The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has constituted a high-level Special Intensive Safety Inspection Team for the under-construction Metro Line-4 (Wadala to Kasarvadavali) following the slab collapse near Pier No. P196 in Mulund on Saturday. In an official order issued by Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal (IAS), the MMRDA has directed a mandatory corridor-wide safety inspection of the entire Metro Line-4 stretch as a preventive and corrective measure. The inspection team is led by Shri Basavraj M. Bhadragond, Director (Projects), with Deputy Team Leaders Abhijit Bhishikar (SE) overseeing the Wadala to Sonapur section and Madhukar Kharat (CE) handling the Sonapur to Gaimukh stretch. Senior officials from Project, Safety, QA/QC, Design, and external Safety Heads from Metro Line-9 and Line-5 will also participate. The inspection will cover parapets, edge beams, crash barriers, structural elements, precast segments, temporary works, safety nets, and overall workmanship across the corridor. The operation began on Sunday and is expected to continue for three to four days. Key directives include the immediate rectification of unsafe or non-compliant structures, suspension or restriction of construction activity in high-risk areas, and full cooperation from all contractors, including access to records. The special drive aims to ensure public safety and strengthen quality control across the Metro Line-4 project, following the Mulund incident that raised concerns over construction safety standards.
15 February,2026 02:12 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShiv Sena leader Shaina NC expressed her condolences on Saturday following the death of a person when a section of a metro slab collapsed in Mumbai. The accident, which occurred in Mulund, claimed one life and left three others injured after a concrete slab from the under-construction Metro Line 4 slab fell onto an auto-rickshaw and a car, reported ANI. Shaina NC highlighted the critical importance of enforcing strict safety measures at construction sites to avoid such tragic incidents. Shiv Sena’s Shaina NC expresses condolences to victim’s family Speaking to ANI, she said, “The Mulund incident has been tragic, to say the least. First and foremost, shradhanjali (tribute) to Ramdhan Yadav, who was visiting Mumbai as a tourist from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. We pray that Bablu Yadav and Mahendra Yadav recover as soon as possible. The Mumbai Fire Brigade, local police, metro authorities, ward staff, and 108 ambulance services were all rushed to the spot for rescue and relief operations. That said, heads must roll. We need transparent and accountable practices. If there is a shoddy contractor who has not done their job, they need to be blacklisted.” She added, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have ordered a probe and announced ₹5 lakh for the family. But it’s not a question of money; the deceased can never be compensated. We must ensure safety standards are maintained so that such accidents do not happen again.” On Saturday, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) reported: “Part of the metro pillar collapsed near the Johnson and Johnson Company on LBS Road, Mulund (W) today at 12:20 pm. During construction, a section of the cement metro pillar fell onto a rickshaw. Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, metro staff, ward staff, and 108 ambulance services were present at the spot. Three to four people in the auto-rickshaw were likely injured,” the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated. The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav, the BMC said, reported ANI. The injured have been identified as Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), who is in critical condition; Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52); and Deepa Ruhiya (40), both in stable condition. (With ANI inputs)
15 February,2026 01:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday morning launched a large-scale search operation across nearly 21 locations following specific intelligence on extremist activities. The raids were carried out in the districts of Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar, with the ATS acting on credible information about extremist elements, reported PTI. The squad has been conducting these searches since early morning. These operations include searches at 14 sites within the Pusad and Umarkhed areas of Yavatmal, along with seven additional locations in Ahilyanagar, as the squad continues its investigative sweep. In January, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested Idhu Islam, a close associate of Chhangur Baba, from Nagpur in connection with its investigation into an alleged religious conversion racket operating in the state. According to PTI, the operation was carried out by a joint team of local police and the Maharashtra ATS and UP ATS. As per the statement, Idhu Islam played a key role in managing funds and logistics for the conversion network. In October last year, in a major development in the ongoing probe into the Pune ISIS module case, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), along with the Pune police, conducted extensive searches across multiple parts of the city. According to a press statement issued by Maharashtra ATS, "In connection with the investigation of the accused arrested in C.R. no. 7/2023 of ATS, the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), Maharashtra state, Mumbai, on October 9, 2025, conducted searches and inquiries at the houses and offices of 19 suspected individuals in the areas of Kondhwa, Khadak, Khadki, Wanwadi, and Bhosari." The case was linked to the arrest of several individuals accused of being part of a sleeper ISIS module operating in Maharashtra. The suspects were reportedly involved in radicalisation, recruitment and fabrication of explosive devices as part of a larger terror conspiracy, reported PTI. During the operation, teams from ATS Mumbai and Pune police conducted simultaneous searches to uncover digital evidence, documents, and communication devices possibly linked to the module's network. ATS took a few suspects into custody for questioning. No official confirmation has been made yet regarding any fresh arrests or seizures. (With inputs from PTI)
