Pawar was upset with Patel and Tatkare. MLA Rohit Pawar highlights ECI letter NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar had claimed last week that Sunetra Pawar wrote to the Election Commission of India on March 10, informing the poll body about her appointment as party president and stating that any earlier communications received from the party after her husband Ajit Pawar's death should be ignored. Clarifications on party control dispute According to political sources, Sunetra Pawar was not convinced by the clarification provided by Patel and Tatkare regarding the letter sent to the ECI before she assumed charge as party chief. Patel and Tatkare had written to the ECI on February 16, stating that the party constitution had been amended and all powers were given to working president Praful Patel, Rohit Pawar alleged, claiming they were attempting to seize control of the party. Official confirmation of the meeting NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe confirmed that Sunetra Pawar, Parth, and Patel met on Thursday night at Patel’s residence in the national capital. Next generation steps into politics While Parth has recently been elected as a Rajya Sabha member, the NCP has inducted his younger brother Jay Pawar into the party's apex committee, marking his formal entry into politics. Sunetra Pawar’s recent appointments Sunetra Pawar, who took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra on January 31, was unanimously elected as party president on February 26. (With PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 03:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
