At a press conference held at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh near Azad Maidan on Tuesday morning, prominent religious figures expressed strong support for the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, recently passed in the state Assembly. Addressing the media, Shriraj Nair, national spokesperson of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, was joined by Jagadguru Suryacharya Shri Krishnadevanand Giriji Maharaj and Swami Shri Bharatanand Saraswati Maharaj. The panel congratulated the state government and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for what they termed a “historic and joyous” legislative milestone. The leaders said the Bill, passed on March 16, aims to safeguard individuals from religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, inducement, or marriage. They asserted that the legislation would help preserve religious freedom while preventing exploitation under the guise of conversion. Freedom of Religion Bill to curb forced religious conversions The Maharashtra government earlier on March 13 introduced the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, aimed at curbing religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion or inducement. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate religious conversions while safeguarding the constitutional right to freedom of religion. The Bill, also referred to as the Dharma Swatantrya Adhiniyam, 2026, was tabled in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly by Minister of State for Rural Development Pankaj Bhoyar. The state Cabinet had earlier approved the draft legislation on March 5. The proposed law mandates that individuals intending to convert to another religion must provide a 60-day prior notice to the authorities. After the conversion, the individual will also be required to complete registration within 25 days, as per the provisions of the Bill. Stringent punishments proposed The legislation proposes strict penalties for unlawful religious conversions. Those found guilty of carrying out conversions on the pretext of marriage could face imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. In cases involving minors, women, persons of unsound mind, or individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, the punishment may extend to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. The Bill also prescribes penalties for mass conversions, defined as the conversion of two or more persons simultaneously. Offenders in such cases may face seven years in prison and a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Repeat offenders could face up to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5 lakh, according to the proposed law.
25 March,2026 12:01 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent | Hemal AsharMaharashtra's road safety drive shows results as fatal accidents and deaths dropped 8 per cent in Jan-Feb 2026; Mumbai recorded a 24 per cent fall in accident deaths year-on-year. State data shows 194 fewer fatal accidents and 214 fewer deaths than the same period in 2025, pointing to tighter enforcement and tech-led monitoring. Maharashtra’s Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar emphasised, "With a 50 per cent reduction target by 2030, the Transport Department has gone aggressive — rolling out district-wise action plans and fixing black spots" Enforcement drive “With a 50 per cent reduction target by 2030, the Transport Department has gone aggressive — rolling out district-wise action plans, fixing black spots and deploying 332 enforcement squads armed with radar guns and interceptor vehicles,” Maharashtra’s Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar said. Giving out data, he added, “The crackdown is visible on the ground: over 1.65 lakh riders were caught without helmets, 22,017 pillion riders without helmets, and 14,658 cases of overspeeding were booked. Seatbelt violations, invalid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, and uninsured vehicles also featured heavily. Tech push “The next phase is tech-heavy" AI and radar systems are being scaled up, while 53 government and 13 private automated testing stations — and 38 automated driving test tracks — are set to come up in 2026. A massive Intelligent Traffic Management System is also being rolled out across 25,000 km of roads. Already in action on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it has cut accidents by 19 per cent in a year,” Kalaskar explained. Faster emergency response, stricter checks, new school bus norms, and a “Save Two-Wheeler Riders and Pedestrians” campaign are part of the push. Comparative data of January-February 2025 Accidents: 6209 Fatal accidents: 2556 Deaths: 2753 January-February 2026: Accidents: 6113 Fatal accidents: 2362 Deaths: 2539 Change: (In minus) Accidents: 96 Fatal accidents: 194 Deaths: 214 City-wise dips Nashik 53 per cent Sindhudurg 47 per cent Washim 45 per cent Nagpur 34 per cent Navi Mumbai 29 per cent
