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BJP’s Ritu Tawde declared mayor; Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Ghadi becomes her deputy

Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani on Wednesday declared Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Corporator Ritu Tawde as the mayor of Mumbai during the first session of the newly elected 227-member general body of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), held at noon at the civic headquarters. In the same session, Gagrani also declared Shiv Sena corporator Sanjay Ghadi as the Deputy Mayor of Mumbai. Gagrani, who is serving as the presiding officer of the inaugural session of the new House, announced Tawde’s election after confirming that only one valid nomination had been received for the post. “As only a single valid registration has been received for the position of Mumbai Mayor, from Ritu Tawde, I declare Ritu Tawde as the Mayor of Mumbai,” Gagrani stated while formally announcing the result. In the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the BJP formally seated its mayor at the BMC headquarters. Fadnavis and Shinde were seated in the elevated viewing gallery overlooking the well of the House during the proceedings. BJP Mumbai President Ameet Satam was also present and seated beside Fadnavis and Shinde. Following the formal declaration, Tawde and Ghadi were congratulated in the well of the House by Fadnavis and Shinde. With Tawde’s elevation, the BJP assumes leadership of the legislative affairs of India’s richest municipal corporation after 43 years. The last BJP Mayor in Mumbai was Prabhakar Pai in 1983. Mumbai Mayor Election 2026: CM Fadnavis pledges state government support to Tawde and Ghadi Speaking to the media on the occasion, Fadnavis said, “BMC was under the leadership of an administrator according to directives of the Supreme Court. However, that is not what Mumbaikars want. The mandate of the people is that an elected representative should be at the helm of affairs of their municipal corporation. Mumbaikars feel a kind of kinship with their elected representatives, who are more approachable. With the election of the Mayor of Mumbai, I am certain we will begin to see this change in the city.” Fadnavis added that the state government is set to extend full support to the newly elected legislative chief and deputy chief of the BMC as they begin their tenure and work for the city. The first session of the newly elected general body marks the formal transition from administrator-led governance to an elected civic leadership in Mumbai.

11 February,2026 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde (extreme right) took the Mumbai Metro-3 on Tuesday. PIC/X

Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde chooses Metro Line-3 for faster commute

Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde on Tuesday travelled by the newly operational Mumbai Metro Line-3 corridor after attending nearly seven to 10 meetings throughout the day. With little time left before boarding a flight on Tuesday evening, Shinde opted for the metro line instead of road transport to reach his destination faster. Sources close to Shinde, who accompanied him on the metro, said the Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman was delighted with the experience and described the Line-3 service as an important addition to Mumbai’s urban infrastructure. Further, during his conversation on the metro, Shinde is said to have discussed the project and maintained that such infrastructure not only strengthens the city’s image but also provides much-needed relief to daily commuters. Mumbai Metro Line-3 is the city’s first fully underground metro corridor. Spread across 33.5 km, it connects Cuffe Parade in south Mumbai to Aarey in the north and comprises 27 stations. Key locations on the route include Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Worli, Churchgate, and Kalbadevi, making it one of the most crucial connectivity projects for the city. 'Ram Shinde praised Mumbai Metro Line-3 for cutting pollution and congestion' “Shinde also highlighted the environmental benefits of improved public transport, noting that fewer vehicles on roads would help reduce traffic congestion and pollution, making Mumbai a cleaner and more efficient city,” the source added. Ashwini Bhide, a Maharashtra-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer currently serving as the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation’s Managing Director and Additional Chief Secretary in Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office, has played a key role in steering the development of Line-3, the city’s landmark underground metro project. Not only the legislative council chairman but several other prominent personalities are also opting to travel by Mumbai Metro Line-3. Earlier this month, National Stock Exchange (NSE) MD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashish Chauhan too travelled by the Aqua Line to beat the city’s traffic, highlighting how the right infrastructure projects can greatly improve Mumbai’s mobility and daily commuting experience.

