A fire broke out at a cotton warehouse near Dockyard Road in Mumbai on Wednesday night, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. According to the civic officials, the blaze was reported at the warehouse located near Dockyard Road Railway Station on P D Mello Road in Wadi Bunder area of south Mumbai. The incident was reported to authorities at 11:53 pm, they said. Following the incident emergency services were rushed to the spot and a firefighting operation was launched. Blaze upgraded to Level II The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) initially declared the fire Level I at 11:50 pm, and later upgraded it to Level II at 11:53 pm. Multiple agencies were mobilised to tackle the fire, including Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), Mumbai Police, BEST, PWD, BPT, 108 ambulance services and local BMC ward staff. "So far no injuries were reported in the incident," said an official. They said that firefighters and other emergency personnel were working to control the situation and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby areas. Further details were awaited. Fire breaks out in meter room of Thane building, 50 residents evacuated A fire broke out in the meter room of a residential building in Thane (West) area of Maharashtra on Wednesday, civic officials said, adding that around 50 residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported in the incident. The incident took place at the B Wing of Shree Dharmaveer Society, a ground-plus-seven-storey building, located near the Uthalsar ward office of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The residential building is located behind Jalaram Traders. The incident was reported to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) control room at around 7:17 pm. Fire brought under control quickly After receiving the alert, fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot with one fire engine, along with staff from the Disaster Management Cell using a utility vehicle. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) officials were also present at the site, the RDMC said. The fire was completely extinguished by around 7:40 pm, and the situation was brought under control. Residents safely evacuated due to heavy smoke Due to heavy smoke spreading inside the building, around 40 to 50 residents were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. Firefighters and disaster management staff helped residents move out of the building safely. Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. Meter boxes damaged, power supply cut The fire caused damage to 19 electricity meter boxes located inside the meter room. As a safety measure, the electricity supply to the building was disconnected by MSEDCL staff. officials said further checks will be carried out before restoring power.
01 January,2026 01:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the scrutiny of the 2,516 nominations received by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation up to December 30 (Tuesday) for the upcoming BMC Election 2026, the Mumbai civic body has found 2,231 nomination papers to be valid, while 167 nominations have been declared invalid. Of the total nominations received, 2,122 were filed on Tuesday alone. Around 16 pc nominations declared invalid Effectively, approximately 16 per cent of the 2,516 nominations filed until December 30 have been found invalid. The reasons for invalid nominations include errors in the nomination forms, as well as lack of supporting information or required documentation submitted by the candidates. Scrutiny conducted as per SEC schedule The scrutiny of nominations was conducted by the civic body on December 31 (Wednesday) from 11.00 am onwards, as per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission (SEC). Withdrawal and symbol allocation dates The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is Friday, January 2, 2026, between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, before the 23 Returning Officers appointed by the SEC. The allocation of election symbols will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11.00 am onwards. The final list of contesting candidates will also be published on the same day. BMC Election 2026 schedule Nomination scrutiny: 31 December Withdrawal of nominations: 2 January Final list of candidates: 3 January Polling: 15 January Counting of votes: 16 January
01 January,2026 12:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday expressed confidence that the New Year 2026 will mark a new phase of prosperity and development for the state. In his New Year message, CM Fadnavis urged people to move forward with fresh determination, learning from the good memories of the past year and leaving behind its difficult moments, reported the PTI. Describing Maharashtra as a leading state across all sectors, the Chief Minister appealed to citizens to remain united so that the state’s progress continues. "The soil of Maharashtra has the strength to face challenges," CM Fadnavis said, calling on people to resolve to overcome any obstacles that may arise in the year ahead, according to the PTI. He added that the New Year should bring new energy, strengthen hopes and aspirations, and ensure good health, prosperity and growth for all. Over 17,000 cops deployed across Mumbai To ensure safety during New Year celebrations in Mumbai, the police have deployed more than 17,000 personnel across the city, officials said. The deployment includes 14,200 police constables, 2,790 police officers, 38 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 10 Additional Commissioners of Police and Mumbai Traffic Police personnel have also been deployed as part of the security arrangement. Extra Forces and High Alert at Public Spots Additional forces from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Riot Control Police, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Home Guards have been stationed at various locations. Heavy police presence was on Wednesday night seen at major spots of the city such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Juhu Beach and Bandstand in Bandra west. Special security arrangements have been put in place to maintain law and order, officials said. Strict checks and citizen advisory Traffic Police have been instructed to take strict action against drunk driving. Police stations have been directed to increase patrols and set up pickets, especially in crowded areas and places expecting large gatherings. Police personnel are on the streets to ensure the safety of citizens celebrating with friends and family. Mumbai Police have also appealed to people to exercise restraint and take special care of children and women at places with heavy footfall. All senior officers, including the Mumbai Police Commissioner, are on the ground overseeing bandobast duties, officials added. Aksa Beach remains deserted Aksa Beach in Mumbai on New Year's eve. Pic/Samiullah Khan On New Year's eve, Aksa Beach in Mumbai appeared deserted, with no visitors or revellers present on Wednesday night. Only police personnel and Quick Response Team (QRT) officials were seen at the beach, maintaining security and keeping a close watch on the area. The heavy police presence was part of preventive measures taken to ensure safety and avoid overcrowding during New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, the road leading to Dana Pani Beach was also closed for visitors on Wednesday night and the police officials were seen being deployed along the route.
