Cab drivers’ unions in Maharashtra have announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday, April 20, 2026, after failing to secure permission for protests over the weekend, an official statement said on Friday. The protest will take place simultaneously at multiple locations, including Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur, and the District Collector’s office in Pune, the union said. The agitation is directed against app-based transport companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The unions allege that these companies have been repeatedly violating government rules. Key issues raised by drivers According to the unions, one of the main concerns is that government-approved fare structures are not being properly displayed on mobile applications. Drivers also claim that illegal bike taxi services continue to operate despite regulatory restrictions, the statement said. They argue that these practices are affecting their earnings and creating unfair competition in the transport sector. Government ‘helpless’: Union In their statement, the unions alleged that the government has failed to take strict action against the companies, describing the situation as one where authorities appear “helpless”. They said repeated complaints have not led to effective enforcement of rules. Statewide demonstration planned Organisers confirmed that the hunger strike will not be limited to one city but will be held across key urban centres in Maharashtra. They have obtained the required permissions for the protest beginning Monday. The protesting drivers have demanded immediate government intervention to enforce regulations, ensure fair pricing, and take action against unauthorised services.
17 April,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Central Railway recently received its first 12-car non-AC automatic door-closing EMU rake equipped with hi-tech system. According to a release, the rake named “Medha”, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, is currently stationed at Kurla Car Shed and introduces modern safety and comfort features while maintaining the affordability of non-AC local train services. Officials said that the new rake is designed to improve passenger safety, particularly on high-density routes in Mumbai. Automatic doors with enhanced safety The train is fitted with automatic sliding doors featuring an anti-drag mechanism to prevent accidental falls and unsafe travel. The doors also include louvred sections to ensure adequate airflow. Improved passenger comfort The rake includes stainless steel seating in second class and cushioned seating in first class, along with improved grab poles. Wider windows have been added for better ventilation and natural light, while roof-mounted ventilation units provide fresh air at a higher capacity than existing systems, CR said. The train also features vestibule connectivity with half gangways, allowing better passenger movement and more even crowd distribution across coaches, CR further added. Upgraded emergency and safety systems The rake is equipped with a modified emergency alarm system that can be reset externally, along with multiple evacuation provisions such as sliding doors, tubular partitions, and wider ladders. Advanced smoke and heat detection systems have been installed, and all coaches are fitted with CCTV cameras for enhanced security. Crew-friendly additions The train includes a Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) and air-conditioned driving cabs to improve working conditions for staff. Trials before passenger service The rake will soon undergo Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trials, specialised tests to record dynamic parameters like speed, acceleration, oscillations and ride quality, by the Research Design and Standards Organisation to assess speed, stability, and ride quality. Passenger convenience and safety trials will also be conducted to evaluate braking performance, door systems, alarms, and integration with signalling systems. The train will be introduced for public use after successful completion of these trials. Key concerns observed One of the immediate concerns is that coach alignments may differ from existing trains due to the technical design of the new rake. This could lead to last-minute confusion and passenger scrambling on platforms. Additionally, there are apprehensions that the door opening and closing mechanism may impact train halt times and potentially cause delays.
17 April,2026 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Friday announced plans to expand the Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skill University to 50 locations across the state by next year, an official statement said. He said the expansion would be modelled on Singapore’s skill development system, with a strong focus on employability and industry readiness. Speaking at the university’s third foundation day event in Mumbai, Lodha stressed that students should be trained in a way that ensures 100 per cent job readiness. He said that the aim was to create a system where students completing courses are equipped with practical skills that match industry needs, similar to Singapore’s education model. Push for skill-based education Lodha highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving towards skill-based education through new education policies, the statement said. He added that Maharashtra is working to strengthen vocational training and entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives. The minister announced that under the Chief Minister’s Maha Fund scheme, loans will be provided at an interest rate of 3 per cent to support aspiring entrepreneurs. The state aims to create around 2 lakh entrepreneurs and support up to 50,000 startups. Selected startups will also receive financial assistance from the government, the official statement said. Strengthening ITIs and training infra The Maharashtra minister further said that land will be made available near 417 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state to promote entrepreneurship and skill development under the scheme. He emphasised the goal of ensuring "employment for every hand and dignity for every job". Learning from Singapore model The minister pointed out that Singapore’s success is largely driven by strong educational reforms and skill development systems. He said Maharashtra aims to adopt a similar approach, focusing on education, technology, and employment generation to boost the state’s economy, the statement said. The announcement was made during a programme marking the university’s third anniversary, where students were honoured for their performance in various competitions, it said. Officials and dignitaries from the education and innovation sectors were present at the event, and awards were given to staff members for their contributions.
