The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued property tax bills for the financial year 2026–27, making them accessible to taxpayers from April 1 via SMS along with a direct payment link. The initiative is intended to simplify the payment process and improve tax compliance across the city. Bills Issued Digitally and in Print Civic officials said taxpayers can access their property tax bills through a link shared via SMS, enabling them to view and pay their dues online. In addition to the digital rollout, printed copies of the bills are also being distributed. The corporation has also hosted the bills on its official website, allowing property owners to complete payments through multiple digital modes at their convenience. Rebates for Early Payment To encourage timely payments, the civic body has introduced a graded rebate structure. Taxpayers who clear their full property tax dues for FY 2026–27, including any arrears, within the stipulated period will be eligible for concessions on the general tax component for the second half of the year. A 10 per cent rebate will be offered for payments made on or before June 15, 2026. Those paying between June 16 and June 30 will receive a 4 per cent rebate, while payments made between July 1 and July 31 will attract a 3 per cent concession. A 2 per cent rebate will be applicable for payments made between August 1 and August 31, 2026. Officials clarified that these rebates will apply only to the general tax component of the second half-year. Multiple Payment Options Available Collection centres have been set up at all ward offices as well as at the Citizen Facilitation Centre at the municipal headquarters. These centres will operate on working days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Taxpayers can make payments using credit cards, debit cards, cheques, demand drafts, or cash at these centres. Digital payment options such as Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, and Paytm are also available. Additionally, payments can be made through a WhatsApp chatbot service introduced by the civic body. Civic Body Urges Timely Compliance Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao acknowledged citizens’ cooperation in the previous financial year and urged property owners to pay their dues within the prescribed timeline to support civic services and infrastructure development.
03 April,2026 06:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentConstruction on the 21-kilometre tunnel, part of India’s first bullet train corridor, has reached a key milestone, with five kilometres fully excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). With excavation now complete in this section, work has progressed to the next stages of tunnel development, focusing on structural strengthening and long-term durability. Inside the tunnel, a drainage system is being installed using a drainage casting gantry to ensure that seepage water is efficiently collected and channelled through a dedicated network. Waterproofing gantries are also being deployed to install specialised membranes, creating a protective barrier against water ingress. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train tunnel lining work advances as structural framework takes shape Reinforcement bar cages are being placed along the tunnel profile, forming the steel framework required for the final concrete lining. This is followed by the lining gantry, which casts the permanent concrete layer, providing structural strength and a smooth internal finish. In addition, dedicated equipment rooms are being constructed to house critical systems required for tunnel operations and maintenance. With work progressing steadily across stages, the underground stretch of India’s first bullet train project is moving closer to completion.
03 April,2026 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Kishori Pednekar, has moved a proposal to make the recitation of ‘Manache Shlok’ — composed by 17th-century saint Samarth Ramdas Swami — mandatory in all civic-run schools, according to an NDTV Marathi report. The notice of motion, tabled by the former mayor, seeks to introduce moral and value-based education through the daily chanting of these verses, traditionally regarded as guiding principles for mental discipline, ethics, and character building. Pednekar highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the shlokas, noting that Samarth Ramdas Swami was the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and that the verses had a formative influence on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar during his childhood. Manache Shlok is a collection of devotional and philosophical verses widely recited in Maharashtra for self-improvement and mental strength. Defending the proposal amid criticism, Pednekar said the move is aimed at positively shaping young minds and instilling discipline and values. She asserted that such teachings should not be viewed through a religious lens, adding that the concept of God is universal and not confined to any one faith. Heated debate expected in BMC meeting on April 9 However, the proposal has sparked controversy. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has strongly opposed the move, arguing that civic schools should prioritise constitutional education over religious or culturally specific content. The party has also raised concerns that introducing such practices in a diverse, multi-religious city like Mumbai could lead to divisions. The issue is expected to be discussed at the BMC general body meeting on April 9, where it is likely to trigger heated debates between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition parties. The development comes amid ongoing debates over civic education policies in Mumbai’s civic schools, which cater to students from varied social and religious backgrounds. The proposal has already generated discussion across political and educational circles.
