AMID growing focus on BMC-run schools and their infrastructure, the civic body plans to open nine standalone school buildings for students in the 2026–27 academic year. These new facilities are spread across Ghatkopar, Govandi, Andheri, Juhu and Malad. Except for a newly built CBSE school in Andheri East, all the buildings are redeveloped structures constructed on the sites of former municipal schools. Civic officials said the reconstruction of these schools took between three and five years, with the Juhu school taking the longest, as it falls within the Coastal Regulation Zone. The new buildings will also temporarily accommodate students from neighbouring municipal schools that are currently undergoing redevelopment. Kondivita Mumbai Public School in Andheri East will function as a standalone CBSE institution, as affiliation norms allow only one school per building. Other redeveloped schools will operate under the Maharashtra State Board. Several of the new buildings are equipped with modern facilities such as libraries, virtual classrooms, computer and science laboratories, art and craft rooms, multipurpose halls and disability friendly washrooms. “All these areas are witnessing a steady rise in student population. These new buildings will help us absorb more students into the BMC school system,” a civic official told mid-day.
17 December,2025 09:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarPolice have arrested four members of a gang involved in theft and robberies after a 10-km chase in Maharashtra's Beed district, officials said, reported news agency PTI. Local residents also helped the police in apprehending the accused on December 12. The gang members, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, had been operating across Beed, Ambajogai and Georai tehsils. They would enter wedding ceremonies disguised as guests or beggars and steal gold ornaments, a police release said on Tuesday, reported PTI. In several cases, they targeted bank customers by tracking them after cash withdrawals and snatching their bags. At times, they would deliberately spill tomato sauce on victims to divert attention and flee with cash and valuables, it said. On December 12, the four accused arrived at Kaij in Beed with the intention of committing a robbery while riding stolen motorcycles, but their plan failed. Investigations suggested that the gang had earlier committed bag-lifting thefts in Nandurbar district before entering Beed with the stolen money, the police said, reported PTI. They later attempted a robbery at a bank in Kaij, which failed, forcing them to flee towards Beed city on two unregistered two-wheelers, where they came under suspicion of the local crime branch team, which immediately initiated a chase. While two of the accused were apprehended on the spot, the remaining two were captured after a police chase to Massajog, located around 10 km from Kaij, officials said. Local residents assisted the police in overpowering the accused. The police recovered two stolen motorcycles and mobile phones from the accused, identified as Badal Krishna Sisodia (24), Kala alias Hrithik Mahesh Sisodia (29), Deepak Dilip Sisodia (29) and Jaswant Manilal Sisodia (27), all residents of Gulkhedi village in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh, the release said, reported PTI. Their arrest is likely to help solve several unsolved theft and robbery cases in the region, the police said. According to the police, the Sisodia gang often involved minors in thefts during wedding ceremonies. The children were used to steal purses from women or sneak into bridal rooms, taking advantage of crowded venues, the release said, reported PTI. Similar incidents had earlier been reported in Beed and Ashti. A similar gang was also busted by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar police in the past, it added. (With inputs from PTI)
17 December,2025 09:32 AM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentMumbai woke up to a mild Wednesday morning, with minimum temperatures ranging between 18.4 degrees Celsius in Santacruz and 22 degrees Celsius in Colaba, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai. No rainfall was recorded across the city. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remains moderate, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 116, as per the Sameer app. Experts have advised that people with respiratory or heart conditions, including asthma, may experience mild discomfort. Air quality varies across different parts of Mumbai. Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) recorded the highest AQI at 170, while other areas such as Ghatkopar (136), Deonar (131), Byculla (128), Kherwadi in Bandra East (128), Chembur (124), Colaba (121), Kandivali (115), Borivali (103), and Andheri (102) reported moderate levels. Citizens are advised to take precautions, especially sensitive groups, and limit prolonged outdoor exposure if possible. Delhi air quality sees slight improvement at 328 remains in 'very poor' category The national capital, Delhi, witnessed a slight improvement in air quality on Wednesday morning, with the overall AQI recorded at 328 at around 8 am, keeping it in the 'very poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), reported news agency ANI. The air quality improved slightly compared to Tuesday, as the AQI was 354 at 4 pm. However, large parts of the city remained enveloped in toxic smog, and the overall air quality continues to be poor. Anand Vihar was shrouded in thick smog, with an AQI of 341, placing it in the 'very poor' category. A thick layer of smog also engulfed areas around IGI Airport, ITO, Dhaula Kuan, AIIMS and the Ghazipur National Highway 24. According to CPCB data, several areas in the capital, including Bawana (376), ITO (360), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (324), and Narela (342), continued to experience poor air quality, placing them in the 'very poor' category. Wazirpur also recorded poor air quality, with an AQI of 359. However, many areas in Delhi showed slight variations in air quality on Wednesday morning. For instance, Burari Crossing recorded an AQI of 298 (Poor), which is relatively better than other locations in the city. Other areas, such as IGI Airport Terminal 3 (263), IIT Delhi (300), and CRRI Mathura Road (297), also recorded improved air quality but remained in the 'poor' category. According to CPCB categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced strict measures to curb vehicular pollution in the national capital. The minister stated that starting December 18, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not be supplied fuel at petrol pumps in Delhi, according to an official release, reported ANI. Addressing the press conference, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "To control tailpipe emissions from vehicles, all petrol/diesel/CNG pump dealers have been instructed to provide fuel only upon presentation of a valid PUCC." He further added, "For the protection of Delhi's air, all vehicles registered outside Delhi and of a category lower than BS-VI will not be allowed to enter Delhi when GRAP-III and GRAP-IV are implemented. No polluting vehicle will be allowed to enter Delhi," reported ANI. He further stated that when GRAP-IV is in force, vehicles carrying any kind of construction material will also be barred from entering Delhi. The Minister said that PUCC and vehicle categories will be verified through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and ground-level checks. While announcing strict measures, he appealed to citizens to carry valid PUCC certificates to avoid inconvenience. Sirsa said the current government has implemented scientific, data-driven measures to control pollution. He said, "In 8 out of the 11 months, better air quality has been recorded compared to the previous year. Even in a critical month like November, the average AQI remained approximately 20 points lower than last year. This is a result of daily stringent actions and structural reforms." Addressing Delhi residents, Sirsa said pollution cannot be entirely eliminated in 9-10 months, but the direction and intent are clear, with daily efforts to reduce the AQI. He urged vehicle owners to obtain valid PUCC certificates and comply with the new rules, stating that the government remains committed to providing Delhi with clean air and a pollution-free future. (With ANI inputs)
17 December,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule of the BJP on Tuesday dismissed former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan's recent remarks that India could soon have a "new Prime Minister", calling the comments "delusional", reported news agency PTI. Chavan, a senior Congress leader, last week cited the release of the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files in the United States on December 19 to claim India could soon have a new PM. "Why Prithviraj Chavan is delusional, I do not know. He keeps talking anything and everything," Bawankule told reporters in Mumbai, taking a swipe at the senior Congressman's statements. Chavan had also claimed a Marathi person could become the next Prime Minister. The former Union minister had said if a Marathi leader were to become the PM, he would still be from the BJP. Bawankule said Chavan had developed a habit of making baseless statements. "He dreams about the Prime Minister's post, who will go and who will come. It seems Prithviraj Chavan has now become the world's biggest fortune-teller," the BJP leader said in sarcastic remarks, reported PTI. Civic polls: Mahayuti partners, Sena (UBT)-MNS hold talks to firm up alliance, seat-sharing Meanwhile, ruling Mahayuti partners, Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS on Tuesday were involved in separate parleys as rival parties in Maharashtra held talks to firm up alliances and deliberated on seat-sharing for the January 15 civic body