11 February,2026 11:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mumbai is likely to remain hazy in the morning and clear skies expected in the afternoon; AQI remains recorded at 119 placing it in moderate category

Mumbai witnesses hazy morning; temperature to hover at 33 degree Celsius

Mumbai experienced a hazy and unusually cool start to Wednesday, as a layer of smog covered parts of the city, leading to reduced visibility in several areas.  Weather officials said Mumbai is likely to remain hazy in the morning and clear skies in the afternoon, the IMD also asserted that Colaba (CLB) observatory during the early hours of Wednesday recorded a minimum temperature of 21.3 degrees whereas, whereas the Santacruz (SCZ) observatory registered a minimum temperature of 19.2 degree Celsius. As per data from the Sameer application, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 119, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category.  Among key locations, Bandra Kurla Complex recorded an AQI of 132, Borivali East 74, Andheri East 159, Chembur 111, Colaba 89, Deonar 145, Ghatkopar 136, Kandivali East 123, Malad West 130, Mazgaon 110, and Mulund West 80. In neighbouring regions, Sion reported an AQI of 134, Vile Parle 115, and Powai 72. Overall, air quality across Mumbai and its adjoining areas has shown a marginal improvement compared to earlier in the week.  Delhi air quality worsens to 295 AQI in 'poor' category The air quality in the national capital deteriorated on Wednesday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 294, placing it in the 'poor' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas of Delhi are now witnessing a layer of smog, raising concerns among residents, especially those with respiratory issues. Areas around India Gate and Kartavya Path recorded AQI readings of 355, while Bawana recorded 313. The AQI of Akshardham Temple reported 325, classified as 'very poor'. According to PTI, on the weather front, the minimum temperature at Safdarjung settled at 13.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal.The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius, with mist likely during the day.

11 February,2026 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
(Right) BJP's Ritu Tawde and Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Ghadi are set to become the mayor and deputy mayor, respectively. Pic/PTI

BJP's Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai's eighth woman mayor today

Mumbai is set to get a new mayor on Wednesday as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) holds its mayoral election at the civic headquarters in south Mumbai. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Corporator Ritu Tawde is poised to become the next Mumbai Mayor, with Shiv Sena's Sanjay Ghadi as her deputy under the Mahayuti alliance. Both the corporators filed their nominations earlier this month and are likely to be elected unopposed for the two posts, given the Mahayuti's majority in the 227-member House. Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena chief and deputy CM Eknath Shinde are likely to be present at the BMC headquarters on Wednesday noon. On Tuesday evening, BJP and Shiv Sena flags and banners were put up in the Fort area near the BMC headquarters.  Tawde, a two-time corporator from Ghatkopar East (Ward 132), will become Mumbai's eighth woman mayor and the first from BJP in nearly four decades. Meanwhile, Ghadi, a Shiv Sena Corporator from Ward 5 who defected from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, is the deputy mayor nominee. He has pitched for stronger powers for the mayor and deputy mayor roles, describing them as largely ceremonial with limited authority over budgets, officials, and administration — powers that rest mainly with the state-appointed municipal commissioner. Ghadi plans to write to the urban development department (headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde) seeking greater delegation to elected representatives for better resolution of citizen grievances. BMC Mayor 2026: BJP, Shiv Sena dominate civic polls The election follows the first BMC polls in Mumbai after the 2022 Shiv Sena split. BJP emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, followed by Shinde's Sena with 29. Sena (UBT) won 65, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) six, Congress 24, with the others getting the remaining seats. The mayoral election marks the first time in 25 years that a party other than the Shiv Sena will hold the post. The BMC, with a Rs 74,450 crore budget for 2025-26, has been under a state administrator since March 2022. The mayor's post was reserved for a woman from the open category via lottery last month.

11 February,2026 10:57 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ongoing installation work for LED hoardings at Carter Road Promenade in Bandra West, which residents have opposed. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Mumbai: Bandra residents oppose 35 LED hoardings at Carter Road Promenade

Residents of Bandra have objected to the installation of 35 commercial LED hoardings along the Carter Road Promenade, calling it an encroachment on one of Mumbai’s most iconic public open spaces. Installation work is currently underway. The residents approached former Congress municipal councillor Asif Zakaria, who has written to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, seeking an immediate halt to the work. Zakaria cited a lack of transparency in the permissions granted for commercial installations on public open space. “The citizens of Bandra will strongly and unequivocally oppose any attempt to commercialise this cherished public space,” Zakaria said. In his letter, Zakaria noted that the promenade was created through a citizens’ initiative with public funds and has, for over three decades, served as a key recreational and environmental asset. “It is extensively used for walking, jogging, leisure and community activities and holds immense emotional, social and environmental value for citizens,” the letter stated. The promenade was recently handed over to the BMC for maintenance by the Maharashtra Maritime Board. This is the third complaint in recent months by residents over construction or commercial activity along the promenade. Last year, residents had objected to the installation of food stalls selling cooked seafood and to the construction of another civic structure, reportedly a temple, along the stretch. Zakaria’s letter states, “It has now come to light that work has been commissioned for the installation of 35 LED commercial hoardings along the promenade, which has caused widespread outrage and strong opposition. This amounts to complete commercialisation of a public open space.”  Key objections raised by residents >> Lack of transparency Permission allegedly granted by the H West ward licence department on December 22, 2025 Period coincided with the model code of conduct No clarity on whether a Maritime Board NOC was obtained >> Precedent for waterfront commercialisation Residents fear exploitation of public seafronts for advertising >> Environmental and aesthetic impact Letter warns of damage to serenity, safety and environmental balance