24 March,2026 11:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a significant order safeguarding the rights of senior citizens, the Maintenance Tribunal in Mumbai’s western suburbs has directed the eviction of an adult son from a flat owned by his elderly father and ordered a monthly maintenance payment. According to available information, the case pertains to Kandivali West, where a 69-year-old senior citizen alleged that his son had forcibly taken possession of his self-owned flat and ousted him from the property. The victim not only filed a complaint with the police regarding the matter but also approached the tribunal court seeking relief. In January, the court passed an order directing that the flat be handed over to the victim. However, as the accused son failed to vacate the premises despite the court’s directive, further instructions were issued to the police to take necessary action and ensure that possession of the flat was handed back to the victim. The case was heard by the Court of the Presiding Officer, Parents and Senior Citizens Maintenance Tribunal and Sub-Divisional Officer, Bandra (East), under the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007. According to the sources and the tribunal order, the 69-year-old victim, owner of a residential flat in Kandivali (West), had approached the authority alleging harassment, illegal occupation of his property, and financial distress by his son. The senior citizen stated that he was unable to sustain himself due to lack of income and mounting medical expenses, while also claiming that his son had forcibly occupied the flat and disrupted his peaceful living. The victim further alleged past instances of threats, intimidation, and disputes within the family, including complaints made to the police and ongoing civil litigation related to the property. On the other hand, the accused son denied the allegations before the court, claiming he had not prevented his father from residing in the house and that the possession of the property was within his rights. He also raised counter-allegations regarding family disputes and harassment. After examining documents, police complaints, and submissions from both parties, the tribunal observed that the flat was legally owned by the senior citizen and that his right to live peacefully had been affected. Citing provisions of the Senior Citizens Act, the tribunal emphasised that children are legally obligated to ensure not just basic survival, but a dignified and peaceful life for their parents, including emotional and physical well-being. Key Directions by the Tribunal The respondent has been ordered to vacate the Kandivali flat within 30 days and hand over peaceful possession to the victim. The court also directed that a monthly maintenance of Rs 5,000 is to be paid to the senior citizen. The local police have been directed to assist in enforcing the order if required. Police said, “Following the court’s directions, we handed over possession of the flat to the senior citizen last month. He has now taken charge of the premises and is currently residing there," said an officer from Kandivali police station.
24 March,2026 11:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA fire broke out at the Girgaon Receiving Station in South Mumbai on Tuesday while sectionalising the high-pressure electricity network, briefly affecting power distribution in parts of South Mumbai. Officials at around 9:30 pm on Tuesday said that the ripping work is going on; it shall take more than half an hour to 1 hour to get fixed. As per the official statement, the incident occurred in the switchgear connected to the Girgaon 2.2 to Borbhat Lane feeder cable during ongoing technical operations. As a precautionary measure, the testing engineer immediately tripped the secondary breaker of power transformer No. 1 to prevent further escalation. Fire extinguished using CO₂ cylinders Emergency response teams acted swiftly, and the fire was successfully extinguished using CO₂ cylinders. Authorities confirmed that the affected switchgear has been safely isolated to avoid any additional risk to the network. Power restoration underway Following the incident, power restoration efforts were initiated. Bus Section No. 1 has already been restored, while Bus Section No. 2 is currently being brought back online through an alternate supply network. Officials further stated that there were no reports of injuries in the incident. The prompt response ensured minimal disruption and prevented major damage to critical infrastructure. Power supply in the affected areas is expected to normalise soon as restoration work continues. Authorities are also likely to conduct a detailed assessment to determine the exact cause of the fire and ensure preventive measures are in place.
