Days after a Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das was killed in Bangladesh, there has been concern escalating to anger and outrage here. Hindu outfit Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has specifically announced that they will lead a protest outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai’s Cuffe Parade on Tuesday afternoon. The announcement was made on Monday at a press conference held at the Marathi Patrakar Sangh, Azad Maidan. VHP’s International President, Alok Kumar, said at the outset, “Dipu Chandra Das was brutally killed. Even after he was dead, his body was set on fire.” Kumar pointed to the reason why Das was killed for ‘blasphemy’. He claimed that Das had posted a comment on social media, merely stating that all religions lead one on to the same correct path and that they are all equal. “This is not blasphemous, yet it was construed to be a criticism of Islam, and Das paid with his life.” Kumar asked at the conference, “Is it blasphemous to say all religions are equal? Even the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, has stated that there has been no evidence of blasphemy. This is a reminder to the world that one form of jihad is so violent that even saying all religions are equal can get you killed.” In a broadside at certain sections of society, Kumar said, “We were hopeful that those who carry the secularism flag here will speak up about this murder, but we have been met with silence.” He pointed out Yunus’s presence at the recently assassinated Bangladesh youth leader ‘anti-India’ Sharif Osman Hadi’s funeral. Kumar said, Yunus stated at the funeral that “We have come to make a promise to you [Hadi] that what you told us, we will fulfill. You have given us such a mantra that this nation will never forget.” Towards the end of the press meet, Kumar answered several questions in the interactive session, one about whether Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country last year and is in India, should return to Bangladesh following court orders stating, “No, because she will not get a fair trial there.” In December last year, the VHP and another Hindu outfit, Bajrang Dal, had led a mammoth protest outside the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh at Cuffe Parade. The protest was triggered by atrocities against the Hindu (minority) community in Bangladesh, sparked particularly by the detention of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari at the Dhaka airport. Now, one year later, the organisers state they will hold yet another protest at the same venue.
23 December,2025 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharResidents of E Ward in the city will face water supply disruptions on Tuesday until 4:00 PM, as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carries out diversion work on a 2400 mm diameter overhead water pipeline. The project, part of Metro Line 7-A construction in Bamnwada and Vile Parle East, could not be completed on schedule due to technical reasons. Water supply from Pawai High Reservoir-I (PHLR-I) will also remain suspended during this period. The affected areas include: Early morning supply areas (5:00 AM – 8:15 AM): Om Nagar, Kanti Nagar, Rajasthan Society, Sai Nagar (Technical Area), Sahar Gaon, Sutar Pakhadi. Late morning supply areas (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Mulgav Dongri, MIDC Roads 1–23, Trans Apartment, Kondivita, Maheshwari Nagar, Upadhyay Nagar, Thakur Chawl, Salve Nagar, Bhavani Nagar, Durga Pada, Mama Garage. Afternoon supply areas (2:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Kabir Nagar, Bamnwada, Parsivada, Airport Colony, Tarun Bharat Colony, Islampura, Deulwadi, P and T Colony, Chakala, Prakash Wadi, Govind Wadi, Malpa Dongri 1 & 2, Hanuman Nagar, Mota Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Colony (Part), Charat Singh Colony (Part), Mukund Hospital, Technical Area, Lelevadi, Indira Nagar, Mapkhan Nagar, Takpada, Airport Road Area, Chimtapada, Sagbag, Marol Industrial Area, Ramkrishna Mandir Road, J.B. Nagar, Bagarkha Road, Kanti Nagar. The BMC has advised citizens to store sufficient water in advance, use water sparingly during the repair work, and cooperate with the authorities. Mumbai Metro 7A works to affect water supply in parts of city; BMC announces 99-hour disruption, check details here The Mumbai civic body last week informed that parts of the city would face a 99-hour water supply disruption due to Mumbai Metro 7A works. During the period, water supply would be affected in Dharavi, Andheri and Bandra. "Major water pipeline connection works will be taken up, which will affect water supply in parts of G North, K East and H East wards," the Mumbai civic body said. It said that the work will be carried out from Monday, December 22, 2025, 10 am to Friday, December 26 2025, 1 pm, for a total duration of 99 hours. During this period, residents in the affected areas will experience low-pressure water supply, along with changes in regular supply timings.