polls, including in Mumbai. The meetings were largely focussed on the high-stakes battle in Mumbai with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut meeting Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray. Speaking to reporters, Raut said his party and MNS will join hands for the upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Mira-Bhayander , Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Pune and Nashik, with a formal announcement likely in the coming week. "There is no problem in announcing the alliance (between Shiv Sena-UBT and MNS) in the coming week. Both the brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, will be seen on stage for the announcement," Raut said to a question on the tie-up, reported PTI. On a tie-up with the Congress, Raut said stated that he spoke to the top Congress leadership, urging the party to contest the civic body polls as part of the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which he believes should also include the Raj Thackeray-led MNS, reported PTI. However, the Congress top brass has left the matter to the local leadership to decide, he added. Both Opposition as well as the ruling Mahayuti asserted that Mumbai will see a Marathi mayor. Talking to reporters after a meeting between Shiv Sena and the BJP, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam stressed the ruling alliance was working with a clear focus on crossing the 150-seat mark in India's largest civic body. "Our discussions are aimed at ensuring Mahayuti candidates win across all 227 wards, with a clear objective of securing 150-plus seats in the BMC," Satam told reporters. BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar, however, ruled out any alliance with the NCP, a key member of the ruling Mahayuti, for the Mumbai civic polls. (With inputs from PTI)
17 December,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe State Election Commission (SEC) has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on January 15, 2026. Polling will be held from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and counting of votes will take place on January 16, 2026. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force on December 15, 2025, across all municipal corporation areas. Political parties have already begun preparations, with criticism, praise, and rivalry heating up ahead of the elections. Below are answers to frequently asked questions: ● What is the BMC election? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election selects members to govern Greater Mumbai, India’s largest city. ● When is the BMC election? Polling: January 15, 2026 (7:30 am – 5:30 pm)Counting: January 16, 2026 ● Who is eligible to vote and how to register? Eligible voters must be Indian citizens, at least 18 years old, and ordinary residents of the concerned area. Only names on the Voter List (Electoral Roll) are eligible to vote. Voters can find details on polling booths, candidates, election dates, and EVM procedures. ● How to check voter registration status? Check your name on the Electoral Roll at: https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in ● How many corporations will be contested? Elections will be held for 29 municipal corporations. ● How do I use an EVM? EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) and VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) will be used. [Click here for a guide on using EVM/VVPAT.] ● What identification should I carry? Accepted photo IDs include: EPIC (Voter ID), Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Government Service ID, Bank/Post Office Passbook with photo, MNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance Smart Card, Pension document with photo, or official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs. Photo voter slips alone are not valid. ● What is the voting process? Elections are conducted by a hierarchy of officials, including: Election Officer and Returning Officer Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officer, Polling Officers Supporting staff: Assistant Election Officers, Election Supervisors, Inspectors, Clerks Duties include finalising ward boundaries based on census data, publishing authenticated ward-wise electoral rolls, and overseeing the election process from polling to result declaration. ● Which parties are contesting the BMC elections 2026? The elections are expected to be a contest between: Mahayuti (ruling alliance): BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Ajit Pawar-led NCP Maha Vikas Aghadi (opposition): Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Sharad Pawar-led NCP–SP ● What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)? The MCC is a set of guidelines by the Election Commission to regulate party and candidate conduct during elections. It came into effect with the election announcement. No policy decisions can be made in these areas during this period, except for natural disasters or emergency relief.