17 April,2026 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a five-hour jumbo block on Sunday, 19 April, 2026, between Santacruz and Goregaon stations. The block will be undertaken to carry out essential maintenance work, officials said. According to a press release from Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, the block will be in effect from 10 am to 3 pm on both Up and Down Fast lines between Santacruz and Goregaon. Maintenance work planned The block has been scheduled to facilitate maintenance of railway tracks, signalling systems, and overhead equipment. Officials said the work is necessary to ensure safe and efficient train operations on the suburban network, an official statement said. During the block period, all Fast local trains will be diverted to run on the Slow lines between Santacruz and Goregaon. In addition, some suburban services will be cancelled, while certain Borivali and Andheri trains will operate only up to Goregaon on the Harbour Line, it said. Advisory "Passengers are advised to check train schedules in advance and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience during the maintenance period," the statement said. Railway officials said the detailed list of affected services will be available with station masters at all suburban stations. Mumbai gets first non-AC door closing local train with enhanced features Meanwhile, the non-AC, door-closing train arrived in Mumbai on Monday with a number of features. A first-hand look by mid-day at the Kurla car shed revealed that the train has managed to maintain all its segregated compartments, has larger windows, forced ventilation, more leg space, and above all, bigger luggage compartments. The train, split into units of six, each with vestibules, has internal partitions to separate ladies, first class and other compartments. It has coaches meant for the disabled as well. The rake, numbered 268201-268212, is the very first such train on Indian Railways. Train trials The new Mumbai local train has been numbered and categorised as a new category of train, which means it will have to undergo mandatory trials before passenger use, which will take a few months to complete.
17 April,2026 06:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has criticised the proposed delimitation exercise and warned of regional 'political imbalance'. Raj Thackeray on Friday issued an official statement on Centre's constitutional amendments related to Women’s Reservation Act, alleging that it could alter India’s political balance and reduce representation of several states. In a detailed statement, Raj Thackeray said that the Centre is using the Delimitation and Women’s Reservation proposals to consolidate political power. He questioned the timing of the changes and alleged that they were aimed at reshaping the electoral map in favour of ruling interests. He stated that MNS supports women’s reservation, but opposed what he described as the broader political use of the legislation. Concerns over delimitation In the statement, posted on X, Raj Thackeray opposed the idea of redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies based on population was not convencing. He argued that states which have controlled population growth could be penalised, while states with higher population growth may gain more parliamentary representation. He said this would lead to an “unfair advantage” in the Lok Sabha and distort the federal structure of the country. The MNS leader warned that states such as Maharashtra, along with southern, eastern, and northeastern regions, could lose representation if delimitation is carried out in the proposed manner. #लोकसभा_मतदारसंघ_पुनर्रचना #Delimitation#महाराष्ट्र_नवनिर्माण_सेना pic.twitter.com/eU7elz4VSW — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) April 17, 2026 He claimed that such a move could increase regional imbalance and weaken the voice of several states in Parliament. Concerns over federal structure Raj Thackeray said that India’s federal structure must be respected and accused the Centre of ignoring differences in culture, language, and development across states. He also raised concerns that economic and tax-related disparities between states could worsen if political representation is reduced for some regions. The MNS chief highlighted migration trends, claiming that people from northern states are increasingly moving to western and southern states for jobs, which he said could influence local politics and voter dynamics in those regions. He also warned against what he described as attempts at cultural homogenisation. Call for balanced delimitation formula Thackeray suggested that if parliamentary seats are increased, existing state quotas should not be disturbed. He proposed that states should be guaranteed a minimum level of representation, with additional seats distributed fairly based on population. He warned that any imbalance in representation could lead to long-term instability and public resentment across regions. He also said the issue should not be treated as a mere numbers exercise, as it could affect national unity. Opposition Raj Thackeray also criticised the government, alleging that recent political strategies could deepen regional divisions. He urged all states with distinct cultural identities to resist any unfair changes to representation. Reiterating the party’s position, he said MNS supports women’s reservation but opposes delimitation in its current form. He also warned of strong protests if the proposals are implemented without addressing regional concerns.