11 February,2026 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
BJP leader Sangeeta Khandekar, who won the Chandrapur mayor’s post by one vote. PIC/X/@anjaya1905

Shiv Sena UBT backs BJP in Chandrapur mayor poll despite bitter rivalry

In a twist that raises eyebrows, Shiv Sena (UBT) has joined hands with the BJP in the Chandrapur municipal corporation. Sena (UBT) has supported its friend-turned-foe, the BJP, for the mayor’s post, despite the former long branding the latter as a party that “cannot be trusted”. The arrangement with Sena (UBT) backing the BJP for mayor in return for the deputy mayor’s chair has left many within the party ranks stunned. As per the deal, the BJP will hold the mayor’s post for the first 15 months, after which Sena UBT will take over for the other 15 months, marking a rare power-sharing pact between the two political rivals in Chandrapur. On Tuesday morning, Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut stated that the party would not support the BJP at any cost. However, within hours of Raut’s statement, the on-ground picture was completely different. The head of the Sena (UBT)’s Chandrapur unit stated that it had approached Congress for a post-poll alliance to claim the mayor’s post. Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP. FILE PIC/SATEJ SHINDE “But Congress was not willing to part with the mayor post even for one year. Congress wanted it for the full five-year term. With Sena not getting anything from Congress, the local party unit started talks with the local BJP leadership and has got assurance for the mayor and deputy mayor posts on a rotational basis. In fact, Shiv Sena (UBT) will be getting a crucial and influential standing committee in the first and fourth year,” the Sena (UBT) leader explained. The kingmaker The Chandrapur mayoral election threw up a dramatic political twist despite the Congress emerging as the single largest party with 27 seats in the 66-member civic body, followed closely by the BJP with 23. Shiv Sena (UBT), which won six seats, found itself in a crucial kingmaker position, as no party could secure the mayor’s post without its support. In the end, Sena (UBT) chose to back the BJP, enabling BJP’s Sangeeta Khandekar win the Chandrapur mayor’s post by just one vote, edging out the Congress candidate in a nail-biting contest. Smaller parties and independents, the Bharatiya Shetkari Kamgar Paksh (Janvikas Sena) won three seats, the VBA secured two, and AIMIM, BSP, and Shiv Sena bagged one seat each. Two independent candidates were also elected, adding further complexity to the fractured mandate after the results were declared on January 16. Till late Tuesday evening, Sena (UBT) had not issued any official statement on the developments of joining hands with the BJP for one of the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. After MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT) flouts alliance rules The Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, burying their two-decade-old differences, had joined hands for the cause of Marathi pride, with Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) contesting the civic polls together and campaigning aggressively against the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Sena. However, after the elections, the MNS backed the Shinde Sena in Kalyan-Dombivli and Nashik, a move that angered Sena (UBT) leaders and workers. Now, with Sena (UBT) itself extending support to the BJP in Chandrapur, the Uddhav camp appears to have also broken the unsaid rules of the alliance.

11 February,2026 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
NCP-SP MP Rohit Pawar communicates doubts surrounding the demise of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, at a presentation in the city on Tuesday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Ajit Pawar death: Rohit Pawar demands transparent multi-agency investigation