23 December,2025 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentInside the Canara Bank branch at the Bandra-Kurla-Complex (BKC), fraudsters posing as a bank manager and an agent cheated a real estate developer of Rs 11 lakh in cash on the pretext of sanctioning a Rs 100 crore loan. After exiting the bank, the accused allegedly wore a jacket with “police” written on it in order to escape. Following the incident, the BKC police have registered a case and have launched an investigation into the matter. Police have identified the accused duo as Jay Shah and Sanjay Pandey. Police said that the FIR was registered based on a complaint filed by Seema Hoval, 49, an employee of Urban Finance Private Limited, who prepares loan files for approvals from banks. According to the police, the incident occurred on December 11. A police officer said, “The complainant [Hoval] came in contact with Pandey through two other agents. Pandey told her that he could arrange approval of large loan amounts. In September 2025, a developer, Sanjay Mishra, required a loan of Rs 100 crore and contacted Hoval through an agent.” “Acting as an agent for the bank, Pandey initiated the loan process and sent a fake loan sanction letter claiming that a Rs 100 crore loan had been approved by the Canara Bank [BKC branch]. He demanded 10 per cent of the amount as processing fees. However, Mishra expressed his inability to pay such a large sum. Pandey then offered a Rs 20 crore loan and demanded Rs 11 lakh [in fees] for the same. Pandey claimed he was in Lucknow and asked for an air ticket to Mumbai,” the officer added. Another police officer said, “On December 11, Shah, posing as a bank manager of Canara Bank, along with Pandey, met with Mishra inside the bank lobby and took Rs 11 lakh in cash from the victim on the pretext of preparing loan documents and later fled. When Shah and Pandey did not return for a long time, enquiries were made with bank staff, who clarified that no manager by that name was employed at the branch. Shortly thereafter, Pandey’s mobile phone was found to be switched off, confirming the fraud.” “We are viewing CCTV footage to trace the accused. The accused took an auto rickshaw outside the bank after committing the fraud and fleeing the scene. We have registered the FIR and are tracing the accused,” said the officer. Chief Manager of Canara Bank, Ganga Ram Mishra, said, “The accused were captured on the bank’s CCTV cameras, and the footage has been handed over to the BKC police for investigation. The bank never takes cash for loan approvals. Name boards of bank managers are displayed clearly, and nameplates are placed on every staff desk. Many customers visit the bank daily for official work. The fake bank manager escaped wearing a jacket marked ‘police’ while carrying Rs 11 lakh in cash. We urge citizens to verify all details with the bank before making any cash or cheque transactions.”