17 April,2026 06:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAdvocate Baba Sayyad, representing Nida Khan, one of the accused in the Nashik TCS case, has questioned the allegations against her, stating, "... If you look at the FIR, there are no mentions of forced religious conversion... I don't know why she's being portrayed as the mastermind when her involvement is only mentioned in one CR...", when he spoke to ANI. He argued that Khan is being unfairly portrayed as the mastermind despite her name appearing in only one complaint. According to him, the sole allegation against her pertains to hurting religious sentiments. Sayyad also clarified that Khan was not employed as an HR professional, but as a process associate, as mentioned in her suspension letter. He added that she risks immediate arrest if she comes forward, raising concerns about the narrative being built around her involvement. #WATCH | Nashik, Maharashtra | Advocate Baba Sayyad representing Nida Khan, one of the accused in the Nashik TCS case, says, "... If you look at the FIR, there are no mentions of forced religious conversion... I don't know why she's being portrayed as the mastermind when her… pic.twitter.com/ceLWv6pkNT — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2026
17 April,2026 05:45 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) on Friday unveiled a 143-acre Goregaon Motilal Nagar redevelopment plan and according to the project, around 3,700 families will get 1,600 sq ft homes, an official statement said. The master plan for the large-scale Motilal Nagar redevelopment project in Mumbai was presented by MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal, marking a major step in one of India’s biggest urban renewal initiatives. The project is being implemented by the MHADA through its Mumbai Board, and is being developed under the Construction and Development Agency (C&DA) model with the Adani Group as the appointed redevelopment partner, it said. One of India’s largest redevelopment projects Spread across around 143 acres in Goregaon (West), the Motilal Nagar redevelopment is being described as the country’s largest urban renewal project. It covers Motilal Nagar 1, 2 and 3 colonies, originally developed in the 1960s to serve middle-class housing needs. Officials said the project had been pending for nearly two decades and has now gained momentum under the state government’s renewed push for urban transformation. Govt support and planning authority status The Maharashtra government has granted MHADA the status of Special Planning Authority for the project. The initiative has been backed by senior state leadership, with officials citing support from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The redevelopment plan aims to create a modern integrated township based on the “15-minute city” concept, where essential services are accessible within a short walking distance. Facilities will include schools, hospitals, clinics, markets, parks, senior citizen zones, playgrounds, jogging and cycling tracks, cultural centres, and gymnasiums. Officials said the aim is to promote a “live, work and play” environment with improved quality of life. Housing benefits for residents According to the official statement, under the project, 3,702 eligible residential beneficiaries will receive free rehabilitation flats of around 1,600 sq ft each. Additionally, 328 commercial occupants will be allotted commercial units of about 987 sq ft. Around 1,600 slum dwellers will also be rehabilitated under SRA provisions with 300 sq ft housing units. MHADA will retain a portion of housing stock as part of the redevelopment. The plan includes around 15 acres of green spaces, making it one of the most environment-focused redevelopment efforts in Mumbai’s dense urban landscape. Modern infrastructure features include multi-level parking, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting systems, solar energy integration, CCTV-based smart security, fire safety systems, and other eco-friendly technologies. Addressing long-standing civic issues The existing colony has historically faced waterlogging due to its low-lying geography. The redevelopment aims to resolve these issues through improved drainage systems, upgraded internal roads, and better water supply infrastructure. The officials have stated that the project is expected to be completed within seven years after receiving the Occupation Certificate, making it a long-term but structured urban transformation plan.
17 April,2026 05:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Friday directed the administration of Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital to make concerted efforts for the effective implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS). She asked all department heads to regularly review the data and dashboards generated under the HMIS and ensure that health services for patients become easily accessible and technology-friendly. Bhide directed the hospital administration to integrate Central and state government schemes with HMIS so that patients can avail their benefits in minimum possible time. The BMC Commissioner visited the hospital on Friday and reviewed various aspects including hospital redevelopment, implementation of health schemes, efforts to reduce load on primary health services, and capacity expansion works. During the visit, she inspected the registration counter, intensive care unit (ICU), male general ward, and casualty (accident) department. She also took stock of ongoing projects, infrastructure development, new building constructions, increase in bed strength, and capacity enhancement of various medical departments. At the registration counter, Bhide personally understood the working of the HMIS and reviewed how patient registration, medical tests, and reports are being integrated into the system. She similarly reviewed patient registration, treatment records, and medical reports in the male ward. Mumbai civic chief directs KEM Hospital to make HMIS more patient-centric She was briefed about the facilities being provided in the casualty and ICU departments. Bhide directed the hospital administration to overcome the challenges faced in HMIS implementation and make the system more effective and patient-centric. She stressed the need to give priority to patient-friendly services under the HMIS. For hospital redevelopment and capacity expansion, she asked the administration to plan meticulously so that multiple services are available under one roof for the convenience of patients. She suggested that integrated operation theatre complex and pathology laboratory should be housed together to save patients’ time. Bhide also asked officials to explore the possibility of creating underground spaces in new buildings for heavy equipment like MRI and CT scan machines. She instructed the administration to make efforts to introduce advanced multi-specialty robotic surgery facilities in the operation theatre through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. The commissioner directed that government schemes such as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and PM-Rahat scheme for accident victims should be effectively implemented so that admitted patients can avail their benefits. She also asked to rationalise charges for other schemes on the lines of the Phule Jan Arogya Yojana to increase hospital revenue. To reduce the burden on KEM Hospital, Bhide instructed that patients requiring primary and secondary care should be diverted to nearby dispensaries and peripheral hospitals. She emphasised strengthening services at suburban hospitals, maternity homes, and dispensaries. She also directed revival of the linkage system for smooth referral of patients between peripheral and major hospitals. The meeting was attended by Additional Municipal Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Ughade, KEM Hospital dean Dr Sangeeta Rawat, and heads of various departments.