15 February,2026 01:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the collapse of a metro slab in Mumbai, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the immediate suspension of Executive Engineer Satyajit Salve. Shinde also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will bear the medical expenses of the injured, reported ANI. According to the Deputy Chief Management Officer (DCMO), “In connection with the accident that occurred today in Mulund on Metro Line 4 (Wadala-Kasarvadavali route), Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the immediate suspension of Executive Engineer Satyajit Salve. Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr Shinde also stated that the cost of treatment for the injured will be borne by the MMRDA. After reviewing the incident details from the MMRDA administration, Mr Shinde warned that officials who compromise public safety will not be spared. Taking serious note of the accident, he ordered the suspension of Executive Engineer Satyajit Salve.” On Saturday, a section of a cement metro slab collapsed during construction and fell on an auto-rickshaw near the Johnson and Johnson Company in Mulund, Maharashtra, at 12:20 pm, likely injuring at least four people, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) reported. “Part of the metro pillar collapsed near Johnson and Johnson Company, LBS Road, Mulund (W) today at 12:20 pm. During construction, a part of the cement metro pillar fell onto a rickshaw. Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, metro staff, ward staff, and 108 ambulance services were present at the spot. Three to four people in the auto-rickshaw were likely injured,” the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated. Mumbai Police, metro staff, MFB, ward staff, and ambulance services reached the site to manage the situation. One person died, and three others were injured. The deceased has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav, the BMC said. The injured have been identified as Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), who is in critical condition; Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52); and Deepa Ruhiya (40), both in stable condition. The MMRDA stated that the metro project team is at the site of the slab collapse, conducting relief operations in close coordination with the BMC and disaster management authorities. (With ANI inputs)
15 February,2026 01:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPune City Police have registered a case against Harshwardhan Sapkal, the Maharashtra Congress State President, following a complaint by Dhiraj Ghate, Pune BJP City President, for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and comparing him with Tipu Sultan. According to Dhiraj Ghate, BJP Pune City President, "the case has been registered at Parvati Police Station against Harshwardhan Sapkal for comparing Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan, he hurt the sentiments of Hindus who believe and consider Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as God. I don't understand by making such a statement, which hurts the sentiments, what point Harshwardhan Sapkal wants to prove? This is why we are here at Parvati Police, who made the complaint against him, and a case has been registered against Harshwardhan Sapkal." Earlier on Saturday, speaking to reporters on the controversy surrounding a portrait of Tipu Sultan displayed in the office of Malegaon Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Shan-e-Hind Nihal Ahmed, which was opposed by the Shiv Sena and other groups, Sapkal said in Marathi that the Mysore ruler had followed Shivaji Maharaj's ideals. "The kind of bravery that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj possessed and the concept of 'Swarajya' (self-rule) that he introduced... much later, following in that very tradition and taking inspiration from his ideals, Tipu Sultan waged war against the British," Sapkal said. "In that sense, Tipu Sultan was a great warrior who displayed immense bravery and was a true son of India. He never allowed any poisonous or communal ideas to sway him. As a symbol of bravery, we should view Tipu Sultan as equivalent to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he added. The case against Harshwardhan Sapkal is registered under sections 192, 196(1), 196(2), 352 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaint alleges that Sapkal's remarks hurt the sentiments of Hindus and followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and had the potential to disturb communal harmony. Police said further investigation into the matter is underway. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 February,2026 10:48 AM IST | Pune | ANIThe city is witnessing unusually warm and entirely dry weather for mid-February, with daytime temperatures rising significantly above seasonal averages. The maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to hover around 36 degrees Celsius and 22 degrees Celsius, respectively, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the SAMEER app, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) on Sunday stands at 135, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Such air quality may cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disorders, asthma, and heart disease. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex – 161Borivali East – 133Byculla – 124Andheri East – 172Chembur – 115Colaba – 115Deonar-150 In the neighbouring regions of Mumbai, air quality levels also remained in the ‘moderate’ category. Thane recorded an AQI of 106, Kalyan stood at 120, and Navi Mumbai registered 130. These readings indicate moderate air quality, which may cause discomfort to individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. Delhi AQI dips to ‘poor’ at 221, CPCB data shows Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category on Sunday morning, with the AQI recorded at 221 around 7 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This marks a marginal decline from Saturday’s AQI of 197. Several areas reported elevated pollution levels, including Mundka (275), Anand Vihar (265), Bawana (241), Rohini (250), Dwarka (221), ITO (213), Ashok Vihar (243), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (265), Vivek Vihar (252), and Chandni Chowk (228), reported ANI. As per CPCB standards, the AQI scale ranges from 0 to 500 and is categorised into six levels based on pollution severity and associated health risks. An AQI between 201 and 300 falls under the ‘poor’ category, where prolonged exposure may cause breathing discomfort to most people. According to ANI, the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that the AQI may improve to the ‘moderate’ category, around 180, later in the day. Meanwhile, the deteriorating air quality has drawn criticism from the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party questioned the credibility of Delhi’s pollution data and objected to the BJP government’s decision to install six new AQI monitoring stations in green and open areas. AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the move was aimed at artificially lowering AQI readings rather than addressing the root causes of pollution (With ANI inputs)
15 February,2026 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 12 more AC local services on Western Railway has triggered a fresh debate among commuters with regards to its timings and fare, but most importantly, many calling for standardising fare-slabs of AC trains and cutting down difference between AC and non-AC trains. The WR on Friday announced that they would be introducing 12 more AC and three non-AC local train services from February 19. Responding to the growing popularity of air-conditioned travel, while recognising the continued need for affordable options for the masses, Western Railway aims to offer a balanced and inclusive commuting experience. The augmentation in services will help ease overcrowding and offer better travel experience. We are introducing 12 AC Local services, of which 11 services will replace existing non-AC services, while one will be a new AC service. In addition to this, three additional non-AC services are also being introduced,” a WR spokesperson said. “With this increase, the total number of AC services will increase from 121 to 133 and the total number of local services of Western Railway network will increase from 1,410 to 1,414. The number of AC services operating on Saturdays and Sundays will also be significantly increased from 77 to 106, further enhancing comfort and capacity for weekend commuters. In addition to this, a slow local service that is presently operating from Bhayandar to Bandra will operate from Virar, providing added convenience and improved connectivity for commuters,” he added. Commuters said there are two things about the new services. “Railways are playing a game with innocent passengers. The new AC local trains being introduced are like a slow poison to all other commuters. Also, the timings of these trains are not beneficial to all passengers. The railways must work out changes,” former member, National Railway Users Consultative Committee told Sunday mid-day. “It is a bad decision to replace non-AC with AC services. Adding new AC services without replacing existing AC services is the good decision. The non-AC traveller have now started feeling the heat of the reduction of their regular services. It do away with non-AC trains altogether, provided the fares are slashed down to non-AC fares. Only then, it would be justified. Another solution would be to split a train to AC and non-AC coaches in the same train,” commuter Amit Surana said. “WR seems to be deliberately ignoring Borivali, Kandivali and Malad residents, after the 5.15 pm AC and 5.50 pm AC trains have departed, there are no more AC trains for Borivali, Kandivali and Malad, at least modify 5.50 pm AC to halt at Malad and Kandivali. Why the injustice,” commuter Sudhir Kamath questioned.Yet another commuter Nitesh M said, “What is the use of the services to run on less crowded route? Please increase services to and from till Dadar or Andheri where huge crowd travel during peak and regular hours seven days of week.” 133Total number of AC services on Western Railway from February 19 1414Total number of local train services on Western Railway Elements . 12 new AC local services (11 replacing non-AC + 1 brand new). 3 additional regular non-AC services. AC services: 121 increased to133. Total locals: 1,410 increased to 1,414 services. Weekend AC boost: from 77 to 106 services. Bhayandar–Bandra slow now starts from Virar
15 February,2026 09:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe swanky new Bhagwati Hospital will take another year to open, say authorities. What was the reason this time? The contractor stated that the works will finish only by May this year, leaving the much-anticipated new facility of the hospital likely to face a significant delay. The authorities have gone as far as indicating that it may, in fact, take another year before it becomes fully operational with complete medical services. Bhagwati Hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr Nitiraj Mane, said, “It looks like it will take another year by the time we actually are in a position to give all medical facilities at the new facility.” The hospital was initially expected to begin functioning from January this year. However, construction setbacks have pushed the timeline further. “A few days back, additional municipal commissioner also in a meeting with the contractor questioned him as to why the work is not being done even when timely payments were done and the remaining payment, promised to be disbursed post completion of work, is also ready. At that time, the contractor stated that just a few minor furniture and electrical works are remaining which will finish in two months or so post which the handover can be done. So if he finishes work by April, the handover process will take another one month,” said Mane. Furthermore, the authorities also said that post hand over process, the hospital will require an additional six months to install and operationalise medical equipment, including diagnostic machinery, ICU infrastructure, and