23 December,2025 08:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaSway with me Two performers move in tandem during a dance sequence from Isha Sharvani’s production, KiN, at NCPA’s Jamshed Bhabha Auditorium in Nariman Point Goa says, ‘Waah Ustad!’ The screen displays a photograph from Dayanita Singh’s collection during the performance at the Serendipity Arts Festival. Pic Courtesy/@zubinbalaporia Among the many musical delights — including a special appearance by Uday Benegal — at the recently concluded Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa, it was a tribute to the late Ustad Zakir Hussain that took the plaudits. Curated by Zubin Balaporia, the performance went beyond just music. “We had been preparing for it since early September. When we found out Dayanita Singh was hosting an exhibition of her photographs of Ustad Zakir Hussain, I reached out to her. She was kind enough to sit down and discuss the flow of ideas,” shared Balaporia. What’s more was that the photographer was the ‘visual DJ’ at the concert. “She was reacting to the rhythms, and cueing in the videos like a visual DJ almost. It was quite amazing to see the dedication, and openness to the craft that she has,” he added. Signing off, K-style A moment from a K-pop event at the restaurant. Pic Courtesy/@bangtanshefsrestaurant Mira road’s South Korean restaurant and K-culture hub Bang Tan Shefs is tipping its chef’s hat one last time. Co-founder Riya Goon revealed to us that the restaurant will shutter on January 10 after a five-year run. “It was an impressive run for a themed restaurant. This was a dream built on love, courage, and community,” she said. Patrons will be in for an emotional farewell at the restaurant’s last K-pop event on December 28. To learn more, log on to @bangtanshefsrestaurant. A cricket helmet to cherish The Shyam Bhatia Cricket Museum in Dubai will soon house a special item presented to them by a special cricketer when the museum’s founder returns to his UAE home this week. Shyam Bhatia (left) and Sunil Gavaskar with the cricket helmet bearing an inscription of Sir Don Bradman’s signature Shyam Bhatia excitedly informed this diarist on Monday that cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar presented him a cricket helmet that bore an inscription of Sir Don Bradman’s signature on its side, in Mumbai on Sunday. It must be said that Bradman became a champion batsman in the pre-helmet age and Gavaskar, Test cricket’s first 10,000-run man, never chose to wear one. Bhatia was in the city to witness the Gautam Thakkar Memorial Maharashtra State Junior Badminton Championships at the Bombay Gymkhana. Both Bhatia and Gavaskar support the annual event held in memory of their departed friend Thakkar. Bhatia’s Dubai museum has been visited by the best names in cricket over the years. He is delighted that the Mumbai Cricket Association rolled out their museum earlier in the year, but wonders when the BCCI will come up with their museum. Meanwhile, Bhatia continues to receive treasured items through the goodwill that he has earned ever since he started throwing parties for Indian and other cricket teams that toured Sharjah in the 1980s. Come for the comix Readers interact with creators during the previous edition in Mumbai. Pic Courtesy/Indie comix festival Step into the KR Cama Oriental Institute Building in Fort on Sunday, and you might be in for a treat. Independent comic creators and publishers across the country will be dropping into the city for the Mumbai edition of the Indie Comix Fest. “This is all about the comic books, not us,” shared co-founder Aniceto Pereira. A volunteer-led event, the festival will see familiar names such as Arnav Anand of Vrindkavi, Sumit Kumar of Bakarmax, Ahmed Sikandar of Monky Ink Blots, and newer publications like the Indian Summer Press showcase their creations. Among the new editions will be a project by the students of the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture and Environment (KRVIA) about the Panchakrosi Yatra. “It is always difficult to find a large venue in Mumbai. But the festival is open to everyone who loves comics as much as we do,” Pereira signed off.
23 December,2025 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayTo bring transparency in the process of redevelopment or self-development of Mumbai’s old buildings, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to start a new web-based programme for applications during redevelopment, and to facilitate interactions between housing societies, developers, consultants, financial institutions, the BMC’s own departments, other statutory authorities, and citizens. This will ease the redevelopment process for more than 25,000 eligible buildings across the city. The portal includes GIS visualisation and AI-based decision support for feasibility assessment of the building’s redevelopment. This will make it easier for citizens and cooperative housing societies opting for self-redevelopment, as their dependency on market evaluations can decrease, and they can authenticate their project’s feasibility index for redevelopment on the BMC’s website itself. According to information from BMC, the portal will carry “high-level information such as an overview of redevelopment policies and schemes, eligibility criteria for different types of societies and stakeholders, and step-by-step explanations of the redevelopment and self-redevelopment processes in a format that is understandable by non-technical users”. It will carry information for housing societies, developers, and service providers. According to the civic body, the system is set to contribute to transparency by providing public, read-only access to a subset of project information, strictly governed by BMC’s policies on confidentiality and privacy. This shall include, at a minimum, the ability for citizens to view high-level information on approved and in-progress redevelopment projects. Vilas Nagalkar, city-based architect and member of PEATA (Practising Engineers, Architects and Town Planners Association) India, said, “The system will minimise or remove human interactions between officers, developers, and even with residents who are primary stakeholders. This creates a level playing field for gathering permissions and checking feasibility of projects, such as in the case of cluster redevelopment. Earlier, there was a need to physically push projects and files, and check for ways to maintain or manoeuvre feasibility. This now being made digital creates transparency, giving citizens access to the right information and knowledge if they decide to take a call on their redevelopment.”