17 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire was broke out at a residential high-rise in Mumbai's Tardeo area on Friday afternoon, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. According to preliminary information, the fire broke out at around 12:44 pm at Sai Leela Cooperative Housing Society, located in the M P Mill Compound area of Tardeo. The blaze was reported on the third floor of a ground-plus-16-storey high-rise building, officials said. The alert was received by the Mumbai Fire Brigade control room, following which teams from the fire brigade, police, BEST, and local ward staff were rushed to the scene. Firefighters began efforts to contain and extinguish the blaze. No injuries reported As of now, there have been no reports of injuries. The officials said that they were continuing to monitor the situation and assess any potential damage caused by the fire and the emergency teams were on site. Further details are awaited. Fire breaks out at Malad studio Meanwhile, in an another incident, a Level-I (minor) fire broke out at a studio in Malad, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) stated. According to MFB, the incident was reported at 6.13 am in the Dana Pani Bular Studio near Yoga Aashram on the Madh Marve Road in Malad West. According to the officials, the Mumbai Fire Brigade said the that fire was declared Level-I at 6.48 am and brought under control after nearly three hours of firefighting operations. It was fully extinguished at 9.12 am. No injuries were reported in the incident. Apart from Mumbai Fire Brigade, the police, ambulance services, and civic ward staff were mobilised to the spot to assist in containment and safety operations. According to officials, the fire was confined to electrical installations and materials stored within the premises. The affected items included wall papers, foam matrix, carpets, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets, wooden furniture, perfumes, office furniture, office records, shooting equipment, air-condition (AC) units and bamboo, spread across an estimated 3,000 square feet area in five–six galas in a ground-plus-one structure. Firefighting operations were carried out by four fire engines, three jumbo tankers, one all-weather tower tender (AWTT), an ambulance, an assistant divisional fire officer (ADFO), two senior station officers and two station officers.
17 April,2026 01:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTHE investigation into the deadly drug overdose at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon has widened, with the arrest of a seventh accused, Vineet Gerelani, 22, exposing what police believe could be a well-organised narcotics network operating at high-profile music events across the city. The Vanrai police arrested Gerelani from the Kalyan-Ulhasnagar belt on Wednesday, identifying him as a key intermediary in the drug supply chain. According to investigators, Gerelani supplied Ecstasy pills to accused Anand Patel, 24, who subsequently distributed the drugs among students at the NESCO concert and other events Police probing the case uncovered crucial digital and financial evidence linking the accused to a larger network. According to the police, call detail records (CDRs) confirmed frequent contact between the arrested accused and absconding suppliers, Ayush Sahitya and Shubh Agarwal. WhatsApp chats and deleted group conversations revealed drug procurement and payment details, while Snapchat transactions indicated bulk drug deals and distribution to multiple individuals. Investigators said Gerelani’s mobile phone contained “critical chats” proving large-scale drug supply and monetary exchanges with the main accused. Police officials stated that such large-scale drug circulation at the venue was “unlikely without insider involvement.” Students’ statements Around 25 students had attended the concert on April 11. Two, including a young woman, died after a suspected drug overdose, while one female student remains hospitalised, currently in stable condition. So far, the Vanrai police have recorded the statements of 17 students who attended the event, though granting them temporary relief to appear for exams. Two of the accused also sat for an exam after obtaining permission from the court. Police custody extended Meanwhile, on Thursday, all seven accused were produced before the Borivli metropolitan magistrate court, which extended police custody of accused no. 1 to 6, and granted fresh custody for Gerelani, till April 18. Main suppliers on the run Sahitya and Agarwal were at the concert venue on the night of April 11 They were in constant touch with the arrested accused before and during the event Gerelani was in direct financial and communication contact with them A massive