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) leader Rohit Pawar has demanded that the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of his uncle, Ajit Pawar, be handed over to an agency under the Central government, as well as two international agencies, instead of being conducted by the state CID, citing the need for greater transparency and credibility. In the aftermath of the deputy chief minister’s death, speculation has been rife across Maharashtra over whether the incident was an accident or part of a larger conspiracy. On Tuesday, Ajit Pawar’s nephew, Rohit, an MLA, claimed that like many citizens, he, too, suspected the possibility of foul play. “I am not doubting the CID’s intentions, but in such cases, they are not competent enough, as officials are not even allowed full access to airport premises,” Rohit said. He alleged that the CID was only collecting CCTV footage and that the probe had not progressed. “This investigation needs to be expedited, or there is scope for manipulation of evidence,” he warned, urging that expert agencies be roped in immediately. During a presentation in Mumbai,  Rohit, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew, raised several questions, pointing to issues such as last-minute changes in Ajit Pawar’s travel plan, the aviation company’s track record, the pilot’s credentials, and the aircraft’s fitness. He also highlighted unusual communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) during the crisis. “Instead of the traditional ‘May Day’ distress call, it is learnt that the words ‘Oh s—’ were used. All this must be investigated,” he said.

11 February,2026 10:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
People wearing face masks to protect themselves from red soil dust at Shivaji Park on Tuesday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Shivaji Park residents renew demand to remove red soil over dust pollution

Residents of Shivaji Park have revived their demand for the removal of red soil from the iconic playground, urging the BMC to act on concerns over dust pollution that they say has persisted for four years. With a newly elected civic body in place, residents said they were hopeful of better representation of their concerns. On Monday, the Shivaji Park Advanced Locality Management (ALM) submitted a letter signed by over 70 residents to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, seeking clarity on the delay in removing the red soil and a timeline for its removal. In their letter, residents wrote, “We the residents of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park are writing with deep concern the persistent pollution of external dumped red soil under the name of beautification in our park.” The letter followed a pollution awareness drive held at the playground on January 18, where residents collected signatures after the BMC election results were declared.  The association said red soil dumped in the name of a “heritage look” has instead caused severe environmental distress. “We have been running pillar to post for last four years for this serious concern. We have approached BMC to permanently remove the external foreign loose ‘Red Soil’ that will provide respite to all local residents,” the letter stated. What is the issue? Red soil was originally laid on a 50 x 750 metre strip for Maharashtra Day police parades in the 1960s. In 2021, BMC dumped more red soil to enhance its heritage appearance, residents said this worsened dust pollution. What do residents want? >> Complete removal of red soil from the park>> Restoration of the original sandy soil BMC’s take The civic body roped in IIT Bombay to study dust pollution and began testing Bermuda grass at the park in June 2025. After resident opposition, a stakeholder consultation was held in November 2025. Expert speak Geologist and architect Nandan Mungekar, who helped design the park’s water harvesting system, told residents: “Historically, Shivaji Park has had sandy soil. In the past 20 years, BMC has repeatedly laid red soil on the ground and aggravated the issue of dust pollution. About 6 to 12 inches of earth at Shivaji Park comprises of red soil. If you dig deeper, you will find sandy soil.”

11 February,2026 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
The Buddhisagar Co-operative Housing Society in Matunga East, which is now likely to undergo redevelopment. Pic/Atul Kamble

Matunga building redevelopment gets HC nod, eviction challenge dismissed

In a rare ruling in Mumbai’s redevelopment battles, the Bombay High Court has cleared the redevelopment of an 80-year-old Matunga East building, rejecting attempts by a minority of tenants to stall a project backed by the majority and approved by multiple statutory authorities. On February 3, the court dismissed a writ petition challenging an eviction notice issued by MHADA for the redevelopment of Buddhisagar Co-operative Housing Society, observing that individual obstruction cannot override lawful collective decisions, particularly in old and dilapidated buildings. The society has 12 tenant families occupying 14 flats. Seven families had already consented to redevelopment and vacated, while five tenants opposed the project by challenging MHADA’s eviction notice issued under Section 95(A) of the MHADA Act. “After the developer submitted a valid application and since a clear majority had given consent, the eviction notice was issued as per law,” said Rakesh Dhanwate, executive engineer, MHADA. “The notice was challenged by one tenant in the high court.” Buddhisagar Co-operative Housing Society building in Matunga East, cleared for redevelopment by the Bombay High Court. Pic/Atul Kamble The redevelopment process began in 2021 when the society unanimously appointed Innovative Realest Pvt Ltd as developer. A registered development agreement was signed by all members, power of attorney executed, and hardship compensation paid in instalments. Approvals were obtained from MHADA, the municipal corporation, the collector’s office and the chief fire officer. However, disputes surfaced when some tenants allegedly demanded higher rent and additional area beyond the agreed terms. “Without general body approval, unilateral termination notices were issued to us through advocates,” said Rajiv Mehta, managing director of Innovative Realest. “This forced other members to approach the registrar under Section 78A for obstruction and mismanagement.” An inquiry by the registrar’s office later found that advocates were appointed and termination notices issued without general body sanction. Money & offers>> Hardship compensation paid: Rs 1.75 crore>> Instalments: Rs 50 lakh, Rs 75 lakh, Rs 50 lakh>> Rent offer: Rs 110 per sq ft>> Alternate accommodation: Offered in Sion When the case reached the high court in December 2025, the petitioners questioned MHADA’s no-objection certificate and the validity of the development agreement. The court rejected the plea, noting that material facts, including acceptance of compensation, were suppressed. The court also pointed out that the society itself was not made a party, rendering the petition fundamentally flawed. Calling the plea “grossly misconceived,” it dismissed the petition with costs of Rs 1 lakh payable to the Maharashtra Legal Services Authority. “We will vacate the house and pay Rs 1 lakh. We do not wish to comment further,” said petitioner Manoj Broker. Key datesOct 2021: First hardship compensation paidNov 2021: Development agreement signedJun 2024: MHADA NOC issuedDec 2025: Writ petition filedFeb 3, 2026: High court dismisses petition Consent snapshotTotal number of flats: 14No. of tenant families: 12No. of Vacated families: 7No. of opposing tenants: 5