31 December,2025 11:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway on Wednesday said that it has reported a strong performance in parcel transportation during the Financial Year 2025-26, an official statement said. Up to November 2025, the zone earned Rs. 183.80 crore from parcel and luggage services, registering a growth of more than 37 per cent compared to the same period last year, it said. In the previous financial year, Central Railway earned Rs. 133.70 crore, showing a significant rise in revenue due to focused marketing efforts and innovative transport initiatives. Parcel train operations increase During FY 2025-26 (April to November 2025), Central Railway operated 143 trips of time-tabled parcel trains, including Lease and Indent Parcel Cargo Express services. These services played a key role in boosting parcel movement across the zone. Mumbai division leads revenue contribution The Mumbai Division emerged as the top contributor to parcel earnings. It generated Rs. 136.20 crore in FY 2025-26, compared to Rs. 95.20 crore in the previous year, reflecting a growth of over 43 per cent. The Bhusaval Division recorded the highest percentage growth, with parcel revenue increasing by 93 per cent. Earnings rose from Rs. 8.90 crore in FY 2024-25 to Rs. 17.20 crore in the current financial year. Other divisions also contributed steadily-- - Pune Division: Rs. 20.20 crore - Nagpur Division: Rs. 7.60 crore - Solapur Division: Rs. 2.60 crore Shetkari Samruddhi special boosts farm logistics As part of its efforts to support farmers, Central Railway introduced the Shetkari Samruddhi Special parcel train in October 2024. The train operates between Devlali in Maharashtra and Danapur in Bihar, providing affordable transport for perishable agricultural goods. So far, 63 trips of this special train have been operated. These services have transported over 9,044 tonnes of parcel traffic and earned a revenue of Rs. 3.24 crore, strengthening agricultural logistics and supporting the rural economy. First-ever silk cocoon transport initiative In November 2025, Central Railway achieved a major milestone by starting the direct transportation of silk cocoons from Solapur and Pandharpur in Maharashtra to Ramanagaram in Karnataka, Asia’s largest silk cocoon market. This first-of-its-kind initiative has so far transported 14,939 kilograms of silk cocoons in 535 packages, providing farmers with direct access to major markets and reducing dependence on middlemen. Focus on innovation and marketing Railway officials stated that the growth in parcel revenue is the result of intensive marketing, better customer engagement and innovative freight solutions. These measures have helped Central Railway expand its parcel business while supporting farmers, traders and small businesses, the statement said.
