A yet another Travelling Ticket Inspector of Central Railway in Mumbai has achieved a major milestone by collecting more than Rs 1 crore in penalties from ticketless passengers. Pravin B. Menthe, a Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI) with the Central Railway, penalised 11,559 passengers travelling without valid tickets, officials said. The total penalty amount collected stands at Rs 1,00,06,230, marking a significant achievement in enforcement efforts, they said. Officials said the action is part of an ongoing drive by the Mumbai Division to curb ticketless travel and ensure compliance with railway rules. The ticket checking staff have been carrying out regular inspections across trains and stations, leading to increased detection of offenders. Railway authorities praised the efforts of the ticket checking team, stating that such performances help improve discipline among passengers and reduce revenue losses. The achievement by Menthe is being seen as a benchmark for other staff members in the division. First ‘crorepati’ in ticket-checking earnings Mohammed Shams Chand, a TTI from the Open Detail Batch in the Mumbai Division had last week crossed the Rs 1 crore mark in ticket-checking earnings. Chand had crossed Rs 1 crore mark in ticket-checking earnings for the financial year 2025-26, becoming the first official in the Mumbai Division to achieve the milestone. Chand recorded ticket-checking earnings of Rs 1,00,38,505 after detecting 11,483 cases between April 1, 2025 and March 15, 2026, Central Railway had earlier said. Read more: Central Railway ticket inspector becomes Mumbai Division’s first ‘crorepati’ in ticket-checking earnings Central Railway cracks down on ticketless travel Central Railway has intensified its drive against ticketless and unauthorised travel, recovering more than Rs 227 crore in penalties from nearly 38 lakh offenders during the financial year 2025–26 (April 2025 to February 2026), according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. Railway officials said the crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable travel experience for passengers while discouraging violations across its network. During the period from April 2025 to February 2026, Central Railway’s ticket checking teams apprehended 37.99 lakh passengers travelling without valid tickets or with improper travel authority. This represents an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to the 34.60 lakh passengers caught during the corresponding period of the previous financial year. In terms of penalties, the railway recovered a record Rs 227.03 crore, compared to Rs 185.62 crore during the same period last year, marking a rise of more than 22 per cent.
17 March,2026 12:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarNationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) legislator Rohit Pawar on Tuesday criticised Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, accusing him of giving an “evasive and hurried” response regarding the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Criticism over minister’s response Taking to social media platform X, Rohit Pawar questioned the credibility of the Union Minister’s statement, alleging that the response lacked transparency on a matter of serious public concern. He also made remarks suggesting possible links between the minister and individuals connected to the aircraft operator, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. अजितदादांच्या विमान अपघाताच्या संवेदनशील विषयावर केंद्रीय नागरी उड्डाणमंत्र्यांनी दिलेलं थातुरमातूर आणि वेळ मारून नेणारं उत्तर संपूर्ण देशाने बघितलं. पारदर्शक आणि आंतरराष्ट्रीय निकषानुसार तपास सुरु असल्याचं सांगणाऱ्या मंत्र्यांनी बारामती दुर्घटनेतील ब्लॅकबॉक्स सुरक्षित असतानाही… pic.twitter.com/B33mnsqPoR — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) March 17, 2026 “The entire nation watched the Central Civil Aviation Minister’s hasty and evasive response on the sensitive issue of Ajit Pawar’s plane crash,” Pawar said, adding that such statements have only increased doubts around the investigation. Questions over black box and probe transparency Rohit Pawar raised concerns about the handling of key evidence, particularly the aircraft’s black box. He questioned the minister’s claim that the device was damaged in the crash, pointing to aviation safety standards that are designed to protect such equipment. He also sought clarity on why crucial information related to the crash has not been shared with an American aviation agency reportedly seeking details in connection with another incident. “If the probe is transparent and follows international standards, why is this information not being shared?” he asked. Demand for resignation and parliamentary intervention The NCP (SP) leader reiterated his demand for the resignation of the Union Civil Aviation Minister until the investigation is completed, stating that accountability is necessary to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry. He further expressed confidence that opposition parties, including the Congress and members of the INDIA alliance, will raise the issue in Parliament and push for answers from