As mid-day continues with its ‘Know Your Wards’ series, we now focus on the ‘C’ administrative ward, which borders the Arabian Sea, forming a part of Mumbai’s western coastline. The C ward is among the most congested in the city, with narrow lanes, a large number of old buildings eligible for redevelopment, lack of parking space, and high commercial value due to the popular clothing and jewelry markets. While the ward largely consists of merchants and traders, it is home to some of the oldest privately owned buildings in the city. The electoral ward number 220 — comprising Kamathipura and Null Bazar — had witnessed a tie with two candidates garnering an equal number of votes in the 2017 BMC elections. BJP’s Atul Shah and Shiv Sena’s Surendra Bagalkar had bagged 5946 votes each. After consulting with the State Election Commission, then Municipal Commissioner Ajoy Mehta stepped in and arranged for a lottery to be drawn by a school student to decide on the candidate. Shah’s name emerged victorious. Administrative ward: C ward Areas under ward: Phanaswadi, Bhuleshwar, Zaveri Bazar, Dhobi Talav, Thakurdwar Population of ward: 166161 | Gross Density of ward: 859 Characteristics by: Narrow lanes, a large number of old buildings, and a lack of parking space for local residents Main issues: Chronic waterlogging spot: 01 at Gol Deol Vulnerable settlements: None Open spaces: 16 such as Mumbadevi Garden near Mumbadevi temple, Phanaswadi Playground near the Phanaswadi municipal school. Lack of parking space, several buildings eligible for redevelopment, and narrow roads. Road concreting status:Partially completed: 4Completed: 14Not started: 26 Electoral Ward 220 in the C Ward: 220: Kamathi Pura, Null Bazar, Gulal Wadi Demographic details Total population: 54,418SC population: 589 (2%)ST population: 93 (-) Ward reservation2017 - Open 2025 - Reserved for Women Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 47,748Male: 26,918Female: 20,829Others: 1 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Yakub Memon (SP)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Atul Hasmukhlal Shah (BJP) Winning margin: 27%Votes received: 5,946Total votes cast: 22,389 Electoral Ward 221 in the C Ward: 221: Phanaswadi, Bhuleshwar, Lohar Chawl, Vitthal Wadi, Zaveri Bazar Demographic details Total population: 57,141SC population: 250 (-)ST population: 87 (-) Ward reservation2017 - Open 2025 - Open Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 48,868Male: 29,896Female: 18,972Others: 0 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Dhyanraj Nikam (Congress)Municipal Councillor's name (2017): Akash Purohit (BJP) Winning margin: 32%Votes received: 6,722Total votes cast: 20,804 Electoral Ward 222 in the C Ward: 222: Dhobi Talav, Sonapur, Chandan Wadi Gymkhana, Thakurdwar, Cheul Wadi Demographic details Total population: 54,602SC population: 1,199 (2%)ST population: 198 (-) Ward reservation2017 - OBC Women2025 - OBC Voter detailsTentative voters (2025): 52,071Male: 29,177Female: 22,893Others: 1 Political detailsPrevious Municipal Councillor (2012): Wakarunnisa AnsariMunicipal Councillor's name (2017): Rita Makwana (BJP) Winning margin: 41%Votes received: 10,365Total votes cast: 25,058
25 December,2025 03:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSAdani Group Chairman Gautam Adani personally welcomed passengers on Thursday as Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) commenced its commercial airline operations with the arrival of its first flight, reported news agency ANI. The first aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival. IndiGo flight 6E460 from Bengaluru touched down at 8:00 am and was welcomed with the traditional water salute. This was followed by the airport’s first departure—IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad—which took off at 8:40 am, completing NMIA’s inaugural arrival and departure cycle. Marking another milestone, Akasa Air and Air India Express also inaugurated their services from NMIA on Thursday, becoming among the first carriers to begin commercial operations at the airport. Akasa Air’s 31st aircraft operated the airline’s inaugural Delhi–NMIA flight, while Air India Express launched direct services to Bengaluru and Delhi. All about Navi Mumbai International Airport Navi Mumbai International Airport Private Limited (NMIAL) is the special purpose vehicle responsible for the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of the greenfield international airport project. NMIAL is a public-private partnership between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), which holds a 74 per cent stake, and City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), a Government of Maharashtra undertaking, which holds the remaining 26 per cent. AAHL is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, the flagship incubator of the Adani Group. NMIA (IATA: NMI; ICAO: VANM) is poised to become one of India’s busiest and most significant aviation hubs. Strategically located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, the airport is designed to meet the rapidly growing air traffic demand of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and western India. Spread over 1,160 hectares (2,866 acres), NMIA is designed to handle up to 90 million passengers per annum upon full completion. The airport will feature two parallel runways, state-of-the-art terminal buildings, and advanced cargo facilities to ensure seamless passenger movement and efficient cargo handling. Built as a greenfield airport, NMIA incorporates sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure, including renewable energy use and green building practices. Its fluid, futuristic design is inspired by the lotus, India’s national flower. In its initial phase, NMIA will have the capacity to handle 20 million passengers per annum and 0.5 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. With its modern infrastructure, sustainability focus, and strategic location, NMIA is set to emerge as a major gateway to India and a key player in the global aviation sector. (With inputs from ANI)