23 December,2025 08:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSA Malad East-based gas agency owner was allegedly extorted of nearly Rs 99 lakh over more than a year by a gang that impersonated senior Mumbai Police officers, police said. The Dindoshi police station has arrested a 39-year-old accused, who is part of the gang, and is investigating the full extent of the racket. According to the police, the case began in September 2024 when the complainant was approached by a man identified as Pravin Khedekar, who had been collecting subscriptions for a Ganpati festival group known to the victim. The man sought financial help, citing personal difficulties, and the complainant initially transferred small amounts via Google Pay and PhonePe. How scam began Police said the request for help was part of a larger plan. Soon after the transfers, the complainant began receiving threatening calls from unknown numbers, with callers posing as senior officers of the Mumbai Police. The callers falsely claimed that Khedekar had committed a murder using the money given to him and alleged that the complainant had funded the crime. Police said the gang maintained constant pressure on the victim for over a year. Representation pic/istock The impostors threatened the victim with arrest, fake police encounters, and harm to his family, and demanded money to “settle” the case. Fearing serious consequences, the complainant initially paid Rs 50,000 in cash, followed by Rs 2 lakh. The cash was handed over at a BMC garden in Dahanjewadi, Malad East, to an elderly man, who police say was also part of the gang and acted as a courier. Long game Police said the gang maintained constant pressure on the victim for over a year, repeatedly calling him from different mobile numbers and impersonating various police officers. At different stages, the accused allegedly posed under multiple identities, including that of a fake officer named Avinash Shinde, to keep the victim intimidated and confused. The extortion amounts steadily escalated, with money collected both in cash and through multiple UPI IDs. At one point, the gang allegedly collected Rs 7 lakh in cash from the complainant’s father as well. Investigations revealed that between September 2024 and December 14, 2025, the victim paid a total of Rs 99.16 lakh, including Rs 80 lakh in cash and Rs 19.16 lakh through online transfers. The complainant told police that he was forced to take loans worth Rs 95 lakh from financial institutions, mortgaging his gas agency to meet the repeated demands. Terrible fear Unable to bear the pressure and fresh threats demanding another Rs 20 lakh, the complainant left his home on December 15, 2025, fearing for his life. His wife subsequently lodged a missing person’s complaint at the Dindoshi police station. Police traced the complainant to Palghar last week and brought him back for questioning. During the inquiry, the full extent of the extortion racket came to light. One accused held Based on the complainant’s detailed statement, the Dindoshi police registered an extortion case against members of the gang for impersonating senior police officials. A 39-year-old accused, identified as Pravin Prakash Kate, has been arrested. Police said the arrested accused, Pravin Khedekar, and the elderly courier were all part of the gang, though their individual roles in the extortion racket are still being ascertained. Further investigation is underway to identify other gang members, trace the money trail and recover the extorted amount, police said.
23 December,2025 08:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set to begin commercial operations on December 25, offering a major connectivity boost to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. While the airport is planned as a multi-modal hub with future rail, Metro, road and waterway links, only limited transport options will be available to the public in the initial phase. At present, access to the airport will be primarily through roads, suburban rail and buses. Road connectivity Passengers travelling from Mumbai to NMIA currently have two main road options: the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, also known as Atal Setu, and the Vashi Bridge. While both routes attract toll charges, Atal Setu is more expensive than the Vashi Bridge. However, both are expected to be preferred by flyers, particularly those travelling to the airport occasionally. Officials indicated that toll charges may be revised once airport operations scale up. Streetlights yet to be installed on the approach road leading to the Navi Mumbai International Airport The distance between the Vashi Bridge and NMIA is approximately 16 km and can take around 24 minutes during low traffic conditions. The distance between Atal Setu and NMIA is about 13 km and can take roughly 17 minutes with minimal traffic. Rail connectivity Until early December, CBD Belapur was the closest railway station to NMIA. With the recent opening of Targhar railway station, it has now become the nearest rail access point, located around 10 to 15 minutes away from the airport using last-mile transport. However, train frequency at Targhar remains limited. At present, only around 12 trains operate daily between Targhar and Nerul, with gaps of nearly an hour. Services towards Belapur are also limited, with 13 trains running daily at intervals of over 30 minutes. Trains on the Targhar to Uran route are relatively more frequent, with about 25 services daily. During peak morning and evening hours, trains run every 30 minutes, while afternoon services are spaced an hour apart. Commuters planning to use the railway option will need to plan carefully, as train schedules for Targhar are not yet visible on popular apps such as M-Indicator, which many daily commuters rely on. An unlit stretch of the airport approach road. Pics/Madhulika Ram Kavattur While passenger footfall from flyers is currently low, railway officials expect increased usage from airport staff. A CIDCO official stationed at Targhar railway station said that most commuters currently using the station are employees working at the airport site. “During morning hours and around 5 pm, we see more than 200 people at the station. At other times, it is relatively quiet,” the official said. Ticketing staff at the station said train frequency is likely to improve once passenger numbers increase after December 25. “Once railway authorities see higher demand, the frequency will be increased. This will become a viable daily transport option for locals who may not want to rely on autos or cabs,” a staff member said. Auto driver Anil Sonawane said passengers currently avoid Targhar due to long waiting times. “People only come if their timing matches the train. Otherwise, they have to wait nearly an hour, which discourages them,” he said. Cab, auto, and bus stands Signage for taxi, auto-rickshaw and bus stands has been installed along the airport’s approach roads. However, local drivers said they are still unclear about the exact locations of these stands inside the airport premises. “We will only know on December 25. Till then, we will be going in blind,” Sonawne said. “We understand that access is restricted before operations begin, but we are hopeful that passenger movement will increase from day one.” The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is in advanced discussions with airport authorities to roll out electric buses. An official said the initial plan is to deploy around 50 electric buses to cater to passengers and airport staff travelling from Navi Mumbai and adjoining areas. “This is just the beginning. As passenger footfall at NMIA increases, additional buses will be inducted in a phased manner,” an official said. Sources further said that after January 26, NMMT will closely monitor ridership trends and deploy more electric buses accordingly to service the airport. The move is aimed at positioning public transport as the primary mode of access to NMIA from the outset. Officials added that the initiative also supports sustainability goals and seeks to reduce dependence on private vehicles as airport operations scale up. Streetlights still missing As reported earlier by mid-day, streetlights along the airport’s approach roads are yet to be installed. Local vendors say the absence of lighting is a safety concern.
23 December,2025 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturPreparations for the highly anticipated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election have had an unintended impact on staff and students at Wilson College, which overlooks Girgaon Chowpatty. Seven spaces on the college’s ground floor, including the assembly hall, lecture, audio-visual, and common rooms, have been put to use for election duty, taking a toll on academic and extracurricular activities. Three of these spaces, as per college officials, have been utilised since February 2024. “Officials first started using them ahead of the Assembly election and have continued to utilise them nearly two years on,” stated Dr Jamson Masih, principal-in-charge. The other four spaces have been used for poll duty since mid-December. Election officials set up tables in front of the entrance to the college Meanwhile, college officials expressed concerns about conducting board examinations and unit tests, implementing the National Education Policy, and organising cultural activities, such