24 March,2026 10:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a significant development in the Baramati plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Karnataka State Police have registered a Zero FIR alleging a larger criminal conspiracy behind the incident. While the case has been registered in Bengaluru, despite the incident occurring in Maharashtra. The FIR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Police for detailed investigation. लाईव्ह |📍विधान भवन, मुंबई ⏭️ 24-03-2026 पत्रकारांशी संवाद https://t.co/LTMAM0MZcy — Rohit Pawar (@RRPSpeaks) March 24, 2026 As per the FIR registered in Bengaluru, the case has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to culpable homicide, negligence, and criminal conspiracy. The FIR was registered on March 23 at High Grounds Police Station in Bengaluru after the complainant, Rohit Pawar, nephew of the deceased, approached authorities, claiming that earlier attempts to lodge a complaint in Maharashtra were not accepted. Baramati plane crash killed five, including Ajit Pawar The fatal plane crash occurred on January 28, 2026, when a chartered plane, operated by a private firm, crashed near Baramati Airport in the Pune district. The aircraft was flying from Mumbai to Baramati, and all five persons, including Ajit Pawar, on board were killed. Others deceased included pilot Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, airline staff Pinky Mali, and police officer Vidip Jadhav. Rohit Pawar alleges criminal conspiracy The complaint filed by NCP leader Rohit Pawar alleges that the crash was not merely accidental but the result of a “larger criminal conspiracy” aimed at eliminating the senior politician. The FIR further cites multiple instances of alleged negligence and violations of aviation safety norms. Rohit Pawar further alleged that the aircraft was reportedly operating close to or beyond its permissible engine usage limits, raising concerns about mechanical safety. FIR filed on March 23 also noted that flight logs may have been falsified to conceal actual flying hours, potentially exceeding safe operational thresholds. The FIR registered in Bengaluru also states, “Irregularities were flagged in certification records, including discrepancies in airworthiness and registration timelines.” The complaint also raises concerns about the background of the pilot, citing previous alcohol-related violations and questioning his assignment to such a high-profile flight. Suspicious operational decisions highlighted The FIR points to several unusual developments on the day of the crash, including a last-minute change in crew, unexplained delays in departure, and a sudden runway switch during the landing approach at Baramati. It also notes that no distress call or emergency response was recorded from the pilot in the final moments of the flight, while the co-pilot was heard expressing panic.
24 March,2026 09:30 PM IST | Bengaluru | mid-day online correspondentIn a major citizen-centric initiative, Mumbai Police on Tuesday returned stolen and recovered valuables worth over Rs 2.12 crore to their rightful owners under zone 6. The programme was conducted on Tuesday under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, with participation from all 10 police stations in the zone, including Chembur, Govandi, Nehru Nagar, Chunabhatti, Trombay, RCF, Mankhurd, Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, and Tilak Nagar. Officials said that the initiative aimed to reunite citizens with their lost or stolen belongings recovered during investigations into cases such as theft, housebreaking, and mobile phone snatching. Stolen property worth Rs 2.12 crore recovered As per the official statement from Mumbai police, property worth Rs 2,12,27,000 was handed over to the complainants. The recovered items included gold ornaments, a mangalsutra, and a large number of mobile phones. Notably, Trombay Police recovered 10 grams of gold worth Rs 1.6 lakh, while Chunabhatti Police retrieved a 12-gram mangalsutra worth Rs 1.8 lakh in a snatching case. Additionally, around 800 mobile phones, collectively valued at Rs 2.08 crore, were returned. The distribution ceremony was held in Govandi, where Additional Commissioner of Police (Eastern Region) Dr Mahesh Patil handed over the recovered items to the beneficiaries. Mumbai Police focuses on strengthening public trust Police officials highlighted that such initiatives not only help restore citizens’ property but also strengthen public trust in law enforcement agencies. Many recipients expressed satisfaction and gratitude towards the police for their efforts in recovering and returning their valuables. Authorities added that similar drives will continue in the future to ensure the prompt return of recovered property and enhance community engagement across Mumbai. Mumbai Police seize Rs 16 lakh fake Apple accessories in Ghatkopar raid In a different scenario on March 20, the Mumbai Police uncovered a large-scale racket selling counterfeit mobile accessories in Ghatkopar. During the raids, authorities seized fake products worth approximately Rs 16.33 lakh and filed cases against six shopkeepers allegedly involved in the operation. The crackdown followed intelligence reports that several shops in Ghatkopar East were selling fake Apple accessories as original items. Police teams focused on the Patel Chowk and Niloyog Mall areas, where these products were reportedly being sold openly.