25 December,2025 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA stalemate continues between the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) over a couple of seats for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, as both parties have strong influence in the areas concerned, an MNS functionary told PTI. According to the leader, the disagreement centres on seats in Bhandup, especially ward number 114. Bhandup and Vikhroli in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs are areas where both the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s MNS enjoy a strong presence. The Thackeray cousins on Wednesday announced their decision to form an alliance for BMC Elections 2026, but did not share details of the seat-sharing arrangement. The MNS leader told PTI his party has laid claim to ward 114 for a local leader. From Shiv Sena (UBT), a former Member of Legislative Assembly’s (MLA’s) wife and Member of Parliament Sanjay Dina Patil’s daughter Rajool are keen to contest from the same ward, the MNS functionary said. The ward has a sizeable Marathi population, and both parties believe it offers a strong chance of victory. In the 2017 BMC Elections, the then undivided Shiv Sena won 84 of the city’s 227 wards, followed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with 82 seats, while the MNS secured seven seats. “We have been asking this ward for our local leader. Giving it to the relatives of a former MLA or the MP’s daughter will send out a wrong signal,” the MNS leader told PTI, adding that a decision on the issue is likely within a day or two. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut told reporters that seat-sharing discussions between the two parties had already concluded. He also defended party leaders, MLAs and MPs seeking tickets for their family members. Raut said Rajool is a core committee member of the Yuva Sena, the student wing of Shiv Sena (UBT). He added that Aniket Prabhu, son of Dindoshi MLA Sunil Prabhu, is also a core committee member of the Yuva Sena. Elections to 29 civic corporations in Maharashtra, including the high-profile BMC polls, will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for the following day. The nomination process began on December 23 and will continue until December 30. (With PTI inputs)
25 December,2025 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday said that while many alliances and coalitions have occurred in the politics of the state and country, the tie-up between the Shiv Sena(UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) founded by Raj Thackeray is set to be historic, revolutionary, and a source of strength for the Marathi Manoos, reported IANS. The party said that the reunion of the Thackeray cousins is a "good omen" for Maharashtra in defeating those perceived as "traitors to the state". In an editorial in its mouthpiece, Saamana, the party said the BJP and Shinde faction claim that they are "not afraid" of the united Thackeray front; this rhetoric masks deep-seated internal fear. The message of the alliance is clear -- Maharashtra will now erupt in resistance, the Marathi man will stand against injustice, and he will fight to win, reported IANS. A day after the formal reunion of Thackeray cousins for the elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other civic bodies in Maharashtra, the Thackeray camp claimed it is not a transactional political deal, but a sacred vow to protect the welfare of the Marathi people. Shiv Sena (UBT) slams Central government The Thackeray camp levelled harsh criticism against the Central government and the current state leadership, alleging that "Delhi" has adopted a policy to systematically weaken the Marathi Manoos through the misuse of power. It accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena of acting as "servants of Delhi", claiming they remain silent spectators to an economic and cultural "invasion" of Maharashtra, reported IANS. The editorial said the alliance also seeks to counter a perceived conspiracy by "outsiders" and wealthy businessmen to decouple Mumbai from Maharashtra. It further elaborates that the Thackeray cousins have joined hands when prime real estate from Panvel and Thane to Raigad and Alibaug has been seized by associates of the "Shah company", reported IANS. "The ruling BJP views Mumbai only through the lens of 'loot' and auctioning, prioritising builders over the local Marathi population. The future of Mumbai is not safe in the hands of those who wish to link it to Gujarat. The original Shiv Sena was dismantled because it