17 December,2025 08:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs political parties gear up to stake a claim to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan warned that his party might contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections 2026 solo if no other party joins hands with them, reported news agency ANI. This statement comes amid talks of possible alliances and the upcoming BMC elections 2026. Pathan's statement, "Bihar toh sirf jhanki hai, pura Maharashtra ka corporation dekhna baki hai," suggests that the AIMIM aims to build a strong presence in Maharashtra's local politics, reported ANI. "We are fully prepared. If nobody joins, the AIMIM will contest the elections across Maharashtra with full strength, and many of our candidates will win and enter the corporations. On one side is the Mahayuti alliance; on the other is the Maha Vikas Aghadi. We are not part of either. Bihar toh sirf jhanki hai, pura Maharashtra ka corporation dekhna baki hai (Bihar was just a glimpse; the real picture of the corporations in all of Maharashtra is yet to be seen)," said Waris Pathan, the party's national spokesperson, regarding the upcoming BMC elections 2026, reported ANI. Reacting to Bharatiya Janata Party's Mumbai chief Ameet Satam's earlier statement that they "won't allow any Khan to become Mumbai mayor," Pathan retorted by asking, "Why can't a Pathan become the mayor of Mumbai? Or shaikh or Sayyed? If you talk to Amit Satam about development today, he has no answers. Farmers are committing suicide, but there is no answer regarding what package has been provided. No answer on rising inflation," reported ANI. Elections to major civic bodies were announced by the State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday. Municipal Corporations polls in major cities such as Nagpur, Nashik, Vasai-Virar, Thane, Mumbai, and others will be held on 15 January and counting of votes will happen on 16 January. I am very happy that the State Election Commission has announced the elections: Devendra Fadnavis Prepping for the polls, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed happiness over the election dates being announced, saying that it is "not appropriate for a municipal corporation to be run by administrators for an extended period." "I am very happy that the State Election Commission has announced the elections. We welcome this decision. In a democracy, it is not appropriate for a municipal corporation to be run by administrators for an extended period. We are confident that the people will give us a mandate after seeing our development work," Fadnavis said, reported ANI. Speaking on seat sharing within the Mahayuti alliance, the Chief Minister said the ruling Mahayuti alliance is working to contest the elections together in most places across the state. However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Fadnavi said discussions with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar have already taken place, and that both parties may contest separately in the region. "Ajit Pawar and we cannot contest the elections together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Both of us understand politics well enough to know that if we run together, it would benefit a third party, and we do not want to allow that. We will contest against each other, but it will be a friendly fight," he said, reported ANI. The Chief Minister further stated that Shiv Sena will largely remain part of the alliance across most locations in the upcoming civic polls. (With inputs from ANI)
17 December,2025 08:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith the announcement of the BMC elections and the model code of conduct now in force, Mumbaikars and nature lovers will have to wait a little longer to visit the city’s first mangrove park in Gorai. The park, which features a boardwalk and a watchtower overlooking the creek, is fully ready but cannot be inaugurated until the election period ends. Officials from the Mangrove Cell confirmed that all work has been completed. “The entire work at the Gorai mangrove park is complete, and it can be opened to the public,” a forest department source said. mid-day has consistently reported delays to the project, including last month’s story highlighting how the opening appeared to be slipping again despite nearing completion. Environmentalists have repeatedly questioned whether the delay is politically motivated ahead of the civic polls. Originally scheduled to open in August and later in September, the Rs 33.43 crore park remains closed even as officials acknowledge it is ready for visitors. What the park offers Nature Interpretation Centre: A two-storey facility with a rooftop restaurant, gift shop, workshops, library, audio visual room, information desk and an 80 per cent solar power system. It will also have a 740-metre wooden walkway through the mangroves, designed to offer an immersive experience without disturbing the ecosystem. Viewing deck: A large deck at the end of the boardwalk offers wide views of the creek. Bird watching tower: An 18 metre tower for enthusiasts to observe species in the area. What nature lovers say Environmentalist Rohit Joshi said, “I have learnt that the Gorai mangrove park is fully ready and can be opened to the public. The project has been completed using taxpayers’ money, and there is no valid reason to delay its opening for a political inauguration.” Activist Milli Shetty said the park’s opening has been repeatedly pushed forward since May. “MLA Sanjay Upadhyay informed me that the park is now expected to open on December 25 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after whom it will be named,” she added. Nature lover Kaushalendra Dubey said, “A local resident told me the park is ready, but its opening may be delayed because politicians want to take credit. With the election code in place, they cannot do that. Since taxpayers’ money is involved, there is no justification for further delay.” Van Rani coming back into service The iconic Van Rani toy train at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, shut since Cyclone Tauktae damaged it in May 2021, is also expected to be inaugurated only after the BMC elections.