03 April,2026 05:37 PM IST | MumbaiSocial activist Anjali Damania has released details of alleged call records linked to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, popularly referred to as “Bhondubaba,” triggering fresh political debate in Maharashtra. According to Damania, the Call Detail Records (CDR) indicate multiple interactions between Kharat and several political figures, even as most leaders have denied any association with him. The revelations come amid an ongoing probe into Kharat’s alleged network, which investigators believe may be extensive. Damania shared the details through a video posted on social media, stating that while such information often reaches investigative agencies, it is equally important for the public to be informed. Frequent Calls With Political Figures Among those named, Rupali Chakankar reportedly had the highest number of recorded interactions with Kharat. Damania claimed that Chakankar made a total of 177 calls, with conversations lasting over 33,000 seconds in total. Additionally, Chakankar’s sister, Pratibha Takad, is said to have made 236 calls to Kharat, indicating frequent contact within the same network. The data also mentions 17 calls linked to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to Damania, the longest of these conversations lasted approximately 21 minutes. Of the total, 10 calls were reportedly incoming, while seven were outgoing. Damania has called on Shinde to clarify the context of these interactions, stating that transparency is necessary given the nature of the ongoing investigation. Other Leaders Named in Call Records The CDR data also includes references to senior leaders such as Chandrakant Patil and Sunil Tatkare, both of whom allegedly had eight calls each with Kharat. However, Damania clarified that the records pertain only to standard phone calls, and no data related to WhatsApp or other messaging platforms is currently available. Family Contacts and Public Disclosure Damania noted that the highest volume of contact in the records was with individuals identified as family members or close associates, followed by interactions with Chakankar. She reiterated that while such data is routinely accessed by institutions, placing it in the public domain is essential for accountability. “People should know who was in touch with whom and how frequently,” she said. Court Sends Kharat to Police Custody in Second Rape Case In a significant legal development, a court in Nashik district has remanded Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in connection with a second rape case. The self-styled godman, a former merchant navy officer, was already lodged in Nashik Road Central Jail under 14-day judicial custody in a separate rape case. He was taken into SIT custody from the jail following the latest arrest. The case stems from allegations by a 35-year-old woman, who accused Kharat of sexually exploiting her multiple times since 2020 under the pretext of religious rituals. The complaint was registered at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik district on March 17.
03 April,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarThe Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) on Friday reiterated its concerns over alleged irregularities in recent state assembly elections, drawing parallels between voting patterns in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Addressing a press conference in Pune, party president Prakash Ambedkar cited data presented by economist Parakala Prabhakar to question the transparency of the electoral process. Late-Night Voting Figures Raise Questions Ambedkar referred to Prabhakar’s analysis of official notifications issued by the Election Commission of India, claiming that a significant portion of votes in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections were recorded well after standard polling hours. According to the figures cited, approximately 4.16 per cent of total votes were cast between 11:45 pm and 2 am, with nearly 52 lakh votes recorded between 8 pm and 2 am. Of these, over 17 lakh votes were reportedly cast after midnight alone. Ambedkar argued that such patterns were “unusual” and comparable to trends observed in Maharashtra during the 2024 Assembly elections. Maharashtra Turnout Spike Under Scrutiny The VBA leader pointed to what he described as a sharp increase in voter turnout in Maharashtra after the official close of polling. He noted that turnout stood at 58.22 per cent at 5 pm on polling day, but rose to 66.05 per cent in the final figures released later—an increase of 7.83 percentage points. Citing Election Commission data, Ambedkar said that between 5 pm and 11:30 pm on November 20, 2024, the total number of votes polled increased by nearly 66 lakh. He further claimed that an additional rise of close to 10 lakh votes was recorded just hours before counting began. In total, he alleged that over 75 lakh votes were added between the evening of polling day and the night before counting. Concerns Over Transparency and Data Disclosure Ambedkar also raised concerns about the non-availability of booth-level data, particularly Form 17C, which details votes polled at individual polling stations. He alleged that such data was not made publicly accessible in the Maharashtra elections, limiting independent verification. He argued that similarities in voting patterns and data gaps across states point to deeper issues in the electoral process, including questions about transparency and accountability. Call for Legal Intervention The VBA has already initiated legal proceedings over the matter. Party member Chetan Chandrakant Ahire has filed a writ petition before the Bombay High Court, naming the Union government and the Election Commission among respondents. Ambedkar said he had also written to Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, urging the Congress to join what he described as a legal challenge to the election results. The correspondence, sent on two occasions in 2025, invited the party to intervene in the case pending before the Supreme Court of India. ‘Legal Fight Needed, Not Just Protests’ While opposition parties have staged protests over alleged irregularities, Ambedkar stressed that legal action is essential to address such concerns. He argued that courtroom scrutiny, rather than street mobilisation alone, would be more effective in examining discrepancies and ensuring electoral integrity. The VBA has maintained that early legal intervention could have prevented similar concerns from arising in subsequent elections. The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to the specific claims raised during the press conference.