the Centre. Allegations of pressure on pilot before takeoff Providing details about the events leading up to the crash, Rohit Pawar claimed that visibility on the day of the incident was extremely poor, reportedly around 3,000 metres, making takeoff unsafe. According to him, the pilot, Captain Kapoor, had informed VSR Ventures owner V.K. Singh about the poor weather conditions and the risks involved. However, Pawar alleged that Singh instructed the pilot to proceed with the takeoff despite the warning. He added that call detail records (CDR) could provide evidence of this communication and should be examined as part of the investigation. Call for deeper investigation into possible foul play Referring to the pilot’s medical report, Pawar said there was no evidence of alcohol, drugs, or toxins in his system, indicating that the pilot was in a normal and professional state. He questioned why an experienced pilot would take such a risk unless there was external pressure. “Why is V.K. Singh being shielded? We need to investigate whether this was an accident or something more serious,” Pawar said. He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
17 March,2026 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Kalyan-bound fast Mumbai AC local train overshot the platform at Bhandup railway station on Tuesday morning, causing concern among passengers. The train, identified as 95711 Mumbai Suburban Railway service from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Kalyan, went ahead by a few coaches beyond the designated stopping point. According to a passenger, the 9:29 am local entered Bhandup station at a relatively high speed. The driver applied brakes sharply on approaching the platform, but the train had already moved too far ahead. The train is scheduled to halt at Bhandup as part of its regular timetable. The passenger, present inside the train, described a sudden braking movement, which alerted many on board. A Central Railway spokesperson confirmed the incident and said it overshot the platform by two coaches and the train was detained for six minutes. There was no SPAD (Signal Passing at Danger) case. Despite the abrupt halt, no injuries have been reported so far. Further details are awaited.
17 March,2026 10:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarHanging on to Hope Heralding the arrival of Gudi Padwa this week, workers fix the text on a billboard at Western Express Highway in Santacruz Art does not discriminate The exhibits on display featured Kathakali, Tanjore, and Warli art among others What if the rule in a gallery was not “Do not touch” but quite the opposite? Project Anubhav explored this idea by translating traditional Indian artworks into tactile pieces that visitors, including those with varied abilities, could touch, hold and explore. A visual guide directs a child through the interface. Pics Courtesy/AccessforAll Showcased at Purple Fest, an inclusive initiative curated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on March 13, the exhibit featured art works from the Kathakali, Tanjore and Warli styles, adapted with Braille captions and QR codes linked to sign-language guides. “These artworks literally invite you to touch and feel them, making sure art is truly accessible to all and not bound by any type of disability,” Siddhant Shah (left) and Rohan Marathe from Access for All, told this diarist. Lavani on the turf The performers on stage at the racecourse. Pic Courtesy/Sameer Amit Tadvi Move over John Mayer! The Mahalaxmi Race Course turf witnessed a rare lavani performance to add to the thrill of the Zavaray S Poonawalla Racing Carnival on Sunday. Directed by Bhushan Korgaonkar and Kunal Vijaykar, the performance was staggered through the races. “It was unique because the organisers invited us, instead of a band. We performed classic lavani songs; some of which used the rhythms of horses,” Korgaonkar revealed. All quiet on West’s front The post announcing the rescheduling of Kanye West’s concert. Pics Courtesy/@whitefox.india; AFP Organisers of Kanye West’s exclusive India debut in Delhi, who earlier mocked Mumbai fans with outdoor ads that said, “... to New Delhi, not you,” have had to eat humble pie. Amid rising geopolitical tensions on the global stage, they announced that the Delhi concert scheduled for March 29 has been postponed to May 23. “The safety of our fans traveling internationally, as well as that of the artiste and the production team, remains our top priority. All tickets remain valid for the new date.” the team announced in its statement. While there’s no word from Kanye, knowing him, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his views known. Requiem for a dream Pic Courtesy/Harper-Collins Mumbaikars and aspiration cannot stay apart. No wonder then, that mid-day columnist and author Lindsay Pereira’s (below) latest title, Super (HarperCollins), dives into a tale of immigration, identity, and yearning for a better life, and the price many pay for it. Told through the perspective of a young Indian on the verge of migrating to Canada, the book explores the ‘exodus of young Indians migrating to the West,’ Pereira wrote.