17 December,2025 08:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavIn just 90 minutes, a 67-year-old retired banker from Lalbaug was cheated of Rs 20 lakh, after cyber fraudsters posing as bank officials lured him into a fake KYC verification and account upgrade process, the police said. According to the police, the caller claimed to be a senior officer from the same bank where the victim had worked before retiring as head credit cashier. The victim found that his mobile phone had been factory reset after the call. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK The fraudster informed him about mandatory KYC verification and special senior citizen benefits linked to an account upgrade, following which the victim shared personal details over the prone call and multiple OTPs were generated on his phone. The fraud occurred between 4 pm and 5.30 pm on December 11. What banks will never ask for... The fraudster deliberately kept the victim engaged on the phone for a prolonged period and instructed him not to disconnect. This tactic prevented the senior citizen from verifying the claims made by the fraudsters with family members or bank officials >> OTPs or PINs over a phone call>> Installation of apps for verification>> Screen sharing or some form of phone access>> Confidential details via WhatsApp or SMS Reporting cyber fraud The victim’s son claimed that the fraudsters gained remote access to his father’s mobile phone using malware, through which the OTPs were generated and used without his knowledge. The money was siphoned off through several transactions Cyber Crime Helpline 1930Website: cybercrime.gov.inReport immediately to improve chances of freezing the transaction Do’s>> Verify any bank-related call by contacting your branch or official bank helpline>> Report suspicious calls immediately to ‘1930’ The victim allegedly realised what had happened only after the call ended, when he checked his bank account and phone. His mobile phone had been factory reset after the call, wiping out all stored data, including photos, contacts, apps, and SMS messages Don’t>> Never share OTPs, PINs or passwords; banks do not ask for these>> Do not install apps or follow instructions given during unsolicited calls
17 December,2025 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA trivial push between classmates, never reported or resolved, culminated in the fatal stabbing of a Std X student inside a private coaching class in Rajgurunagar on December 15, police said. Investigators revealed that the accused, also a minor, had been nursing anger over a minor altercation that occurred nearly three months ago while the two were attending the same coaching centre. The resentment, police said, went unnoticed by parents and teachers. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police, Khed division, Amol Mandve, the two boys had earlier had a heated argument over pushing each other. “The matter was not brought to the notice of anyone. The accused kept it to himself,” he said. The attack occurred around 9 am during a maths lecture at Sanskar Coaching Classes on Wada Road. Police said the accused, seated at the back of the classroom, suddenly attacked the victim with a knife, inflicting deep injuries to the stomach and neck, causing profuse bleeding. A teacher and eight to nine students were present at the time. The victim was rushed to the hospital by the teacher and residents, but died before treatment could begin. After the assault, the accused fled the scene, met an accomplice waiting outside on a two-wheeler, and later surrendered at Khed police station. During interrogation, the accused admitted the attack was driven by anger linked to the earlier dispute. Police confirmed both boys were minors studying in Std X, enrolled in different schools but attending the same coaching centre. A case has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police said the victim’s father is a casual labourer, while the accused’s father is a farmer. The victim’s family initially refused to claim the body, demanding strict action. They later agreed after police assured them of due legal process. The victim’s father said he was unaware of any long-standing dispute. “I was only told that my son had been beaten a few days ago. I didn’t know about any earlier issue,” he said. The incident has highlighted concerns over unaddressed adolescent conflicts and the risks of ignoring seemingly minor disputes.