as the annual college fest, held annually in January. The college has been corresponding with multiple officials from the election office, but has received no clarity thus far. The civic election will be held on January 15, and counting of votes will take place the following day. “The Std XI exams will be conducted for 950 students on January 17. We will be accommodating 800 students for the HSC board examinations from February 10. Students with disabilities who may appear for board exams this year need to be accommodated on the ground floor, which is why we hope that the officials will be prompt in vacating the campus after counting day,” Dr Masih told this newspaper. Dr Jamson Masih, principal-in-charge, Wilson College Wilson College, founded in 1832, is a Grade-II B heritage building that accommodates nearly 5000 students across junior and senior colleges. Given its heritage statues, the scope for renovating the campus is limited. All indoor sports and activities related to BVoc subjects, such as theatre and crafts, and the National Service Scheme, among other things, are to be conducted on the existing campus grounds. “With the increased footfall, our students have to share their common spaces, such as canteens, washrooms, common rooms, and college gates. While election work is crucial, this cannot be the status quo for an educational body,” said Masih. Authority speaks Balasaheb Wakchaure, returning officer, municipal wards C&D, and electoral registration officer, ward 185, Malabar Hill constituency, said, “These allocations are done by ward officers. The work done by all officials here is vital to the governmental bodies and is not a private task. We work with the intention to keep student wellness intact, while making the most out of the space we have been allotted. We have separated the college gates for the entrance of vehicles. As for BMC election spaces, we vacate them shortly after counting day. In fact, once our original office at the Grant Medical College Gymkhana is restored, we will be happy to move out altogether.” Students’ voices A TYBA student, on the condition of anonymity, told mid-day, “We did not see this coming, since we had booked these spaces in our college months in advance. Nearly 620 students have been working for months to plan the annual college fest. Our academic calendars, sponsors, and participants will be thrown off if the dates keep changing. We hope that the officials help us get the classrooms soon after the election.” The campus of Wilson College, whose founding precedes that of the University of Mumbai by a quarter century. FILE PICS A TYBMS student added that oftentimes, it becomes difficult to coexist with election officials. “We were conducting a pre-event in one of the classrooms when a man came in and asked us to keep it down lest he’d call the police. Since many officials are not in uniform, we can’t tell who is genuine and who isn’t. We have also been seeing gutka stains around the campus,” the student said.
23 December,2025 07:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for December 23. Aries March 21 – April 20Being completely involved in the project at hand makes you wish this focus remains for other assignments as well. Cosmic tip: Be generous and large hearted towards those you care for. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Finances improve in such a wonderful manner; you are glad for the investments chosen. Do cut down on fried foods.Cosmic tip: Know when to be bluntly honest and when to be a little diplomatic. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Suddenly meeting a person you were fond of makes you stumble for words. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Back off from taxing situations for the moment till understanding of the issue is clear. Cancer June 22 – July 23The slight dip in income (for self-employed Cancereans) starts inching up again. A business trip is rescheduled. Cosmic tip: Don’t allow yourself to be emotionally blackmailed. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Looking forward to relatives/friends from out of town visiting for a few days is something to look forward to. Singles can look forward to a new friendship. Cosmic tip: Wait patiently for good news. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Maintaining this positive mood that looks ahead to more sunrises is so you. Cosmic tip: Don’t allow negative comments to upset you (the person is full of negativity and has nothing to do with you). Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Investing for the future now is wise of you. Relationships at the office are professional, but pleasant and helpful. Cosmic tip: Work to maintain this emotional happiness. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Try to remember dreams you have at night as they carry powerful messages. A relationship is as strong as ever. Remain devoted. Cosmic tip: Keep focus on career fulfillment. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Having to reach office at all odd times is why the morning routine needs to be clipped down. A day of messages going back and forth begins. Cosmic tip: Let go of morning time-consuming rituals. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20You have no issues with travel plans being changed, since there’s no urgency to get to the destination. Cosmic tip: Focus on a goal with care, working towards it in a methodical style. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A partnership that began with trepidation settles down, with there being profits in the first three months. Consider career counseling. Cosmic tip: Get enough sleep. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20The relationship with elders is loving and communicative. Acknowledge the truth, with no whitewashing. Find unusual ways to resolve issues.Cosmic tip: Let go of situations causing you stress.