17 March,2026 10:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will convert its entire fleet of buses to electric vehicles by 2037, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced, reported the PTI. Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday, Sarnaik said that the transition would take place in phases as part of the state’s broader plan to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility. The MSRTC currently operates a fleet of around 22,000 buses across the state. Of these, approximately 800 are already electric buses. According to the minister, the corporation aims to gradually replace its existing diesel-powered vehicles so that the entire fleet becomes electric by 2037. If achieved, MSRTC would become the first transport corporation in Maharashtra to operate a fully electric bus fleet, according to the PTI, Wider vision for electric mobility Sarnaik also stated that the state government envisages a future where all vehicles in Maharashtra will be electric by 2047. This long-term vision forms part of the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025, which outlines incentives and infrastructure plans to promote the adoption of electric vehicles across the state, as per the PTI, Incentives and infra development Under the policy, electric vehicles are eligible for a 100 per cent toll waiver on key highways including the Atal Setu, the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, the news agency reported. The minister added that the government is also offering financial incentives for individuals opting for electric vehicles. To support the growing EV ecosystem, charging infrastructure is being developed along highways, with charging stations planned approximately every 25 kilometres across the state, officials said. Maharashtra to build modern ‘busports’ Earlier this month, Sarnaik had said that the government has decided to build modern ‘busports’ across the state on the lines of Gujarat. The state transport minister said that a new policy has been formulated for the comprehensive development of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depots and bus stations. Sarnaik further stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, modern state transport bus stations equipped with enhanced passenger amenities would be developed across Maharashtra. Srnaik also added that the new policy focuses on extended lease terms, passenger facilities, economic impact and balanced regional development. “To boost commercial development, the lease agreement for ST bus station and depot projects has been fixed at 49 + 49 years (98 years). This provision aims to encourage investors and ensure long-term revenue for the MSRTC,” said Sarnaik. (With PTI and IANS inputs)
17 March,2026 10:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is likely to witness hazy conditions on Tuesday, with skies turning mainly clear by afternoon and evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to the Central Pollution Control Board's (CPCB) SAMEER app, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Tuesday morning stood at 90, falling in the satisfactory category. However, a light layer of haze and smog continues to persist across Mumbai, which may cause breathing discomfort for sensitive groups. A health impact message on SAMEER app stated, "Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people." AQI across Mumbai BKC – 96Borivali East – 100Byculla – 88Andheri East – 104Chembur – 94Deonar – 114Ghatkopar – 113Kandivali East – 36Malad West – 110Mulund West – 104Colaba – 113Powai – 35 Warm weather conditions in Maharashtra According to the IMD, most parts of Maharashtra recorded above-normal maximum temperatures on Tuesday, with several regions witnessing heat build-up. Jeur hits 40 degrees Celsius as Maharashtra sees above-normal temperatures Interior districts remained the hottest, with Jeur touching a high of 40 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Sholapur at 39.3 degrees Celsius and Beed at 39.2 degrees Celsius. Marathwada and parts of north Maharashtra, including Osmanabad (38.8 degrees Celsius) and Jalgaon (36.7 degrees Celsius), also recorded elevated temperatures. In contrast, hill station Mahabaleshwar stayed relatively cooler at 28.8 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal by 3.8 degrees. Coastal regions such as Ratnagiri (32 degrees Celsius) and Alibag (31.2 degrees Celsius) experienced moderate conditions. Humidity adds to discomfort in Mumbai In Mumbai, temperatures remained near normal, with Colaba recording a maximum of 32.6 degrees Celsius and Santacruz at 31.7 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 23.1 degrees Celsius and 22.1 degrees Celsius respectively, with high morning humidity levels of up to 89 per cent, indicating sticky conditions. Humidity levels across the state varied widely, with coastal belts witnessing higher moisture, while interior regions like Beed and Parbhani saw relatively drier conditions by evening. Overall, warm days and varying humidity levels prevailed across Maharashtra.