stood as a barrier to plans of merging Mumbai’s interests with Gujarat,” it added, reported IANS. According to the editorial, the Thackeray cousins have united with a readiness for sacrifice to protect Mumbai, highlighting a perceived decline of Maharashtra's influence in national politics. It further warned of a conspiracy by "outsiders" to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. It reiterated that the BJP has no emotional connection to an undivided Maharashtra and views Mumbai only as a source of loot. The Thackeray camp strongly justified the alliance between the Shiv Sena(UBT) and MNS, saying that it took place when there was a "historical fear in Delhi regarding the bravery and political diplomacy of the Marathi people, who once hoisted their flag beyond Attock". (With inputs from IANS)
25 December,2025 02:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) transport department has released the official timetable for Bus Route A-5, which connects Khandeshwar Railway Station with the Navi Mumbai International Airport area. The revised schedule and notice were issued from the Aasudgaon depot. Route A-5 has been planned to provide reliable public transport connectivity between the suburban railway network and the Navi Mumbai international airport, benefiting daily commuters, airport staff, and passengers. As per the timetable, buses will operate at regular intervals throughout the day, starting early in the morning and continuing till late at night. Timings Morning services from Khandeshwar Railway Station begin at 6:32 am, with multiple departures scheduled during peak hours to manage the commuter rush. Services continue steadily through the afternoon and evening. As per the official release, the last bus will depart from Khandeshwar Railway Station at 12:16 am, ensuring late-night connectivity. Similarly, buses from the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) to Khandeshwar Railway Station start around 6.58 am and operate at frequent intervals till midnight. As per the release issued by the Thane Municipal Corporation’s transport department, the last bus from Navi Mumbai International Airport towards Khandeshwar will depart at 11:50 pm. Furthermore, it has also been informed that all services on Route A-5 will stop at designated bus stops along the route. The transport department stated that the structured timetable aims to improve punctuality, reduce waiting time, and strengthen last-mile connectivity to the airport. Passengers are advised to refer to the displayed timetable at bus stops and depots and plan their journeys accordingly. Water salute marks first landing as Navi Mumbai Airport begins operations On November 25, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), which is India’s newest Greenfield airport, began commercial operations. The Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) began operations, with the first flight from Bengaluru, operated by IndiGo, touching down on the runway at 8 am. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on arrival, a time-honoured aviation tradition marking NMIA's first commercial touchdown and departure, the airport operator said in a statement. The inaugural arrival was followed by the airport's first departure, IndiGo flight 6E882 to Hyderabad at 08:40 am, completing NMIA's inaugural arrival and departure cycle, it said. On the first day, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air will operate domestic services, connecting the new facility to nine destinations across India.
25 December,2025 02:24 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, mid-day will bring you a ‘Know Your Ward’ update with details of Mumbai’s 227 electoral wards, across the 24 administrative wards. Each instalment will highlight ward-wise characteristics, challenges, issues that put the spotlight on developmental priorities, key landmarks, demographic patterns, and the political landscape of the ward. The population density of the area, natural boundaries such as the city coastline and rivers, or human-made boundaries such as nullahs and railway lines, determine boundaries of these wards. Each of Mumbai’s 24 administrative wards is home to a varied number of electoral wards. While some administrative wards, such as L ward in Kurla and the F-North ward in Matunga, comprise as many as 10 electoral wards, South Mumbai’s A and B wards have only three and two electoral wards, respectively. The first in the series are ‘A ward’ comprising wards 225, 226, and 227, and ‘Ward B’, comprising wards 223, and 224. Administrative ward: A ward Areas: Colaba, Cuff Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Mantralay, Marine Drive, Churchgate, Fort, Azad Maidan Population of ward: 185014 | Gross Density of ward: 165 Main issues: 1) Chronic water logging spots: 0 2) Vulnerable settlements – 8, due to sea front with a population of 95552 3) Open spaces: 17, including Bhatia Garden, Horniman Cicrl Garden, Gateway of India, C.P.R.A. Garden in Cuff Parade 4) lack of parking space to cater to the high floating population in business areas of Nariman Point, Fort, and Churchgate Status of concretisation of roads: Completed Partially Completed Not Started 19 7 48 Electoral wards in the A ward: 225: Fort, Taj Mahal Hotel, Gateway Of India Demographic details Total Population SC Population ST population