03 April,2026 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarWestern Railway (WR), while sharing Mumbai local train updates, announced a major traffic and maintenance block between key sections in Mumbai on April 4 and 5, 2026. An official statement said that a major block will be undertaken on the fifth line between Bandra Terminus and Bandra from 10 am on April 4 to 10 pm on April 5. The work is being carried out to augment Culvert No. 22. During this period, Level Crossing No. 18 between the two stations will remain closed for road traffic. Jumbo block between Mumbai Central and Mahim In addition, a jumbo block will be conducted between Mumbai Central and Mahim, the statement said. It said, this block will take place during the intervening night of April 4 and 5, from 12:15 am to 4:15 am. Impact on train operations During the jumbo block, all fast line trains will be diverted to slow lines between Santacruz and Churchgate. The maintenance work will include track, signalling and overhead equipment upgrades. Advisory for commuters Passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly, as changes in train operations and temporary disruptions are expected during the block period. WR witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend Meanwhile, Mumbai’s suburban railway network on the Western Railway is witnessing a curious post-pandemic trend: daily ridership remains below pre-Covid levels, yet revenue has not only recovered but surpassed earlier figures, largely driven by AC local trains. WR operates as many as 133 AC local trains on its suburban section. According to the latest data, WR’s general suburban services carried an average of 34.87 lakh passengers daily before Covid, generating about Rs 2.12 crore in daily revenue. In contrast, current figures show 29.52 lakh daily passengers, but higher earnings of Rs 2.39 crore per day. WR Mumbai Divisional Railway Manager Pankaj Singh attributed the increase in earnings to a change in passenger mix, with more commuters opting for AC EMUs. 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals “In March 2026 alone, about 53.71 lakh passengers used AC locals. There has been a noticeable rise in commuters opting for first-class and AC local services, which yield higher fares,” he said. Additionally, stricter enforcement against ticketless travel has improved compliance and contributed to higher collections. Another factor is changing post-pandemic travel behaviour. With hybrid work models still in place, the number of daily office commuters, once the backbone of suburban traffic, has not fully rebounded. At the same time, occasional and non-regular travellers are more likely to purchase single tickets instead of heavily subsidised monthly passes, improving per-passenger revenue.
03 April,2026 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, accompanied by her elder son Parth, met senior party leader Praful Patel at his residence in New Delhi, a party spokesperson said on Friday, reported PTI. The meeting took place on Thursday night amid the speculations of controlling the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after the death of former party chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, the spokesperson added. Parth Pawar denounces speculation The meeting assumes significance as Parth Pawar on Thursday described reports targeting Praful Patel, NCP's working president, and Sunil Tatkare, the party’s Maharashtra unit chief, as "unfounded and speculative," the PTI reported. The reports had suggested that they tried to take over the party following the death of then Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. Parth's statement came amid speculation that Sunetra Pawar was upset with Patel and Tatkare. MLA Rohit Pawar highlights ECI letter NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar had claimed last week that Sunetra Pawar wrote to the Election Commission of India on March 10, informing the poll body about her appointment as party president and stating that any earlier communications received from the party after her husband Ajit Pawar's death should be ignored. Clarifications on party control dispute According to political sources, Sunetra Pawar was not convinced by the clarification provided by Patel and Tatkare regarding the letter sent to the ECI before she assumed charge as party chief. Patel and Tatkare had written to the ECI on February 16, stating that the party constitution had been amended and all powers were given to working president Praful Patel, Rohit Pawar alleged, claiming they were attempting to seize control of the party. Official confirmation of the meeting NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe confirmed that Sunetra Pawar, Parth, and Patel met on Thursday night at Patel’s residence in the national capital. Next generation steps into politics While Parth has recently been elected as a Rajya Sabha member, the NCP has inducted his younger brother Jay Pawar into the party's apex committee, marking his formal entry into politics. Sunetra Pawar’s recent appointments Sunetra Pawar, who took oath as the deputy CM of Maharashtra on January 31, was unanimously elected as party president on February 26. (With PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 03:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government is reportedly planning Aarey-style’ egg brand support poultry farmers and cut dependency on imports. The state plans to develop a state-specific egg brand and expand poultry farming through subsidies in a bid to reduce dependence on imports, officials said, reported the PTI. The state’s animal husbandry department is working on measures to increase egg production and strengthen the supply chain. Currently, Maharashtra imports around 1.5 crore eggs daily from southern states such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to meet its demand of nearly 3 crore eggs per day. Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the state should create its own egg brand, similar to well-known milk brands like Aarey and Mahanand, according to the PTI. She noted that such branding would help ensure quality standards while providing a stable market for poultry farmers. Rising demand driven by urban centres Officials said demand for eggs and poultry products is largely driven by urban areas. Increasing local production is expected to enhance income opportunities for rural farmers and poultry entrepreneurs, as per the PTI. Strong existing poultry base According to the animal husbandry department, Maharashtra currently has more than 7.42 crore poultry birds, with around 14.26 lakh families engaged in the sector, the news agency reported. Regions such as Nandurbar, Dhule, Nashik, Amravati and Sangli have higher participation in poultry farming. Subsidy schemes to encourage growth According to the PTI, under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana, financial assistance is being provided at two levels - Small Units (up to 500 birds): - The state plans a subsidy of up to Rs 1.66 lakh (50 per cent of project cost), with 75 per cent support for SC/ST beneficiaries Large Units (5,000 birds): - The project cost was likely to be fixed at Rs 30 lakh, with subsidy of Rs 15 lakh, and Rs 22.5 lakh for SC/ST beneficiaries Aim to strengthen rural economy The Maharashtra government's initiative aims to promote rural entrepreneurship by linking agriculture with allied sectors, while also reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a steady supply of eggs within the state, officials said, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
03 April,2026 02:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has granted a compensation of Rs 44.13 lakh to the family of a 46-year-old man who died after a JCB crane crashed into a motorcycle in 2020, reported news agency PTI. Owner, insurer held jointly liable for payout Tribunal member R V Mohite directed the crane owner and the insurer New India Assurance Co. Ltd. to jointly and severally pay the compensation with 9 per cent interest per annum from the date of the petition, reported PTI. A copy of the order passed on March 24 was made available on Friday. Speeding crane hit pedestrian, then motorcycle The accident occurred on February 5, 2020, when the victim, Prabhakar Bajrangi Sharma, was riding pillion on a motorcycle and a speeding JCB crane first dashed into a pedestrian and then hit the two-wheeler and ran over him, reported PTI. Sharma, who was employed as an assistant manager in an automobile firm, sustained serious injuries and died during treatment at a hospital in Navi Mumbai, reported PTI. Tribunal rejects negligence claim against victim The vehicle owner and the insurance company contended before the tribunal that the motorcyclist had been negligent. However, it rejected these claims, citing a lack of evidence. "The evidence on record shows that the operator of the offending vehicle (crane) was driving it in a rash and negligent manner," the tribunal stated, observing that there was nothing on record to show any contributory act on the part of the deceased, reported PTI. Licence argument dismissed; Rs 44.13 lakh awarded The insurance company sought to avoid liability by claiming the crane operator did not have a valid licence for the vehicle. The tribunal dismissed this technicality, noting that the unladen weight of the JCB was 7,460 kg, falling under the Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) category, reported PTI. The tribunal awarded Rs 44.13 lakh compensation to the deceased man's wife and three sons. (With inputs from PTI)
03 April,2026 02:03 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA large-scale cleanliness drive carried out in Diva by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) witnessed strong participation from residents, civic officials and social workers, as the civic body intensifies efforts to improve sanitation across its jurisdiction. The campaign, conducted in Ward No. 33 under the Diva Ward Committee, is part of a broader initiative being rolled out across all ward committee areas. The drive follows a civic push to extend cleanliness efforts beyond Thane city to surrounding areas such as Diva, Mumbra and Kalwa. Weekly Drives Across All 33 Wards Civic officials said the initiative is being implemented on a weekly basis across all 33 wards under TMC limits. The decision to expand the scope of sanitation activities aims to ensure uniform cleanliness standards across rapidly growing suburban pockets that have historically faced infrastructure gaps. The directive to widen the reach of such drives was issued earlier, with a focus on improving waste management systems and addressing localised sanitation concerns. Officials noted that areas outside the Thane city core, including Diva and Mumbra, are now being prioritised under this plan. Focus on Key Diva Stretches On Friday, the drive covered several key locations in Ward No. 33, including the stretch from Y Junction to Kausa Lake, along with Charni Pada Road and adjoining areas. The campaign began with a cleanliness pledge, with participants committing to maintaining hygiene in their neighbourhoods. The operation involved coordinated action by multiple civic departments, highlighting an integrated approach to sanitation rather than isolated clean-up efforts. 