other essential healthcare systems, considering that the new facility will be a multi-specialty one. This means that even if construction concludes by mid-year, the facility may not be fully equipped and functional until early next year. The delay has raised concerns among local residents who were hoping that the upgraded infrastructure would ease the burden on existing healthcare services in the area. “The nearest multi-specialty public hospital for us at present is Cooper Hospital of Andheri. It will take at least one hour to travel one way to reach there in case someone from the family needs to be admitted. How is that, private construction works, in most cases complete within time but the government projects always take time — whether it is healthcare infrastructure or any other. Also, we are seeing the entire building ready for so many months now. How is that internal works are taken almost a year now!” said Usha Sabnis, one of the residents of Borivali West. Timeline of important events at Bhagwati Hospital 1963 - Established as a small civic-run clinic1968 - Turned into a 50-bed basic hospitalBetween 1968 and 2013 - Was turned into a 373 bed hospital 2013 - However, since the infrastructure declared dilapidated, services shifted to Shatabdi Hospital of Kandivli2016 - NTC building ready for use so started a 110-bed hospital. Since no OT at NTC building, only medicine facilities were being provided without any surgical services. 181 posts including that of chief medical officer were created to run this 110-bed hospitalFebruary 2025 (during Budget session) - announced to be expanded and run under PPP model April 2025 - Declared that the hospital will be run completely by the civic body January 2026 - New multi-specialty hospital was supposed to begin functioning
15 February,2026 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarThe family members of the deceased victim, Ramdhan Yadav, and the two injured — Rajkumar Yadav and Mahendra Yadav — were seen waiting anxiously outside Upasani Hospital. Police personnel deployed there did not allow them to enter, citing hospital protocol. Speaking to Sunday mid-day, the victims’ relatives, Vikas Yadav and Ramesh Yadav, said they were in the dark about the condition of their loved ones. “We were told they are doing okay, but at the same time we are hearing that they are in the ICU. We are standing outside, wondering how they can be fine if they are still in the ICU. One of our family members has died and we are still coping with that shock,” said Vikas. Ramesh, who resides in Thane, said the family was supposed to gather for a wedding in Manisha Nagar when the incident occurred. “We saw news reports stating that some people were injured and that they were travelling in an autorickshaw towards Bhandup. I had a doubt, but I told myself it couldn’t be them. Then I received a call from a policeman. That’s when we rushed here,” said Ramesh. The family continued to wait outside the hospital for official updates on the condition of the injured. The deceased Ramdhun Yadav is the father-in-law of Vikas. He was survived by three children back in Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh.
15 February,2026 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerFollowing the partial collapse of a slab from Metro Line 4, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Saturday said a detailed probe has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and fix responsibility. Ashwin Mudgal, an MMRDA official, said, “One side of the parapet wall collapsed. How and why this happened will be investigated. We are saddened by the deaths, and MMRDA will ensure the treatment of those injured and will also take care of any relocation.” He further stated that a committee has been constituted to examine whether there were any technical lapses. “We have established a committee to investigate whether any technical errors occurred and whose fault it was,” he added. Taking immediate action, MMRDA has imposed a penalty of Rs 5 crore on the contractor concerned. Additionally, the foreign company appointed as the general consultant supervisor has been fined Rs 1 crore. “We will investigate this thoroughly and take appropriate action against the contractor,” Mudgal said. He also informed that MMRDA’s chief engineer visited the site soon after.
15 February,2026 08:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerThe contractor for Metro Green Line 4 reportedly failed to follow standard operating procedures (SoP) leading to the tragic incident, local BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha alleged. He said the contractor is known for lapses, and added that he had earlier taken up this issue in the legislature as well. “It has now emerged that today’s incident involved the contractor whose work had previously been red-flagged for negligence,” said MLA Mihir Kotecha, “MMRDA chief safety officer said workers were welding the parapet wall to secure it, when they mistakenly cut it instead. As per the SOP, such critical work must be carried out under supervision, but there was no one to oversee the work. The weakened structure collapsed 11 hours later.” A few days ago, Kotecha had conducted a joint inspection of the 2-km stretch of the Metro project passing over LBS Road along with MMRDA and BMC officials. “We identified negligence at over 55 locations, documented them with GIS-tagged 100 photos, formally raising the issue in the legislature,” he added. “Even today, for several hours after the incident, there was no MMRDA official at the site. MMRDA chief Mukherjee was out of station,” he alleged during a site visit with Mayor Ritu Tawde. Following the uproar, senior MMRDA officials later visited the site in the evening. Congress’s Rakesh Shetty alleged there was no point just giving compensation to the victims’ families, and that they must be offered a job on compassionate grounds. Contractor to pay for error 5Number of people arrested for the mishap, including managers, engineers, a supervisor, and a worker 55 No. of locations on Metro Line 4 where MLA Mihir Kotecha claims to have found negligence
15 February,2026 08:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