23 December,2025 02:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMaharashtra has recorded a decline in deaths caused by road accidents in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data released by the state transport department. Officials said that the reduction reflects the positive impact of continuous road safety measures implemented across the state. Overall fall in accident deaths across state As per figures for the period from January to November 2025, the total number of deaths due to road accidents in Maharashtra fell by 119, marking a 0.83 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2024, an official statement said on Monday. Comparative Data: Maharashtra (January-November) Year Total Accidents Accident Deaths Change in Deaths Percentage Change 2024 32,784 14,185 - - 2025 33,002 14,066 -119 -0.83 per cent Officials said that while the number of accidents showed a marginal increase, fatalities declined, indicating improved emergency response and safety enforcement. Mumbai-Pune Expressway sees decline The Mumbai-Pune Expressway recorded a sharper reduction in fatalities during the same period. Comparative Data: Mumbai-Pune Expressway (January-November) Year Accidents Accident Deaths Change in Deaths Percentage Change 2024 66 82 – – 2025 54 61 -21 -26 per cent The Maharashtra Transport Department attributed this improvement to stricter monitoring, better road engineering measures and enforcement of traffic rules. Several districts reported a significant fall in road accident deaths between January and November 2025 compared to last year, the official statement said. These include- - Nagpur city - 21 per cent reduction - Palghar - 20 per cent reduction - Amravati - 17 per cent reduction - Pune - 15 per cent reduction - Dhule - 14 per cent reduction - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar - 12 per cent reduction Officials said the data shows a positive shift due to focused road safety initiatives. Target to cut accidents by 50 per cent by 2030 An official statement said that the Maharashtra Transport Department reiterated its commitment to reducing road accidents in the state by 50 per cent by 2030. Authorities said efforts to strengthen road safety measures will continue. Citizens, drivers and pedestrians have been urged to strictly follow traffic rules to help sustain and improve road safety across Maharashtra.
22 December,2025 10:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress party on Monday announced key points from its manifesto ahead of the BMC Elections 2026, promising measures ranging from permanent immersion ponds for Chhath Puja to protection of the dignity and livelihood of North Indians, and a transparent hawker policy, reported the PTI. A document was released by the party’s North Indian cell in the presence of Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad and other office-bearers. The Congress promised a transparent hawker policy, including the establishment of smart vending zones, issuance of digital licences for eligible vendors, and fair elections to town vending committee, according to the PTI. Protection and support for North Indians The party assured political and social protection for North Indian residents in Mumbai. It also promised better facilities for auto and taxi drivers, such as rest centres and free health check-ups. Varsha Gaikwad stated that the Congress had consistently supported North Indians by ensuring their representation as MLAs, MPs, ministers, corporators, and mayors, contrasting this with what she described as the BJP’s failure to address the community’s core issues, as per the PTI. Infrastructure for cultural and religious events The party also stated that it plans for permanent immersion ponds and ghats at beaches for Chhath Puja, as well as improved lighting, changing rooms, and lifeguard facilities for women devotees. It also promises the construction of a large travellers’ facility to host cultural programmes and weddings at affordable rates. Other commitments include affordable waiting halls near railway stations during Diwali and Chhath Puja, in coordination with the BMC and Indian Railways, and a transparent licensing policy for stables with subsidised water tariffs. Elections to 29 civic bodies, including the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), are scheduled for 15 January, with counting of votes on 16 January. Congress wins 41 municipal presidents, 1,006 councillors in Maharashtra local body elections Meanwhile, Congress has secured a notable victory in the elections to 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats across Maharashtra, winning 41 municipal presidents and 1,006 councillors statewide, reported the IANS. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said that on Monday that the party fought the elections on the strength of its ideology despite facing extremely challenging circumstances. Sapkal said that the Congress contested the elections without financial backing and relied solely on its commitment to democratic values to take on the ruling dispensation. “With no financial support and depending entirely on our belief in democracy, the Congress challenged the money power of the ruling parties. On the strength of the tireless efforts of our workers, voters delivered this mandate. These results prove once again that trust is greater than money and ideas matter more than power,” he said, according to the IANS. (with PTI and IANS inputs)
22 December,2025 08:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