14 Tonnes of Waste Cleared According to TMC officials, around 150 sanitation workers were deployed for the exercise. The civic body also pressed into service mechanised equipment, including jetting machines, a JCB, dumpers and multiple garbage collection vehicles. By the end of the drive, approximately 14 tonnes of waste and debris had been cleared from the targeted areas. Roads were washed thoroughly using water jets, and unauthorised posters pasted across public spaces were removed as part of the clean-up. Multi-Department Participation Officials from several departments — including solid waste management, garden, encroachment, filaria control and construction — participated in the operation. Civic authorities said such coordination is essential for addressing sanitation challenges holistically, especially in densely populated localities. Senior officials, including health and sanitation officers, were present on the ground to supervise the exercise. Citizen Participation Key to Success Apart from municipal staff, local residents and social workers participated actively in the drive. Civic officials said public involvement remains crucial for sustaining cleanliness efforts beyond periodic campaigns. While the initiative has drawn a positive response, officials indicated that continued engagement and regular monitoring will be necessary to ensure lasting improvements in sanitation across the Thane Municipal Corporation area.
03 April,2026 01:49 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a major infrastructure upgrade to strengthen over a century-old network of underground arch stormwater drains in the island city, using geopolymer lining through trenchless technology. The civic body said the intervention aims to significantly improve the structural integrity of British-era drains while enhancing their capacity to discharge rainwater more efficiently during heavy downpours. Officials estimate that the upgrade could extend the lifespan of these drains by at least 50 years. Focus on ageing and vulnerable infrastructure Mumbai’s stormwater drainage system—much of which dates back over 100 years—has been under increasing strain due to rapid urbanisation and more frequent extreme rainfall events. The city’s geography, bounded by the Arabian Sea and influenced by tidal conditions, further complicates drainage, especially during high tide. According to civic data, the island city alone has a 495-km-long stormwater drain network, while the eastern and western suburbs account for an additional 63 km each. In total, Mumbai’s arch and closed drain network spans 621 km. Routine maintenance such as desilting is carried out annually. However, recent CCTV inspections conducted by the BMC’s operations and maintenance teams revealed widespread structural deterioration in several sections of the underground drains. These include cracks in masonry, displaced bricks, damaged joints, partial roof collapses and other defects that could compromise drainage efficiency during intense rainfall. CCTV surveys flag urgent repairs Based on these findings, 56 arch drains measuring a combined 23.5 km were identified as being in poor condition. Of these, 27 drains covering 14.28 km have been prioritised for urgent rehabilitation under Phase 1 of the project. Currently, lining work is underway across stretches totalling around 14 km. Senior civic officials, including Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Infrastructure) Girish Nikam and Chief Engineer (Storm Water Drains) Kalpana Raut, recently inspected ongoing work near the Shantiniketan outfall close to the Shamal Das Gandhi Marg flyover. Trenchless technology to minimise disruption The BMC has opted for geopolymer lining using trenchless technology—a method that allows repairs to be carried out without large-scale excavation. This is expected to reduce disruptions to traffic and daily life in densely populated parts of south Mumbai. The technology was selected following consultations with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, and subsequent recommendations by a Technical Advisory Committee in November 2022. While widely used in countries such as the United States, this marks the first large-scale application of geopolymer trenchless lining for stormwater drains in India. Addressing flood risks amid extreme rainfall In recent years, Mumbai has witnessed episodes of intense rainfall, with nearly 1,000 mm recorded within a few days in some instances, leading to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas. Civic officials said the upgraded lining will not only reinforce the structural stability of the drains but also improve internal flow characteristics, enabling faster discharge of stormwater. Sustainable and long-term solution Apart from durability, the BMC has highlighted the environmental benefits of geopolymer materials, which are considered more sustainable compared to conventional options. With Phase 1 focusing on the most vulnerable sections, the project is expected to serve as a model for future upgrades across the city’s ageing drainage network, as Mumbai continues efforts to strengthen its flood mitigation infrastructure ahead of increasingly erratic monsoon patterns.
03 April,2026 01:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