17 March,2026 10:02 AM IST | MumbaiNearly 19 years after a fraud involving a nationalised bank in Colaba, the Colaba police have arrested a man accused of using a blocked credit card to spend around Rs 10 lakh in 2008. The accused, Hanif Jahur Kalsekar, was recently traced through voter records and mobile phone data. He has since been granted bail on medical grounds. Police said Kalsekar had applied for a credit card in 2007 at a Colaba-based nationalised bank. The bank issued him a credit card with a Rs 20,000 limit. Police said Kalsekar first used the card in March 2007 for Rs 395. By August that year, the credit limit had been exhausted, and the bank blocked the card after repeated usage and non-payment. Recovery teams could not trace him at his residences in Versova and Andheri. Advocate Sunil Pandey. Pics/By Special Arrangement But, between April and September 2008, the accused allegedly used the blocked card to make transactions worth Rs 10 lakh. The bank detected the irregularity and filed a complaint with the Colaba police. PSI Sachin Taware said, “We are still trying to determine how the accused was able to use a blocked card.” Advocate’s claim Advocate Sunil Pandey, appearing for the accused, said Kalsekar was falsely implicated. He argued that non-payment of bank dues does not attract IPC Section 420 and alleged that bank loopholes led to the situation. AccusedHanif Jahur Kalsekar, 48Resident of Oshiwara, Andheri East Timeline2007: Applied for a credit card at a Colaba-based nationalised bankMarch 8, 2007: First transaction of Rs 395August 2007: Rs 20,000 credit limit exhausted; card blockedApril-Sept 2008: Allegedly spent around Rs 10 lakh using the blocked card2026: Accused traced and arrested after the case reopened How police traced him >> Records showed accused recently voted in Ratnagiri>> Police visited Ratnagiri and gathered leads>> Mobile phone number and CDR data helped trace him to Lokhandwala
17 March,2026 09:58 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentNearly a month after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) promised a solution over the concerns raised by the families of the project-affected Elphinstone area, some have settled with the available options. As many as 13 families of Haji Noorani, one of the two buildings from which residents were supposed to be relocated, have raised various concerns regarding the houses provided to them. Haji Noorani building in Elphinstone, from where families have been relocated. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE While some have asked to be given alternative homes in faraway places, but at least closer to their relatives, others have just accepted the ones that are offered. Only four families have been lucky to have a house at the desired locations through a lottery system, while at least five families are still waiting to hear from the authorities. Sukhakarta building on Currey Road, included again in MMRDA’s fresh list despite residents earlier rejecting flats in the under-construction structure. FILE Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Voices Virendra Kansara, one of the residents‘We realised there was no point in waiting endlessly for authorities. Instead of wasting time, we decided to ask for houses in Kandivali, where my relatives stay. It is quite far from Prabhadevi, and it will force us to travel a lot more to our workplaces. But instead of living at a undesirable locations, we felt this option was a better one’ Manish Shirodkar, one of the residents‘Ideally I could have put two names in that lottery system, as I have two houses in Haji Noorani. But to be fair with the others, I put only one name and told the officials to at least offer me a house in two adjacent buildings if not in the same one. But even that effort failed’ Faisal SK, one of the residents‘The Jacob Circle location is not a convenient one. None of the residents of our building were willing to accept a house there. Also, there are other problems with cramped lifts and cleanliness issues. The authorities seem to not bother at all. It’s been months that we have been being treated this way.’ Shivaji Davbhat, additional collector‘We have been asking MHADA to allot houses and regularly following up. MHADA is responding but taking time. Recently, they told us that they can give houses only when they become available. They have not confirmed if they will give houses in Prabhadevi. They just said they will see when houses become available’ 13Total no of families fighting 4No of families accepted settlement 5No of families waiting 4No of families selected in lottery
17 March,2026 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarThe Legislative Assembly passed the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion (Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam), 2026 Bill on Monday. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told legislators the proposed law is not directed at any religion but is meant to curb forced or fraudulent conversions and maintain social harmony. The Bill, introduced in the Assembly last week, proposes strict penalties, advance declaration rules and regulatory oversight for religious conversions, with the government arguing that the legislation is necessary to prevent conversions through force, fraud, inducement or marriage. However, the debate also exposed sharp divisions within the opposition alliance, with some legislators backing the law and others questioning its intent. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during the Maharashtra Assembly Budget session. Pic/PTI Political reactions inside assembly Support within opposition Bhaskar Jadhav of SS (UBT) said he supported the Bill but suggested clarifications. “Not a single religion has been mentioned in the draft. I have read the Bill three to four times and found no reason to oppose it.” Opposition concerns—Leaders from Congress, Samajwadi Party, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) raised concerns about possible misuse and legal loopholes. Aslam Shaikh warned that even consensual marriages could face complaints. “Even if two adults marry willingly, an FIR could still be registered if someone alleges conversion.” Rais Shaikh demanded the Bill be referred to a joint select committee. Meanwhile Jitendra Awhad questioned the motive behind the legislation. “Please do not defeat the Constitution for political ideology and goals.” Brief disruption in the Assembly — Debate was briefly halted after remarks by Jitendra Awhad referencing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj triggered protests from ruling alliance MLAs.