17 December,2025 08:41 AM IST | Pune | Archana DahiwalThe new Bhagwati Hospital in Borivli, which was earlier expected to open by December after the decision to drop the (Public-Private Partnership) PPP model, has now entered its final stage of readiness. However, the hospital will not begin operations this month as planned. Speciality services are slated to partially begin by the end of January, once procurement of medical equipment and installation of furniture is completed. From next month, all OPD services, along with psychiatry, dermatology, venereology and general medicine departments — covering hypertension, pneumonia, diabetes and more — will become operational. Surgical services such as orthopaedics, ophthalmology, ENT, gynaecology and the burn unit will begin by mid-2026. “Setting up surgical departments is an uphill task considering the equipment required for OTs and ICUs. Tenders have been floated, and we have received a good response from bidders. Since the PPP model was scrapped only a few months ago, the process had to restart almost from scratch. But it is now on track, and we are trying our best to start all healthcare facilities at the earliest,” said Dr Nitiraj Mane, chief medical officer. Project details Total project cost Rs 485 CRNew posts proposed: 296 (in principle approved, final nod awaited) Timeline: History of Bhagwati Hospital 1963 Started as a small civic clinic1968 Upgraded to a 50-bed hospital1968 to 2013 Expanded to a 373-bed hospital2013 Declared dilapidated; services shifted to Shatabdi Hospital, Kandivali2016 NTC building opened with a 110-bed facility (medicine only, no surgical OTs)Feb 2025 Expansion announced under the PPP modelApril 2025 PPP scrapped, hospital to be run by BMC
17 December,2025 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarA number of residents have addressed communication to the stationmaster of Grant Road railway station to install escalators on the eastern and western sides of the vital hub, on the Western Railway network. An excerpt from a recent letter from the flurry of communication is from the MCR Boyss Foundation. The letter highlighted some benefits of installing escalators at the station. These, the letter stated, are for “improved accessibility for physically handicapped individuals, reduced fatigue, enhanced safety, and convenience for people”. The Shree Balgopal Ganeshotsav Mandal’s letter to the stationmaster on December 8 stated that “installing escalators will enhance the overall travelling experience”. The New Chikhalwadi Welfare Association letter dated December 9, encapsulates the same sentiment, while a letter from the East & West Villa CHS (proposed) dated December 9 stated that with escalators, people using the station, especially those with health problems, “will have less physical strain and lower risks of slips, falls and other accidents”. Yet another letter from the Talmakiwadi Co-operative Housing Society dated December 12, reinforced the escalators for ease message. All these organisations are from the area or around the vicinity and work in different ways to highlight problems and collectively seek solutions and answers. Travel travails Kishor M Basrur from Grant Road said he has to trudge up a challenging flight of stairs for his daily commute to his Churchgate workplace. “It is very difficult when one is not feeling 100 per cent well. When I return to Mumbai from my occasional visit to my native place in Dharwad near Belgaum, I alight at Dadar. Then, I take a local (train) to Churchgate and return to Grant Road just so I do not have to climb stairs with luggage,” he explained. Bhupendra Pawar from the area said, “The steps are slick, especially during the monsoon, so one has to be very careful. The height is also substantial. One is stressed at work, and then, there is the additional stress of negotiating the stairs.” Pawar said that he visited Badlapur some time ago and was surprised that even Badlapur had escalators, while there were none in the VIP area of Malabar Hill constituency, where Grant Road station is. Several floors Nikhil Ghadi from the area said, “The absence of escalators means I have to always re-think, especially if I have to take my elderly mother to the suburbs. I hope these letters make some difference.” Home is where the heart is, but for Grant Road resident Nikhil Parab — a heart patient who has a stent — the station is a difficult space. “It is painstaking because we do not have ease with escalators, but otherwise, the station is lovely. We do have enough space for this facility. The stairs are so high, like climbing the second or third floors, and one needs to take a break in between.” Senior care Sarvesh Sangle asked, “When so many stations have escalators, why has Grant Road been left out?” Abhishek Ugale, a local, highlighted the precarious situation for senior citizens and the physically challenged, as he said, “I walk behind an aged person on the stairs as a safeguard if they trip or slip so that I may prevent a serious injury.” Western Railway Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, said, “Three escalators are planned at Grant Road station. Two lifts are also being planned. Soon, work will be sanctioned, and the tendering process will be done.”
17 December,2025 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharADVERTISEMENT
