An electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district in Maharashtra on Wednesday, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. Fire at flat in Thane building In an another incident, a fire broke out late on Tuesday night in a residential building in Mumbra area of Thane district of Maharashtra, officials said. The civic officials said that the incident occurred at around 11:56 pm in a flat located on the fourth floor of a building in the Naseem Bagh society near Shadi Mahal Hall in Amrut Nagar area of Mumbra. Following the information regarding the blaze, the fire-fighters rushed to the spot and launched an operation. The investigations revealed that the fire started in the kitchen of the flat owned by a resident identified as Nargis Khatun. Fire brought under control Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, police and electricity staff later managed to control the blaze. The power supply to the affected area was immediately cut off to prevent further danger. The fire was brought under control within minutes, around 12:10 am, officials said. No injuries were reported in the incident, they said. Officials said that the fire caused damage to the kitchen area, including the electric board, wiring and other household items. The rest of the flat and building remained safe due to the swift response by emergency services, the officials said.
18 March,2026 10:49 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Shiv Sena (UBT) criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government in the Saamana editorial, saying that Maharashtra’s public healthcare system is in crisis. According to the party, the system is “on a ventilator,” eroded by corruption and mismanagement, and urgent reforms are needed before any claims of achieving world-class healthcare status can be taken seriously. ICU tragedy exposes gaps in hospital care The criticism comes after a shocking incident in a Mumbai western suburb hospital in Bhayander, where an elderly woman died after a rat gnawed her hand while she was on a ventilator in the ICU. According to an editorial in the Shiv Sena’s mouthpiece Saamana, “while the government speaks of progress, infants continue to die of malnutrition in tribal areas, and an elderly woman dies from a rat bite in a city right next to Mumbai.” The editorial described the incident as a “horrific event” that “has stripped away any dignity left in the government healthcare system.” The ICU where the woman was being treated was located on the fourth floor, yet a rat reportedly managed to reach her hand without being noticed by hospital staff. Bleeding continued until relatives arrived the following morning, but by then, it was too late. Hospital administration under scrutiny The hospital administration’s response has drawn further criticism. Officials reportedly suggested that rats might have entered the hospital due to nearby construction, a claim the Shiv Sena called “ridiculous and shameful.” The editorial argued that even if there is construction nearby, it does not excuse the hospital’s failure to control a rat infestation. The hospital reportedly had a pest control and medicinal spraying contract in place, but the Shiv Sena editorial said this is “an admission of an existing rat problem that the hospital failed to control.” Calls are growing for a criminal investigation against the hospital administration for negligence that contributed to the woman’s death. Dual crisis: Rats and corruption The incident has sparked a broader debate about public health in Maharashtra. According to the Shiv Sena, the state faces a “dual infestation”: rats in hospitals and corruption in the health department. “Rather than focusing on healthcare, the authorities seem more concerned with the financial health of contractors and suppliers to line their own pockets,” the editorial said. The party also pointed out that despite government claims of world-class services, public healthcare funding has been cut. “The public health budget was reportedly slashed by approximately Rs 5,000 crore. Nationwide, for a population of 140 crore, there are only about 1.3 to 1.4 million hospital beds available. Public health spending remains stagnant at only 2.5 per cent of the GDP. In tribal areas, mothers and children continue to die from malnutrition,” the editorial noted. The Shiv Sena further highlighted the contrast between government announcements and the reality on the ground. “Just two weeks ago, in the state budget, the government made grand announcements regarding healthcare facilities. However, a soul-shaking incident in Bhayander has completely exposed these claims,” the party said. The party called for urgent reforms and accountability, emphasising that healthcare, not financial interests or political messaging, must be the priority. (With IANS Inputs)
18 March,2026 10:40 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light rain and thundershowers across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Sindhudurg on Wednesday, indicating a possible early shift towards monsoon-like conditions in the state. However, Mumbai’s weather told a different story on the ground, with the city waking up to morning haze. Despite forecasts hinting at rainfall, heat and humidity persisted, with temperatures expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius, as per IMD. The city’s air quality remained satisfactory, with the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) SAMEER app reporting an overall AQI (Air Quality Index) of 86. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex: 99 Borivali East: 92 Byculla: 93 Andheri East: 103 Chembur: 95 Colaba: 61 Deonar: 119 Ghatkopar: 120 Kandivali East: 36 Kandivali West: 90 Bhandup West: 91 Malad West: 95 Mazgaon: 105 Powai: 36 Morning haze reduced visibility in several areas, but air quality remained largely within safe limits. Nowcast warning: Thunderstorm alert for Latur, Nanded, Hingoli; rain likely in Marathwada The IMD Mumbai on Wednesday issued a nowcast warning for several parts of Maharashtra, valid for three hours from 7:00 am IST. A yellow alert has been sounded for Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, Parbhani and Dharashiv districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are very likely in Latur, Nanded and Hingoli, with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph. Meanwhile, Beed, Parbhani and Dharashiv are likely to witness light spells of rain, with chances of thunder and lightning in isolated areas. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions during the warning period. Maharashtra weather update: Heat persists across state, coastal areas relatively cooler Meanwhile, Maharashtra continued to witness warm conditions on Wednesday, with several interior districts recording above-normal maximum temperatures, according to the latest IMD weather report issued at 8.30 am. Among the hottest regions, Beed and Sholapur recorded highs of 39 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Jeur at 38.5 degrees Celsius and Osmanabad at 37.8 degrees Celsius. Parbhani and Malegaon also saw elevated temperatures, hovering around 38 degrees Celsius. In contrast, hill station Mahabaleshwar remained the coolest in the state with a maximum temperature of 29.1 degrees Celsius, significantly below normal by 2.4 degrees Celsius. Mumbai and coastal belt Mumbai recorded moderate temperatures, with Colaba at 32.4 degrees Celsius and Santacruz at 31.1 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 22.6 degrees Celsius and 21.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. As per the IMD, coastal regions like Alibag (33.5 degrees Celsius), Dahanu (33.7 degrees Celsius), and Ratnagiri (32.1 degrees Celsius) experienced relatively stable conditions, aided by higher humidity levels. Temperature trends Several parts of the state, including Beed and Dahanu, recorded temperatures above normal, indicating persistent heat in interior regions. Meanwhile, cities like Jalgaon (minus 2.0 degrees Celsius deviation) and Mahabaleshwar saw below-normal daytime temperatures. Humidity levels Humidity remained high in coastal and Mumbai regions, with Dahanu recording 90 per cent relative humidity in the morning, followed by Mumbai-Colaba at 89 per cent and Santacruz at 82 per cent. Interior areas such as Aurangabad reported lower humidity levels at 43 per cent. Overall, the weather across Maharashtra reflects a mix of rising heat in inland districts and relatively stable, humid conditions along the coast.
18 March,2026 10:09 AM IST | MumbaiA fire broke out late on Tuesday night in a residential building in Mumbra area of Thane district of Maharashtra, officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The civic officials said that the incident occurred at around 11:56 pm in a flat located on the fourth floor of a building in the Naseem Bagh society near Shadi Mahal Hall in Amrut Nagar area of Mumbra. Following the information regarding the blaze, the fire-fighters rushed to the spot and launched an operation. The investigations revealed that the fire started in the kitchen of the flat owned by a resident identified as Nargis Khatun. Fire brought under control Emergency teams, including fire brigade personnel, police and electricity staff later managed to control the blaze. The power supply to the affected area was immediately cut off to prevent further danger. The fire was brought under control within minutes, around 12:10 am, officials said. No injuries were reported in the incident, they said. Officials said that the fire caused damage to the kitchen area, including the electric board, wiring and other household items. The rest of the flat and building remained safe due to the swift response by emergency services, the officials said. EV gutted in fire outside car showroom in Thane Meanwhile, in an another incident, an electric vehicle was gutted in a fire that broke out at in a car outside a showroom in Wagle Estate area of Thane district on Wednesday, officials said. The blaze was reported in a car at around 8:15 am at a vehicle showroom located in the Ashar Compound area, civic officials said. A new electric car kept in the showroom for sale caught fire, they said. Fire brigade teams, along with disaster management staff and showroom employees, worked together to control the blaze. The fire caused extensive damage to the vehicle, which was completely burnt. However, no injuries were reported in this incident either. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the situation was brought under control and further investigation was underway to determine the exact causes of the fire. No injuries were reported in the incident, the officials said.
18 March,2026 10:03 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentUnion Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday announced that Mumbai suburban train network was allocated Rs 3,000 crore subsidy and 238 new services has been planned. He highlighted key structural reforms in Indian Railways while replying to questions in Parliament, with Maharashtra and Mumbai expected to benefit significantly. The Railways has received a record allocation of Rs 2.78 lakh crore in the Union Budget 2026-27. As part of passenger-focused initiatives, 71,000 special trains were operated in 2025-26, while holding areas are being developed at 75 stations to manage crowding. The government also continues to provide a subsidy of Rs 60,000 crore, offering nearly 45 per cent concession to passengers. Under the station redevelopment programme, 1,300 stations are being upgraded across the country. Of these, 180 are already complete, around 500 are nearing completion, and work on the rest is progressing. Focus on Maharashtra and Mumbai The Centre provides an annual subsidy of Rs 3,000 crore for Mumbai’s suburban railway network, ensuring affordable travel for millions of commuters. To enhance safety, 238 new suburban trains with automatic door-closing systems are being manufactured for the city. Capacity augmentation works are underway in 48 cities, including Mumbai and Pune, with the addition of platforms, stabling lines, pit lines, and coaching terminals. Seven bullet train corridors are also being planned, including the Mumbai–Pune route, which is expected to cut travel time to just 48 minutes, and the Pune–Hyderabad corridor, reducing travel time to around two hours. Bullet train project progress Work on India’s first bullet train project is progressing rapidly, including the construction of the country’s first undersea tunnel. A total of seven tunnels spanning 21 km are planned, of which 5 km have been completed so far, with breakthroughs achieved in two tunnels. The project has also seen significant progress in infrastructure, including 435 km of foundation work, 426 km of pier construction, 168 km of track laying, and installation of overhead equipment masts across 146 km. Bridges across 17 rivers are also under construction. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Kumbh Mela events, including Nashik, with major infrastructure upgrades planned at key railway stations. Mumbai locals to get relief from overcrowding as MUTP projects expand rail network, safety upgrades Mumbai's daily commuters on the suburban rail network, one of the busiest in the world, handling around 3,200 suburban trains and 120 originating Mail/Express services every day, can expect relief from overcrowding and improved safety as Indian Railways pushes ahead with ambitious infrastructure projects. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha last week, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed steps being taken to increase train-handling capacity at key stations and expand the network under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) phases. Among the highlights are completed or ongoing works such as additional pit lines at Bandra Terminus, platform extensions at Mumbai Central for longer coaches, new platforms at Jogeshwari and Dadar, and stabling lines at Virar, Dahanu Road, and Mira Road.
18 March,2026 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs summer intensifies along Mumbai’s forest fringes, residents of Shree Krupa building in Borivali East say their new 22-storey high-rise has become a hotspot for frequent monkey intrusions, with animals entering homes through pipes and windows in search of food. Located near Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the society, home to over 100 families who moved in just 3-4 months ago, has seen a spike in incidents over the past 4-5 weeks, forcing residents to keep windows shut despite the heat. A monkey peers into a kitchen window at Shree Krupa building in Borivli East, where residents say animals frequently enter homes in search of food. Pics/By Special Arrangement What residents say Jagruti Parekh, resident“Monkeys manage to enter any flat with open windows, especially kitchens. They have come into my house multiple times. Stealing food is still okay, but families with children are scared of any mishap.” Siddarth Sampat, secretary, Shree Krupa“They climb through service pipes and usually reach up to the eighth floor. The frequency has increased recently. We will implement a solution within 2-3 days.” Shree Krupa, a 22-storey residential building, where locals have reported frequent monkey intrusions Monkey hotspots around SGNP >> Aarey Colony>> Goregaon East>> Kandivali East>> Borivali East>> Thane outskirts>> Mulund West>> Bhandup West>> Dahisar Resident family “We want to keep windows open in this heat, but we are forced to shut them and depend on fans and AC due to fear.” Bigger pattern across SGNP belt Wildlife rescuers say this is not an isolated case but part of a wider urban-wildlife overlap trend. Why monkeys are entering homes Trigger ImpactSummer heat Pushes monkeys out of forestsFood scarcity Drives them toward human foodUrban proximity Societies near forests become easy targetsEasy access Pipes, cables, scaffolding act as entry routes Human feeding Conditions monkeys to expect food Building under siege Indicator DetailsBuilding height 22 floorsFamilies 100 plusMonkey reach Up to 8th floor Entry routes Pipes, ducts, kitchen windowsPeak intrusion period Last 4-5 weeks
18 March,2026 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak Mehta | Ranjeet JadhavThe dialysis centre at the Loknete Eknathrao Gaikwad Urban Health Centre in Dharavi — commonly known as Chota Sion Hospital — is set to reopen, bringing much-needed relief to patients dependent on life-saving treatment. The facility, originally operated by Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, had ceased operations in September 2024 due to a shortage of manpower. According to the dean of the facility, Dr Pramod Ingale, the tendering process has been completed, and the centre will resume services from May under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. “The model was first proposed by the then-dean, Dr Mohan Joshi, to whom we are thankful. We are awaiting final administrative approval. Once cleared, the 10-bed dialysis unit will be fully functional and accessible to patients across the city,” said Dr Ingale. New model The PPP model is also expected to address earlier staffing challenges by ensuring better resource management and the availability of trained personnel. “Sion Hospital will provide the dialysis machine and other infrastructure, while technicians and other manpower will be roped in by the private partner. The private partner will also be responsible for operating the facility,” said Dr Ingale (in pic). While those covered under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will not have to pay a penny for dialysis, those who aren’t covered will also be taken care of by the hospital. “We have a Poor Box Charity Fund where we get donations and CSR [Corporate Social Responsibility] funds, which we will use to pay the subsidised amount of '1300 per session,” said the dean. In figures 10No of beds and dialysis machines Rs 1700 to Rs 4000Per-session cost at a private dialysis facility, depending on each case and centre Rs 0Cost to be paid by any patient referred to Chota Sion Hospital’s dialysis centre
18 March,2026 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarNew Heros at Nana Chowk is making do with coal New Heros restaurant at Nana Chowk is seeing fewer customers as some popular items have gone off the menu A small food stall at Lalbaug has switched to a coal sigdi
18 March,2026 08:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashish RajeMumbai’s Global Hospital (now known as Gleneagles Hospital), Parel, may face government action for failing to comply with norms mandating beds for economically weaker sections (EWS). Allegations The issue was raised on Tuesday, March 17, by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Ajay Chaudhari and BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar, who flagged violations of norms by the hospital. Sagar alleged that since its inception in 2012, the hospital has not treated a single EWS patient. They also demanded action against BMC officials for inaction. Minister of State for Urban Development, Madhuri Misal Govt action Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal told the state assembly that the government is considering revoking the additional FSI granted to the hospital and will not permit construction of its proposed third wing. She said the hospital is willing to offer beds at Central government rates, instead of lower BMC-prescribed rates, and confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken accordingly. She said that despite administrative objections, the hospital has approached courts to obtain permissions. Facts in numbers 2012Hospital operational 9357 sq mExtra FSI granted 245 bedsTotal capacity 4723 sq mConstruction pending Floor 15 and 16OC not issued
18 March,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarWe snooze, we chat While one monkey catches a nap on a tree branch, two younger monkeys seem engaged with each other at Sanjay Gandhi National Park Burman’s genius on display The sculpture placed in the lawn of CSMVS (right) The sculpture by Sakti Burman titled Samudra Manthan. Pics courtesy/CSMVS There’s an interesting addition to the permanent collection of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) that deserves mention. Samudra Manthan is one of the latest works by celebrated painter, sculptor and lithographer Sakti Burman. Sakti Burman Crafted in brass in 2024, the sculpture interprets the Hindu mythology of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, where Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) sought Amrit (a sacred nectar of immortality). “This was given to us by the Art Musings gallery at Fort, and will be displayed at the museum lawn at CSMVS,” said curator Nilanjana Som. Creative chronicle (Left) The publication launched in 2014. Pics courtesy/Arts Affairs What began as a passing thought has grown into Art Affairs, a newspaper founded by graphic designer Akshay Bapat (below), a resident of Aundh. Launched years ago, it has now evolved into a magazine in 2024 for emerging artists focusing particularly on younger and less experienced artists from cities across Maharashtra. “I wanted artists to stay connected,” Bapat shared with us, giving credit to its enthusiactic readership. Malabar Hill’s sunflower moment The sunflowers in full blom at Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hill. Pic courtesy/Hanging Gardens The famous Hanging Gardens at Malabar Hill, officially known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens are sprouting stunning sunflowers. This yellow patch has been met with delight by garden regulars. Pervin Sanghvi, Malabar Hill resident told us, “Spending time in this garden takes the bummer out of a sizzling Mumbai summer. The Hanging Garden is always beautiful but this sunflower patch is truly picture-postcard.” Mumbaikars, this is your Van Gogh moment, if you’ve a fan of artist Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic Sunflowers still-life series. Sanghvi’s parting piece of advice for those who see these sunflowers is to put the mobile away for that sunflower selfie, or put it on hold at least. “Take a few moments to enjoy the aesthetics through the human lens rather than that of the camera. Like they say: As you go through life, take time to smell/see the flowers,” she concluded. Call of the Himalayas A seasoned rider nagivates rugged terrain during the previous festival. Pics courtesy/Anurag Chauhan Engines will be in top form at the second edition of the Himalayan Motorrad Festival that begins on April 3 to 4, drawing riders from across India. Among the first-timers signing up is 38-year-old Mumbaikar Shruti Vaidya, who admits, “This is honestly the most spontaneous decision I have taken in a while. We’re still trying to wrap our heads around the details.” Shruti Vaidya and Anurag Chauhan Founder Anurag Chauhan let this diarist in on a pro tip: “This is much more than just a motorcycle ride… we try to cap our limit to 100 people for safety,” advising first-timers to “think calmly and get all your riding gears right,” before the ride begins. For more details, log on to @himalayanmotorradfest. Easter feast Sticky toffee pudding (right) chef Manuel Olveira and Ralph Prazeres. Pics courtesy/La Panthera From an iconic Pastel de Nata Sourdough Pizza, to a traditional slow-roasted lamb, we’ve heard of an early update for Easter, as popular chef Ralph Prazeres of Goa’s Praca Prazeres and Padaria Prazeres will jam with chef Manuel Olveira Seller of La Panthera for a one-day luncheon on April 5. Now, that’s what we call an Easter bounty.
18 March,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayPubs and restaurants repeatedly operating beyond permitted hours may soon face permanent closure, with the state government planning stricter action. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, March 17, informed the state legislature that rules may be amended to allow permanent cancellation of licences of repeat offenders. Norms flouted A BJP MLA from Vasai, Sneha Pandit Dube, told the House she recently raided two pubs and restaurants found operating late into the night. She urged strict action against establishments violating permitted timings, stressing that erring hotels must be penalised for breaching rules. Rules tightened Responding to the concerns, Fadnavis said, “Action is already being taken against violators. However, to curb repeated offences, the government is working on an amendment to introduce stricter norms.” He said establishments found repeatedly flouting norms could face permanent cancellation of their licences, signalling a tougher stance against non-compliance. Mar 17CM Fadnavis proposes tougher action on violators
18 March,2026 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
-1773809867731_d.png "Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. File Pic")