24 March,2026 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Tuesday signed two major loan agreements with the Government of India. While signing the loan agreements, JICA committed a total of over Rs 9,200 crore to strengthen urban transport and healthcare infrastructure in Maharashtra. The first agreement includes an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of 92,400 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs 5,500 crore) for the Mumbai Metro Line 11 Project (I), aimed at improving sustainable urban mobility in Mumbai and addressing rising traffic congestion. The agreement was signed in New Delhi between Dr Alok Tiwari, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Takeuchi Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India Office. Mumbai Metro Line 11 to boost connectivity The Mumbai Metro Line 11 project will involve the construction of approximately 17.51 km of underground metro corridors with 14 stations, creating a vital east-west transit link. The corridor is expected to connect key areas, including the redeveloping Mumbai Port waterfront and historic districts, while also improving access to the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, enhancing connectivity to Navi Mumbai. The project will be implemented by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRC) and is scheduled for completion by August 2032. Consulting services are expected to begin in June 2026, with initial civil work tenders slated for September 2026. Officials said the metro line will help reduce vehicular congestion, lower pollution levels, and promote climate-friendly urban transport, contributing to India’s sustainable development goals. Rs 3,708 Crore Loan for Healthcare and Medical Education In a separate agreement, JICA has extended an ODA loan of 62,294 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs 3,708 crore) for strengthening tertiary healthcare delivery, medical education, and nursing education systems in Maharashtra. The project aims to enhance access to quality healthcare by constructing and expanding four medical colleges and their associated hospitals, along with establishing ten nursing schools across the state. Advanced medical equipment procurement and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals will also form a key part of the project. The initiative will be implemented by the Medical Education and Drugs Department under the Government of Maharashtra, with a completion target set for September 2032. Consulting services are expected to begin shortly, while construction tenders are planned for 2028. Focus on sustainable growth and public welfare Both projects are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on sustainable cities, economic growth, infrastructure development, and improved healthcare access. JICA, Japan’s premier development cooperation agency, continues to play a crucial role in supporting India’s infrastructure and social sector projects through financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity development.
24 March,2026 07:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has initiated a move to remove Neelam Gorhe from the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, intensifying political tensions in the state. The proposal, backed by members of the opposition alliance, is set to be formally submitted to the Council Chairman, marking a significant development in the ongoing political dynamics within the legislature. Shiv Sena (UBT) Leads Push for Removal The initiative has been spearheaded by Shiv Sena (UBT), with senior leader Anil Parab confirming that the party would move a formal resolution seeking Gorhe’s removal, reported PTI. Parab stated that the decision was taken after growing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the House proceedings were conducted under Gorhe’s tenure. He indicated that the proposal reflects broader concerns within the opposition regarding the functioning of the Council, reported PTI. Proposal to Be Submitted to Council Chairman According to Parab, the resolution will be submitted to the Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, following due procedural requirements. The move is expected to trigger political debate within the House, as such proposals typically require substantial support to succeed, reported PTI. The development underscores increasing friction between the ruling side and opposition parties over legislative conduct and administrative decisions. Concerns Over Conduct of House Proceedings The opposition has alleged that the proceedings of the House were not conducted in a fair and impartial manner. While specific instances were not detailed, the criticism points to a broader perception among MVA members regarding the handling of legislative business. Timing Coincides with End of Gorhe’s Term Interestingly, the move comes at a time when Neelam Gorhe has completed six years as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, marking the end of her current tenure. The timing of the proposal has added a political dimension to the development, with observers noting that it could influence future alignments and positions within the Council. Political Implications for Maharashtra Legislature The proposal is expected to have wider political implications, particularly for the balance of power and functioning of the Upper House in Maharashtra. If pursued aggressively, it could lead to further confrontations between the ruling alliance and opposition bloc. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Council Chairman responds to the proposal and whether it garners enough support to proceed further. (With inputs from PTI)