manhunt has been launched to trace the duo. During interrogation Accused number 5 (a student) admitted receiving Ecstasy pills from Patel Patel confessed to sourcing the drugs from Sahitya Investigators found that 20 pills were supplied in one instance alone Organisers under scanner The probe has now extended to event organisers and internal staff: Allegations of allowing drug consumption for profit motives The event reportedly continued beyond permitted hours (till 12.30 am) Claims of illegal alcohol service to underage attendees Suspicion of internal support enabling drug distribution at scale Recurring pattern? Investigators have flagged a disturbing trend: Similar drug use was reported at previous events held at the same venue Arrested accused admitted to consuming drugs during earlier techno parties Location data places multiple accused at past NESCO events as well Defence challenges arrests Advocate Surendra Landge, secretary of the Borivli Bar Association, along with his associate advocate Azad Gupta, appeared in court to represent Anand Patel (accused no. 6) and Vineet Gerelani. The defence argued before the court that both individuals were arrested solely on the basis of mobile phone conversations and chat records. They further contended that no drugs were recovered from either of the accused, questioning the grounds of their arrest.
17 April,2026 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanMumbai and areas such as Thane and Palghar are likely to experience a longer summer and a weaker monsoon this year. However, owing to the El Nino effect, the heat intensity will be much lower in comparison to the interior parts of Maharashtra, if the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is to be believed. According to information from the IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Mumbai, El Nino is likely to cause below-normal rains this season, and can lead to hotter weather, not just during the monsoon days, but during the summer months until May 2026. However, officials said that coastal regions will feel a much muted impact of heat waves due to El Nino in comparison to interior Maharashtra, due to high humidity dissipated by winds from the sea. Pedestrians try to keep cool in Andheri on Thursday afternoon. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE A senior IMD official said, “El Nino can lead to a boost in temperatures, an increase in the possibility of extreme heat events, and humidity. However, in Mumbai, after around 1 pm, wind patterns get stronger, as is the case across Maharashtra’s coastal areas. This dissipates the feelings of hot and humid weather. The interior parts of the state are likely to feel heat with greater intensity.” What is El Nino? The official explained that El Nino and La Nina are climate patterns occurring in the Pacific Ocean. While El Nino leads to warmer waters in the Pacific, its impact felt in India includes warmer climates and a weaker southwest monsoon. La Nina, on the contrary, can lead to cooler temperatures, longer winter months, and unpredictable winter rain in parts of India. These events are cyclical and can occur every three to five years, the official said. Graphic/Sanil Dhawde Mumbai impact Hot weather is experienced with much more intensity during El Nino events. While this is possible for Mumbai, being a coastal city, the impact is not felt as strongly as in the interior parts of Maharashtra, the official said. Summer in the city Mumbai recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees C on March 10, the highest in five years since 2021. In 2025, Mumbai recorded its highest temperature, 39.2 degrees C, in March. “Heat is felt with more intensity this year. Also, if monsoons are weaker, atmospheric temperature will collect slowly, leading to a feeling of very hot and humid days,” a senior official said. Expert Speak Pradeep Awate, former surveillance officer, Maharashtra health services, said, “Heat is felt in greater intensity between noon and 3 pm. While advisories are in place for those who primarily work outdoors, it is important to note the impact of heatwaves on social events that many of us attend on a routine basis, such as weddings and religious gatherings. Everyone is exposed to heat events, so we cannot stress enough that everyone needs to take care.” Weather alert Yellow alert for April 16 and 17:Raigad, Thane, Palghar, Mumbai, Nashik, Jalgaon, Sangli, Solapur, Sambhajinagar, JalnaYellow alert for April 16: Dhule Max temperatures on Thursday Solapur: 43.4°CParbhani: 42°CJalgaon: 41.5°CSatara: 41.2°CBaramati: 40.5°CUdgir in Latur: 40.4°CKolhapur: 38.1°CNashik: 37.5°CPune: 39.7°CThane: 36.6°C City sizzles Santacruz 33.1Colaba 33.6
17 April,2026 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