SC Population % ST population % 61,341 6,735 1,321 11% 2% Political details Municipal Councillors Name (2017) Party Winners Votes Total Votes Polled Winning margin (%) Municipal Councillor in 2012 Sujata Digvijay Sanap Shiv Sena 10,388 25619 41% Sushma Salunke Ward reservations: Ward Reservation (2025) Ward Reservation (2017) Open Reserved for women belonging to Schedule Castes Voters: 56605 Male: 30427 Female: 26175 Others: 3 Duplicate voters: 6399 226: Nariman Point, Machhimar Nagar, Ganeshmurti Nagar Demographic details Total Population SC Population ST population SC Population % ST population % 62,978 4,243 1,644 7% 3% Political details Municipal Councillors Name (2017) Party Winners Votes Total Votes Polled Winning margin (%) Municipal Councillor in 2012 Harshita A. Narvekar BJP 11,053 24463 45% Anita Yadav Ward reservations: Ward Reservation (2025) Ward Reservation (2017) OBC Reserved for Women Tentative voters 2025: 54121 Male: 29876 Female: 24244 Others: 1 Duplicate voters: 4707 227: Geeta Nagar, Afghan Church Navy Nagar Demographic details Total Population SC Population ST population SC Population % ST population % 60,695 2,656 228 4% 0% Political details Municipal Councillors Name (2017) Party Winners Votes Total Votes Polled Winning margin (%) Municipal councillor in 2012 Makarand Narvekar BJP 6,987 12498 56% Makarand Narvekar Ward reservations: Ward Reservation (2025) Ward Reservation (2017) Women Tentative voters 2025:44813 Male: 26801 Female: 18010 Others: 2 Duplicate voters: 2098 Administrative ward: B ward Areas: Mohammad Ali Road, Dongri, Bhendi Bazar Population of ward: 131544 | Density of ward: 479 Main issues: 1) Chronic water logging spots: 0 2) Vulnerable Settlements: 0, 10 dilapidated buildings, and Illegal constructions 3) Open spaces: 8 including Babula Tank Playground 4) Lack of parking space and traffic jams, unauthorized hawkers Status of road concretization: Completed Partially Completed Not Started 13 8 62 Electoral wards in the B ward: 224: Victoria Dock, Bengali Pura Koliwada, Mandvi, Paydhuni Demographic details Total Population SC Population ST population SC Population % ST population % 64,245 558 330 1% 1% Political details Municipal Councillors Name (2017) Party Winners Votes Total Votes Polled Winning margin (%) Municipal Councillor in 2012 Afrin Shaikh Congress 7,681 19482 39 Ganesh Sanap, Shiv Sena Ward reservations: Ward Reservation (2025) Ward Reservation (2017) Women OBC Women Tentative voters 2025: 53096 Male: 28917 Female: 24176 Others: 3 Voters: 3936 223: Umarkhadi, Dana Bundar, Princess Dock, Wadi Bundar Demographic details Total Population SC Population ST population SC Population % ST population % 63,045 4,780 759 8% 1% Political details Municipal Councillors Name (2017) Party Winners Votes Total Votes Polled Winning margin (%) Municipal Councillor in 2012 Nikita Dnyanraj Nikam Congress 8,634 22085 39% Javed Juneja Ward reservations: Ward Reservation (2025) Ward Reservation (2017) OBC Women Tentative voters 2025: 46906 Male: 24224 Female: 22682 Other: 0 Duplicate voters: 4462
25 December,2025 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSCentral Railway has announced that it will be operating four special suburban trains during the midnight hours of December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. According to a release issued by the Central Railway, the special services will operate on both the Main Line and Harbour Line, ensuring smoother and safer travel for passengers celebrating the New Year across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Main Line As per the release issued by the Central Railway, a New Year’s Eve special local train will depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 1.30 am and reach Kalyan at 3.00 am on the Main Line. Whereas, another special service will depart from Kalyan at 1:30 am and arrive at CSMT at 3:00 am. Harbour Line The New Year special suburban train on the Harbour Line will leave CSMT at 1:30 am and will reach Panvel at 2:50 am. Similarly, another special train will depart from Panvel at 1.30 am and reach CSMT at 2:50 am. Central Railways, while announcing the special trains, has also clarified that all four special trains will halt at all the stations on their respective routes. Passengers have been advised to take note of these additional services, make use of them for late-night travel, and ensure safe commuting during the New Year celebrations. Central Railway recovers Rs 164.91 crore from ticketless travellers in 27.51 lakh cases. While keeping a strict check on ticketless travellers during the festive time, Central Railway on Thursday said that it has stepped up action against unauthorised and ticketless travel, recovering penalties worth Rs 164.91 crore from 27.51 lakh passengers during the financial year 2025-26 (April to November). Authorities further said that we have intensified the ticket-checking drive as part of our commitment to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel for genuine passengers. The statement from the Central Railways said that, during FY 2025-26, Central Railway’s ticket-checking teams caught 27.51 lakh passengers travelling without valid tickets or proper travel authority. This marks an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to 25.08 lakh cases recorded during the same period in FY 2024-25.