24 March,2026 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the safety of girls in Maharashtra, alleging a deterioration in law and order and highlighting a recent case involving missing minor girls in Chandrapur district. Six Minor Girls Missing in Chandrapur Sparks Alarm Raising the issue through an adjournment motion in the state assembly, Wadettiwar pointed to a troubling incident in Brahmapuri in Chandrapur, where six minor girls studying in Classes 10 and 12 reportedly went missing, reported news agency PTI. He informed the House that while two of the girls have been traced, four remain unaccounted for, intensifying concerns among families and the local community. The Congress leader demanded immediate action, including the formation of a special search team to locate the missing girls, reported PTI. Questions Raised Over CCTV and Police Preparedness Wadettiwar criticised the effectiveness of existing surveillance systems, questioning whether investments in CCTV infrastructure were translating into improved safety at the grassroots level. “The government spends crores on CCTV systems, but where are these mechanisms at the taluka level?” he asked, highlighting gaps in implementation, reported PTI. He also raised concerns about police response in such cases, stating that authorities must act swiftly when incidents involving minors are reported, especially when communication channels like mobile phones are switched off. Demand for Awareness Campaigns in Schools and Colleges In addition to immediate search efforts, Wadettiwar called for preventive measures, including awareness programmes in schools and colleges to educate students about personal safety. He stressed the importance of proactive initiatives to safeguard young girls and prevent such incidents in the future, reported PTI. Unseasonal Rains Add to Farmers’ Distress The Congress leader also brought attention to the impact of unseasonal rains and hailstorms across the Marathwada region. He stated that thousands of hectares of rabi crops have suffered severe damage in districts such as Nanded, Hingoli, Dharashiv, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reported PTI. According to Wadettiwar, farmers are facing heavy financial losses, and in several areas, damage assessment surveys have yet to begin. He also reported two human fatalities and the death of 41 livestock due to adverse weather conditions, reported PTI. Call for Immediate Relief and Government Action Wadettiwar urged the government to conduct prompt surveys and provide immediate financial assistance to affected farmers. He criticised what he described as inadequate response measures and questioned the government’s priorities, reported PTI. Political Criticism Amid Law and Order Debate In a sharp remark, Wadettiwar said that while citizens are grappling with safety concerns and agricultural losses, the government appears distracted by other issues, including cases involving self-styled godmen such as Ashok Kharat, who was recently arrested in Nashik, reported PTI. The issue has added to the ongoing political debate in Maharashtra over governance, law enforcement, and the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure public safety and farmer welfare. (With inputs from PTI)
24 March,2026 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a move set to redefine urban environmental governance, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has officially tabled a "Comprehensive Air Pollution Eradication Programme." Presented by Sagar Naik, NMMC Leader of the House, during the General Body meeting, the ambitious 18-month intensive action plan aims to strip the city of its "dust-bowl" reputation and systematically crush PM10 and PM2.5 levels. The ‘Zero Exposed Soil’ Mandate The heart of the plan lies in a first-of-its-kind "Zero Exposed Soil Policy". NMMC has identified that a staggering amount of particulate pollution stems not just from industries but also from loose soil along road shoulders, vacant plots, and undeveloped land. Under the new mandate, every inch of municipal land must be stabilised via paving, turfing, or gravel. Private landowners who leave plots "naked" to the wind will face strict compliance orders to cover them. High-Tech Skies and Deep-clean oads The plan goes beyond mere sweeping. NMMC is deploying vertical atmospheric profiling using tethered helium balloons. Operating up to 500 meters, these "eye-in-the-sky" sensors will determine if pollution is locally brewed or drifting in from neighbouring regions. On the ground, a specialised fleet of 14 vacuum sweepers and 11 high-pressure water jet trucks will execute a five-phase "deep-clean" cycle across 1,000 km of the city's road network. Voices Samarth Solanki (65), a Vashi sector-17 resident, said, "We see the sweepers, but the dust just flies from the unpaved edges back onto the road. If the 'Edge Sealing' plan actually happens, we might finally be able to breathe." Deepak Nikhare (60), a resident of Nerul, said, "The surge in PM2.5 is alarming. We are seeing children with 'smoker’s cough' who have never left Navi Mumbai. Real-time monitoring at construction sites is the only way to hold builders accountable." 3 Sawal with Sagar Naik, NMMC Leader of the House Navi Mumbai has always been 'planned.'Why has the air quality reached such a critical 'poor' state now? Our growth has outpaced our traditional cleaning methods. Massive infrastructure projects, like the airport and 700-plus active construction sites, combined with "legacy dust" that has accumulated for years on road shoulders, have created a perfect storm. This 18-month plan isn't a suggestion; it’s a full-scale engineering intervention. Who is accountable for making sure these balloons fly and the roads are washed? Accountability is hard-coded into this document. NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde will personally oversee the implementation and performance evaluation. Every ward will have a dedicated supervisor reporting directly to a new environmental command and control centre. You mentioned "By-laws" are coming next month. What can offenders expect? We are moving from "requests" to "penalties." Next month, we will introduce strict by-laws for construction sites, including mandatory wheel-washing and real-time sensor integration. If a site is found violating dust-control SOPs, we will not hesitate to issue work-stoppage orders.