31 December,2025 10:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in the meter room of a residential building in Thane (West) area of Maharashtra on Wednesday, civic officials said, adding that around 50 residents were evacuated and no injuries were reported in the incident. The incident took place at the B Wing of Shree Dharmaveer Society, a ground-plus-seven-storey building, located near the Uthalsar ward office of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). The residential building is located behind Jalaram Traders. The incident was reported to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) control room at around 7:17 pm. Fire brought under control quickly After receiving the alert, fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot with one fire engine, along with staff from the Disaster Management Cell using a utility vehicle. Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) officials were also present at the site, the RDMC said. The fire was completely extinguished by around 7:40 pm, and the situation was brought under control. Residents safely evacuated due to heavy smoke Due to heavy smoke spreading inside the building, around 40 to 50 residents were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. Firefighters and disaster management staff helped residents move out of the building safely. Officials confirmed that no one was injured in the incident. Meter boxes damaged, power supply cut The fire caused damage to 19 electricity meter boxes located inside the meter room. As a safety measure, the electricity supply to the building was disconnected by MSEDCL staff. Authorities said further checks will be carried out before restoring power. Situation fully under control Officials stated that the fire was limited to the meter room and did not spread to other parts of the building. The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. Mumbai Fire Brigade inspects 2,703 establishments, cracks down on 136 Meanwhile, ahead of New Year 2026 celebrations, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has inspected 2,703 establishments under its ‘Special Fire Safety Campaign’ and taken action against 136 establishments under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. In an intensified drive ahead of the New Year 2026 celebrations on Wednesday, the fire brigade cracked down on establishments in Kamala Mills and Shakti Mills, confiscating eight illegal commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, 200 kg of coal, 135 litres of cooking oil, and other flammable materials. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched the special campaign earlier this month. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the civic body said, “On the night of December 30, 2025, during an operation conducted by the ‘G South’ Ward in the Kamala Mill and Shakti Mill areas of Lower Parel, eight illegal commercial LPG cylinders, 200 kg of coal, 135 litres of cooking oil, and other materials were seized.” The statement further noted that various programmes and celebrations are being organised at hotels, pubs, bars, residential complexes, buildings, and beaches across Mumbai to welcome the New Year, drawing large crowds. “The BMC has appealed to all establishment owners and organisers to strictly adhere to fire safety guidelines during New Year-related celebrations,” it said.
31 December,2025 10:15 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentAhead of New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Mumbai Fire Brigade has inspected 2,703 establishments under its ‘Special Fire Safety Campaign’ and taken action against 136 establishments under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. In an intensified drive ahead of the New Year 2026 celebrations on Wednesday, the fire brigade cracked down on establishments in Kamala Mills and Shakti Mills, confiscating eight illegal commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, 200 kg of coal, 135 litres of cooking oil, and other flammable materials. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched the special campaign earlier this month. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the civic body said, “On the night of December 30, 2025, during an operation conducted by the ‘G South’ Ward in the Kamala Mill and Shakti Mill areas of Lower Parel, eight illegal commercial LPG cylinders, 200 kg of coal, 135 litres of cooking oil, and other materials were seized.” The statement further noted that various programmes and celebrations are being organised at hotels, pubs, bars, residential complexes, buildings, and beaches across Mumbai to welcome the New Year, drawing large crowds. “The BMC has appealed to all establishment owners and organisers to strictly adhere to fire safety guidelines during New Year-related celebrations,” it said. Action taken by Mumbai Fire Brigade As part of the drive, action was taken against 136 establishments for non-compliance with fire safety norms, while notices were served to 55 others. The inspections covered 38 malls, 51 five-star hotels, 194 lodging and boarding establishments, 37 rooftop establishments, 325 pubs, bars and clubs, 37 party halls, 28 gymkhanas, and 1,993 restaurants, taking the total number of inspected establishments to 2,703.