25 December,2025 01:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe machinery of a chemical plant recently set up in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district was procured from a controversial Italian firm linked to health hazards caused by PFAS chemicals, and it is now emitting the same compounds, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has claimed. State industries minister Uday Samant, however, said the chemicals in question are not being produced at the plant set up by Lakshmi Organic Chemicals in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area at Lote Parashuram, 225 km south of Mumbai, reported PTI. In a post on X, Pawar claimed that PFAS chemicals released by Italian company Miteni had contaminated a reservoir, affecting over 3 lakh people in the Vicenza area in the European nation. इटलीत Miteni नावाच्या कंपनीतून जलाशयात सोडण्यात आलेल्या PFAS केमिकल शरीरात गेल्याने तब्बल 3 लाखांपेक्षा जास्त लोकांना कॅन्सर सारखे गंभीर आजार झाले व 4000 नागरिक मृत्युमुखी पडले. नागरिकांनी आंदोलन करून ही कंपनी बंद पाडली. बंद पाडलेल्या याच कंपनीच्या मशिनरी विकत घेऊन भारतातील… pic.twitter.com/STph82KdMt — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) December 23, 2025 "The citizens there protested and forced the shutdown of the company. The same machinery from that shut-down company was purchased by Lakshmi Organic and installed in Ratnagiri MIDC. Harmful PFAS are being emitted from this plant," Pawar alleged. He questioned why permission was granted to such a hazardous industry, especially when India does not have specific laws regulating PFAS chemicals. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial processes and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential links to cancer and other health disorders. Speaking to a news channel, industries minister Samant, who is also the guardian minister of the coastal district, said he would not allow any hazardous project to come up in the Konkan region, reported PTI. He sought information from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) after reading media reports, and was informed that the contentious chemical has not be manufactured at the plant so far, the Shiv Sena leader said. "We are verifying whether the machinery procured from an Italy-based firm had necessary clearances from the MPCB," Samant added, reported PTI. The MPCB had issued a notice to the company following media reports, he said. Rohit Pawar alleges BJP sidelining allies, flags cracks within Mahayuti Earlier, Rohit Pawar launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that recent statements made by leaders within the Mahayuti alliance during the municipal council elections have exposed growing internal discord. Pawar said the remarks indicated that political decisions were being driven by narrow self-interest, adding that the BJP had begun “revealing its true colours,” with its allied parties appearing to endorse or remain silent on the developments. He also criticised the Chief Minister’s announcement, made shortly after the election schedule was declared, that the Mahayuti would not contest the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls together. According to Pawar, the decision reflected the BJP’s tendency to marginalise even its own partners. “Earlier, allies were ridiculed, and now one of them has been conveniently sidelined,” Pawar said, describing the situation as a result of “unrestrained political ambition.” He warned that if such an approach continues, it would not be surprising to see a political scenario in 2029 where the BJP is pitched against all other parties. (With inputs from PTI)
25 December,2025 12:52 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAfter the political reunion of the Thackeray cousins, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray described it as a "big day" for Maharashtra and for everyone fighting for the state, reported news agency ANI. The remark came after the political reunion of the Thackeray cousins, who had been estranged for years, ahead of the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026. "It is a big day for Maharashtra, and also for all those who are fighting for Maharashtra... Whenever the BJP is about to face defeat, they start talking about religion, money, caste, etc," Aaditya Thackeray told reporters. Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday called for Marathi unity after his party forged an alliance with Raj Thackeray-led MNS for the upcoming BMC elections 2026, scheduled to be held on January 15, with results announced the next day. In a post on X, Raj Thackeray said the two parties coming together was not merely about seat sharing, but about "burying the forces that are today attempting to erase the existence of the Marathi people in Mumbai and its surroundings, and tomorrow in other parts of the state." The MNS chief also assured that Mumbai's mayor will be a Marathi person. "The Mayor of Mumbai will be a Marathi and will be ours," Raj Thackeray said while addressing a press conference along with his cousin Uddhav. Fadnavis slams Thackeray cousins Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a sharp attack on the Thackeray cousins, saying both had abandoned their ideological viewpoints and were indulging in the politics of opportunism. "Nothing will happen with their coming together. Nobody will join hands with them in Mumbai. Their track record is one of corruption and self-interest. Uddhav and Raj have no ideological positioning. They indulge in the politics of opportunism," Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai. The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has announced elections to 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Polling will be held on January 15, with counting scheduled for January 16. (With inputs from ANI)