24 March,2026 06:26 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | A SinghThe Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Tuesday urged the railway administration to reconsider its decision to cancel the Dadar–Ratnagiri passenger service and replace it with the Dadar–Gorakhpur Express, warning of intensified protests if the move is not reversed. MNS delegation meets railway officials A delegation of MNS leaders, led by Nitin Sardesai, met senior railway officials earlier in the day to strongly oppose the decision. The party termed the move detrimental to commuters from the Konkan region, who have long depended on the Dadar–Ratnagiri Passenger service. महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेचे नेते श्री. नितीन सरदेसाई यांच्या नेतृत्वाखाली मनसेच्या शिष्टमंडळाने रेल्वे प्रशासनातील वरिष्ठ अधिकाऱ्यांची भेट घेत दादर–रत्नागिरी रेल्वे पॅसेंजर सेवा रद्द करून तिच्या ऐवजी दादर–गोरखपूर रेल्वे सुरू करण्याच्या निर्णयाचा तीव्र निषेध नोंदवला.या निर्णयाची… pic.twitter.com/XATMOrgsHH — MNS Adhikrut - मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) March 24, 2026 The delegation demanded immediate intervention by the railway authorities, stating that the decision has caused widespread inconvenience to daily and low-income travellers. Warning of statewide agitation Issuing a stern warning, the MNS said it would be compelled to launch an intense agitation if the railway administration fails to roll back the decision. “The railway administration should immediately reconsider this decision. Otherwise, they will have to face the wrath of Konkan residents,” Sardesai said, reiterating the party’s stance during the protest. “दादर-रत्नागिरी रेल्वे पॅसेंजर रद्द करून त्याऐवजी दादर-गोरखपूर रेल्वे सुरू करणाऱ्या सरकारचा महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेतर्फे निषेध. या विषयामध्ये लवकरच आमचं शिष्टमंडळ रेल्वेच्या संबंधित अधिकाऱ्यांची भेट घेईल. रेल्वे प्रशासनाने या निर्णयाचा तात्काळ फेरविचार करावा. अन्यथा… pic.twitter.com/EI4nJFaQxF — MNS Adhikrut - मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) March 24, 2026 Controversy over Dadar–Gorakhpur train replacement The controversy stems from Central Railway’s decision to convert a “special” train operating between Dadar and Gorakhpur into a permanent express service. The new train has been allotted the same operational slot previously used by the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger train. The move has sparked a broader socio-political debate, with critics describing it as a Marathi-versus-north Indian issue, further intensifying regional sentiments. Lifeline for Konkan commuters disrupted Introduced in the late 1990s, the Dadar–Ratnagiri Passenger train has been a crucial link between Mumbai and the Konkan region. It has historically served as a lifeline for daily commuters, particularly those from economically weaker sections. Following the recent changes, the service now originates from Diva, located on the outskirts of Mumbai, instead of Dadar—causing inconvenience to passengers who must travel additional distances to board the train. Railways defend decision Central Railway officials have defended the move, stating that the adjustment is necessary to maintain punctuality and efficiency within Mumbai’s suburban railway network. However, the decision has triggered backlash from commuters and political groups alike, with increasing calls for its reconsideration in light of public inconvenience. Growing pressure on railway ministry With protests intensifying and political pressure mounting, the railway administration now faces demands to restore the Dadar–Ratnagiri Passenger service or provide an alternative arrangement that safeguards the interests of Konkan commuters.
24 March,2026 05:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