17 March,2026 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarA nearly five-foot-long Indian marsh crocodile has been spotted in a water body in Mira-Bhayandar near the boundary of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), with videos of the reptile quickly going viral on social media. Forest department officials, with assistance from NGOs, are planning to safely capture the crocodile, fearing that antisocial elements could harm the reptile. No panic The water body in Mira-Bhayandar, near the boundary of SGNP, where the nearly five-foot-long crocodile was spotted. Pics/By Special Arrangement The crocodile was seen in a privately owned water body close to the park boundary. Videos circulating on WhatsApp and other platforms claimed residents were living in fear, but locals told mid-day there is no panic in the area and alleged the clips were shared mainly to garner likes and attention. Two crocodiles A forest department source said, “There are two adjacent ponds, each around 15-20 feet deep, and not one but two crocodiles have been spotted in the water bodies”. Speaking to mid-day, Rohit Mohite of Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) and Asif Patrawala of Spreading Awareness on Reptiles and Rehabilitation Programme (SARRP) India said residents should remain calm and avoid approaching the reptiles, warning that any provocation could lead to a human-wildlife conflict situation. Mystery entry The sighting has also puzzled locals, as there is no major river or dam close to the location. Crocodile rescued from IIT Bombay A nine-foot-long marsh crocodile was rescued from the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay on Sunday, March 15, morning. The reptile was first spotted by campus security staff, who alerted the forest department. A joint team from Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare and the forest department carried out the rescue operation. The crocodile is currently under medical examination and observation. Officials said it will be released into its natural habitat after veterinarians declare it fit.
17 March,2026 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavHomebuyers in Titwala have alleged that a private developer collected additional charges of up to Rs 4 lakh for flats built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in partnership with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), even though the memorandum of understanding (MoU) barred any extra payment. Residents who booked Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats in the Rustagi Aarambha project said the developer demanded money under various heads such as development, electricity and infrastructure charges. Buyers claim they were rushed into registering agreements and later realised the charges were not permitted under the MoU signed in 2021 between MHADA and the developer. Possession row A resident said the agreement fixed the all-inclusive price of each flat at Rs 14.18 lakh and clearly stated that no additional amount could be charged.Another resident said, “As per the sale agreement, the builder was required to hand over possession by February 22, 2026. However, the builder is now offering buyers a partial Occupancy Certificate (OC). The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has not yet provided water supply, the builder is issuing a part OC to recover the remaining payments from buyers.” RTI findings The issue surfaced after residents obtained a copy of the MoU through the Right to Information (RTI) Act and found that the extra payments were not allowed. Complaints were then filed with MHADA. CEO of the Kokan Board, MHADA, Dr Vishal Rathod said, “We have received complaints from tenants alleging that the developer collected extra money from them for flats purchased under the PMAY scheme. We will soon arrange a hearing, where the developer will be called to present his side.” Developer’s response When contacted on Friday, March 13, the developer told mid-day that the allegations levelled by the residents were “false and misleading”, adding that he would share an official response on Monday, March 16, as he was attending a family wedding. However, when this newspaper reached out again on Monday for his official version, calls and messages went unanswered. Project details Project located in Titwala 695Total no of flats 318 Area of each flat in sq ft 602 Flats allotted under the PMAY EWS category on first-come, first-served basis The remaining flats can be sold by the developer at market rates
17 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