25 December,2025 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in a generator-mounted four-wheeler in Thane (West) on Wednesday morning, though no injuries were reported, civic officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident was reported at around 10.32 am on December 25. The blaze involved a Maruti Super Carry generator vehicle bearing registration number MH 04 BP 6019, which was parked on the roadside in front of the Welfare Centre Art Centre at Samata Nagar Naka, Samata Nagar. The vehicle is owned by Rajesh Kadam. On receiving the alert—conveyed by Dipesh Patil—teams from the Vartak Nagar Police, the Disaster Management Cell (with one pickup vehicle), and the fire brigade rushed to the spot. Firefighters deployed a fire engine and a rescue vehicle to control the blaze. Officials said the generator vehicle, along with the generator, was completely gutted, causing damage. However, the fire was brought under control and fully extinguished by around 10.47 am. The situation is now stable, and no casualties were reported. Fire breaks out on 14th floor of Andheri high-rise, no injuries reported A Level-I fire broke out in a residential high-rise building in Andheri (West) on Wednesday morning, prompting swift action by civic authorities. The incident was reported at 10:05 am to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) control room. According to officials, the fire occurred at Sorrento Tower, located on Veera Desai Road near Country Club. The blaze was confined to electrical wiring and installations within the electric shaft between the 10th and 21st floors. Firefighters also found that routers, shoe racks, wooden furniture and other materials near the electric duct on multiple floors were affected. The building comprises a stilt, four podium levels, and residential floors from the 5th to the 22nd storey. During rescue operations, around 30 to 40 residents who had gathered in the refuge area on the 16th floor were safely evacuated via the staircase. Additionally, two men and one woman were rescued from Flat No. 1503 on the 15th floor using breathing apparatus (BA) sets. The fire brigade declared the situation under control and fully extinguished the Level-I fire at 11:37 am. As per the latest update issued at 11:55 am, no injuries were reported in the incident. Firefighting and evacuation operations were carried out efficiently, ensuring the safety of all residents, officials confirmed.
25 December,2025 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Level-I fire broke out in a residential high-rise building in Andheri (West) on Wednesday morning, prompting swift action by civic authorities. The incident was reported at 10:05 am to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) control room. According to officials, the fire occurred at Sorrento Tower, located on Veera Desai Road near Country Club. The blaze was confined to electrical wiring and installations within the electric shaft between the 10th and 21st floors. Firefighters also found that routers, shoe racks, wooden furniture and other materials near the electric duct on multiple floors were affected. The building comprises a stilt, four podium levels, and residential floors from the 5th to the 22nd storey. During rescue operations, around 30 to 40 residents who had gathered in the refuge area on the 16th floor were safely evacuated via the staircase. Additionally, two men and one woman were rescued from Flat No. 1503 on the 15th floor using breathing apparatus (BA) sets. The fire brigade declared the situation under control and fully extinguished the Level-I fire at 11:37 am. As per the latest update issued at 11:55 am, no injuries were reported in the incident. Firefighting and evacuation operations were carried out efficiently, ensuring the safety of all residents, officials confirmed. Major fire in godown complex in Thane district In another incident, a major blaze broke out in a godown complex in Mumbra area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Tuesday evening, civic officials said, adding firefighting operations are underway. Nobody was injured in the incident, Disaster Management Cell chief Yasin Tadvi said, citing the preliminary information. "A fire erupted at around 6.30 pm in a cluster of commercial godowns located near the area popularly known as the MAK Company, opposite the Mumbra Police Station. The situation is under control," he said. He said the exact cause of the fire was not immediately known. According to Tadvi, three godowns used for commercial storage were engulfed in flames. "On receiving information about the fire, three fire engines along with teams from the Regional Disaster Management Cell rushed to the spot immediately and began firefighting operations," he said. Tadvi also acknowledged that a major tragedy was averted due to timely action on the ground. "There was information about a gas cylinder stored in the basement of the affected premises. With prompt coordination, the cylinder was safely removed, which helped avert a possible explosion and large-scale damage," he said. He said the fire brigade and disaster management teams prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby structures in the densely populated Mumbra area.
25 December,2025 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