31 December,2025 08:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA day after the Republican Party of India (RPI-A) announced it would contest the BMC Election 2026 independently, Shiv Sena (UBT) stated that Union Minister Ramdas Athawale should have realised by now that “there is no ally the BJP has not betrayed,” reported the IANS. On Tuesday, Athawale declared that the RPI (A) would go solo in the municipal polls, effectively breaking its electoral ties with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance. Reacting to the move, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey said, “Ramdas Athawale is a prominent leader, a Union Minister and a Rajya Sabha member. He should know who he is aligning with. As the old saying goes about the BJP, there’s no ally it hasn’t betrayed.” Dubey added sarcastically, “If I put it in Athawale’s style — if the BJP is not giving them tickets, they should take BJP’s wickets,” according to the IANS. Seat-sharing dispute Athawale had accused the Mahayuti alliance of “betrayal” over seat-sharing arrangements, releasing a list of 39 candidates just hours before the nomination deadline. He claimed that, despite assurances, the alliance failed to honour commitments. Athawale said that although Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had directed that RPI (A) be allocated seats from BJP’s quota, this was never implemented, as per the IANS. The final day for filing nominations was 30 December, for the 227-member BMC elections scheduled for 15 January 2026. RPI (A) has fielded candidates across North, North-Central, North-West and North-East Mumbai. Cracks in Mahayuti alliance Earlier, Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam announced that the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena would contest 137 and 90 seats, respectively. Dubey criticised this arrangement, saying, “Eknath Shinde is being given 90 seats. There was a time when our Shiv Sena used to give tickets to BJP. Now, the BJP is giving them tickets.” The NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, is also contesting the BMC elections separately, signalling further cracks within the alliance. Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the politically crucial Mumbai civic body, will be held on 15 January, with counting on the following day. Past data In the 2017 BMC elections, the BJP had made significant gains, winning 82 seats, just two short of the undivided Shiv Sena’s tally. The Congress finished third with 31 seats, while the undivided NCP and Raj Thackeray-led MNS secured 9 and 7 seats, respectively. The AIMIM won 3 seats, Samajwadi Party 6 seats, Akhil Bhartiya Sena 1 seat, and Independents accounted for 4 seats. (with IANS inputs)
31 December,2025 07:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the deadline for the nominations ended, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its comprehensive list of 137 candidates for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election, scheduled for January 15, 2026, with the counting on the following day. The BJP will contest on 137 wards, while its ally, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, will fight on 90. The alliance aims to secure a strong majority in the 227-ward civic body, which serves over 10.3 crore voters and has one of Asia's largest municipal budgets. BMC Election 2026: Complete list of BJP candidates Tejaswi Ghosalkar for Ward 2 (General-Women) Prakash Darekar for Ward 3 (Open) Yogita Patil for Ward 8 (General - Women) Dr Shilpa Sangore for Ward 17 (General - Women) Dipak (Bala) Tawde for Ward 20 (Open) Tejinder Singh Tiwana for Ward 47 (Open) Yogesh Varma for Ward 35 (Open) Siddharth Sharma for Ward 36 (Open) Pratibha Shinde for Ward 37 (General - Women) Sanjay Awhad for Ward 40 (Open) Vinesh Mishra for Ward 43 (Open) Sangita Sharma for Ward 44 (General - Women) Sanjay Kable for Ward 45 (OBC) Yogita Koli for Ward 46 (OBC - Women) Sumitra Mahatre for Ward 49 (OBC - Women) Vikram Rajput for Ward 50 (OBC) Priti Satam for Ward 52 (OBC - Women) Harsh Patel for Ward 55 (Open) Rajul Desai for Ward 56 (General - Women) Yogiraj Dabhadkar for Ward 59 (Open) Shaili Kulkarni for Ward 60 (General - Women) Rupesh Sawarkar for Ward 63 (OBC) Sarita Rajpure for Ward 64 (General - Women) Dipak Kotekar for Ward 67 (Open) Rohan Rathod for Ward 68 (Open) Sudha Sinh for Ward 69 (OBC - Women) Anish Makwani for Ward 70 (OBC) Sunita Mehta for Ward 71 (General - Women) Ujwala Modak for Ward 74 (General - Women) Umesh Rane for Ward 75 (Open) Prabhakar Musale for Ward 76 (OBC) Disha Yadav for Ward 80 (OBC - Women) Kesharben Patel for Ward 81 (General - Women) Jagdishwari Amin for Ward 82 (OBC - Women) Anjali Samant for Ward 84 (General - Women) Milind Shinde for Ward 85 (Open) Krishna (Hemesh) Parkar for Ward 87 (Open) Dr Prajna Samant for Ward 88 (General - Women) Jyoti Upadhyay for Ward 90 (Open) Suhas Aadivrekar for Ward 95 (OBC) Hetal Gala for Ward 97 (General - Women) Alka Kerkar for Ward 98 (Open) Jitendra Raute for Ward 99 (Open) Swapna Mhatre for Ward 100 (OBC - Women) Anuradha Ghodke for Ward 101 (General - Women) Nilesh Handgar for Ward 102 (Open) Hetal Morjewkar for Ward 103 (General - Women) Prakash Gangadhar for Ward 104 (Open) Anita Vaiti for Ward 105 (OBC - Women) Prabhakar Shinde for Ward 106 (Open) Neil Somaiya for Ward 107 (Open) Dipika Ghag for Ward 108 (OBC - Women) Jini Sharma for Ward 110 (General - Women) Sarika Pawar for Ward 111 (OBC) Sakshi Dalvi for Ward 112 (General - Women) Simita Parab for Ward 115 (General - Women) Jagruti Patil for Ward 116 (General - Women) Chandan Sharma for Ward 122 (Open) Anil Nimse for Ward 123 (Open) Archana Bhalerao for Ward 126 (General - Women) Alka Bhagat for Ward 127 (General - Women) Ashwini Mate for Ward 129 (OBC - Women) Dhamesh Giri for Ward 130 (Open) Rakhi Jadhav for Ward 131 (General - Women) Ritu Tawde for Ward 132 (General - Women) Navnath Ban for Ward 135 (OBC) Shrutika More for Ward 141 (Scheduled Caste) Dinesh (Babla) Panchal for Ward 144 (Open) Sushma Sawant for Ward 149 (Open) Vanita Kokare for Ward 150 (OBC - Women) Kashish Phulvariya for Ward 151 (Scheduled Caste - Women) Asha Marathe for Ward 152 (Scheduled Caste) Mahadev Shivgan for Ward 154 (Open) Varsha Shette for Ward 155 (Scheduled Caste - Women) Asha Tayade for Ward 157 (General - Women) Akanksha Shette for Ward 158 (OBC - Women) Prakash More for Ward 159 (Open) Harish Bhandiye for Ward 164 (Open) Rupesh Pawar for Ward 165 (Open) Anuradha Pendsekar for Ward 168 (Open) Ranjita Divekar for Ward 170 (OBC - Women) Rajshri Shirvadkar for Ward 172 (General - Women) Sakhi Konozia for Ward 174 (General - Women) Rekha Yadav for Ward 176 (OBC - Women) Kalpana Kothari for Ward 177 (General - Women) Rajan Parkar for Ward 182 (OBC) Ravi Raja for Ward 185 (Open) Nila Sonawane for Ward 186 (Scheduled Caste - Women) Mangla Gayakwad for Ward 189 (Scheduled Caste - Women) Shital Gambhir Desai for Ward 190 (Open) Rajesh Kangane for Ward 195 (OBC) Sonali Savant for Ward 196 (General - Women) Sandip Pansande for Ward 200 (Open) Pathar Bajkar for Ward 202 (Open) Varsha Shinde for Ward 205 (General - Women) Rohidas Lokhande for Ward 207 (Open) Santosh Rane for Ward 210 (Open) Shakil Ansari for Ward 211 (Open) Mandakini Khamkar for Ward 212 (General - Women) Ajay Patil for Ward 214 (Open) Santosh Dhale for Ward 215 (Scheduled Caste) Gauri Narvenkar for Ward 216 (OBC - Women) Advocate Gourang Jhaveri for Ward 217 (Open) Snehal Tendulkar for Ward 218 (General - Women) Sanvi Sanap for Ward 219 (OBC) Dipali Kulkhe for Ward 220 (General - Women) Akash Purohit for Ward 221 (Open) Rita Makwana for Ward 222 (OBC) Hrishda Naikokar for Ward 225 (Open) Makarand Narwekar for Ward 226 (OBC) Gauri Shivelkar for Ward 227 (General - Women)
31 December,2025 07:47 PM IST | MumbaiMumbai recorded 1,50,254 property registrations in 2025, the highest in 14 years, according to a report by Knight Frank India, reported the IANS. Stamp duty collections also reached a 14-year peak of Rs 13,487 crore, signalling strong activity in the real estate market. The momentum continued through December, with 14,447 registrations generating Rs 1,263 crore for the state exchequer. This represented a 16 per cent year-on-year rise in registrations and an 11 per cent increase in stamp duty collections. Monthly growth highlights On a month-on-month basis, December registrations surged 18 per cent, while stamp duty revenues climbed 22 per cent. Residential properties accounted for 80 per cent of the transactions during the month, indicating sustained demand for homes, according to the IANS. The report noted that the rise in both registrations and stamp duty collections reflected not only high transaction volumes but also improving property values. Shift towards higher-value properties The trend shows a shift towards higher-value properties. According to the report, the homes priced above Rs 5 crore accounted for 7 per cent of December registrations, up from 6 per cent a year earlier, while the Rs 1-2 crore segment rose to 32 per cent from 30 per cent, as per the IANS. Smaller units continued to dominate the market, with properties up to 1,000 sq ft representing 82 per cent of registrations, and the 500-1,000 sq ft range being the most preferred among buyers, the report suggested. Market resilience and affordability Shishir Baijal, Chairman & Managing Director of Knight Frank India, said, “This milestone reflects the resilience and depth of the Mumbai property market, driven by sustained end-user demand and a supportive supply-side ecosystem.” He added that rising stamp duty collections indicate higher per-unit transaction values, and affordability has significantly improved. “Mumbai now has an affordability ratio of 47 per cent, a sharp correction from earlier times when EMIs consumed nearly 97 per cent of household income,” Baijal noted, the news agency reported. The report concludes that homebuyers in Mumbai are willing and able to invest, provided the price points and product offerings are suitable. (with IANS inputs)
31 December,2025 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSeveral parts of Thane will face a complete water supply shutdown for 12 hours on Friday, January 2, after a major valve on the city’s water supply network developed a fault, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) said on Wednesday. According to the civic body, a 700-mm diameter valve on the main water pipeline at Haridas Nagar, which supplies water to the Ghodbunder Road area, has malfunctioned, disrupting water supply in the region. The valve needs urgent replacement, prompting the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) and the Shahad–Temghar water supply authority to schedule a shutdown of the water supply scheme. The shutdown will be in effect from 9 am to 9 pm on Friday, January 2, 2026. As a result, water supply will remain completely suspended for 12 hours in Ghodbunder Road, Lokmanya Nagar, Vartak Nagar, Saket, Rutu Park, Jail area, Gandhinagar, Siddhanchal, Indiranagar, Rupadevi, Shrinagar, Samtanagar, Siddheshwar, Eternity, Johnson, Mumbra, and parts of Kalwa, the civic body said. TMC has appealed to residents to store water in advance and use it judiciously during the shutdown period. “Citizens are requested to cooperate with the civic administration by using water sparingly during the water cut,” the TMC water supply department said in an official statement. For emergencies, citizens can contact the TMC Disaster Management Control Room at 1800-222-108 or 8657887101.
31 December,2025 07:11 PM IST | ThaneGig and platform workers from Mumbai and across Maharashtra are likely to join the nationwide strike called by unions, officials told news agency PTI on Wednesday. Maharashtra Police are keeping a close watch on the situation, particularly on New Year’s Eve, to prevent any untoward incidents, they added. Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) have claimed that lakhs of workers across the country are expected to participate in the strike, demanding better payouts and improved working conditions, PTI reported. “Maharashtra Police are keeping a close watch on developments related to the nationwide strike involving workers of app-based food delivery platforms,” an official told PTI. Gig and platform workers in Mumbai and Maharashtra are likely to participate in the strike, the official added. “We are not anticipating any major issues, but app-based delivery services may be impacted,” he said. The strike could affect operations of food delivery and quick commerce firms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto on New Year’s Eve, when demand typically peaks. “Police are coordinating with employers and organisers of the strike to avoid any untoward incident,” the official said. Zomato, Swiggy offer higher payouts amid strike call on New Year’s Eve Food delivery platforms Zomato and Swiggy are offering increased incentives to their delivery partners in Maharashtra, a standard practice during festive periods, to ensure minimal disruption on New Year’s Eve amid the strike call. Zomato has offered delivery partners payouts ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 150 per order during peak hours from 6 pm to 12 am on December 31. The platform has also promised earnings of up to Rs 3,000 over the course of the day, depending on order volumes and worker availability, sources said. In addition, Zomato has temporarily waived penalties on order denials and cancellations. “This is part of our standard annual operating protocol during festive periods, which typically see higher earning opportunities due to increased demand,” an Eternal spokesperson told PTI. Industry sources said operations of Swiggy, Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto in Maharashtra may also be affected, though firms are taking steps to minimise disruption. (With PTI inputs)
31 December,2025 06:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