11 February,2026 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika Gondhalekar
Soham Kathare, 18, died after falling from a local train on Tuesday. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Thane: HSC student dies after falling from local train on way to board exam

An 18-year-old Std XII student died on the morning of the first day of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations after falling from a local train between Mumbra and Kalwa stations. Soham Sachin Kathare, a resident of Dombivli, was travelling to Kalwa for his English board exam when the incident occurred. According to Government Railway Police officials, he was declared dead at a Thane hospital at 10.30 am, before the exam began at 11 am on February 10. Soham left home around 8.30 am for the examination. “I got a call from the police station at around 11.30 am informing me of his accident. Soham was a quiet child, and now we have lost him,” said his father, Sachin Kathare. Soham Sachin Kathare, an HSC student from Dombivli, who was declared dead before the start of the Std XII board examination. Pic/By Special Arrangement “Once the hospital procedures are completed, we will go to our native place in Satara. An accidental death report has been filed.” Soham is survived by his parents and a younger brother. Rush-hour travel Neighbours and relatives said Soham attended an afternoon junior college and was unaccustomed to travelling during peak hours. The family had shifted to Dombivli only a year ago and earlier lived closer to his college. His teacher, Vaishali Devendra Konkar, said he was a science student at New Kalwa High School. “It would help if students were given special compartments or priority access during board exams,” Konkar added. Exam day details >> Exam centre: Manisha Vidyalaya, Kalwa>> Exam time: 11 am to 2 pm>> Attendance: Student marked absent>> Teachers informed: After invigilation duty at 2.30 pm Teachers later visited the hospital and met Soham’s family. “He had suffered a head injury. We tried to keep the news quiet, but his friends found out through social media and are reaching out to the family,” Konkar said. Associations want action The incident has renewed calls for action over overcrowding in local trains. Ketan Shah of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee announced a protest. “Trains are running late daily, passengers are dying due to overcrowding, yet no action is taken. We appeal to citizens and passenger organisations to gather at Thane railway station on February 11 at 8 am wearing black,” he said. Siddhesh Desai of the Kalva Mumbai Suburban Railway Passenger Association, a commuter-centric group, echoed the concern, questioning the lack of accountability despite repeated fatalities linked to overcrowded trains. At a glance Student: Soham Sachin Kathare, 18Residence: DombivliRoute: Dombivli to KalwaIncident spot: Between Mumbra and KalwaExam: HSC English paperDate: February 10 8.30 amTime Soham Kathare left his home for the exam centre

11 February,2026 10:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
The road to the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Navi Mumbai airport commuters hit by surge pricing as Uber, Ola fares soar high

For many travelling to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the most turbulent part of the journey is not the flight but getting to the terminal. Across the region’s key transit points, commuters are complaining of steep and erratic fares charged by app-based cab aggregators, prompting a shift towards local autos, shared taxis and low-cost platforms. A visit across Vashi, Nerul, CBD Belapur, Khandeshwar, and Ulwe found widespread frustration among airport-bound passengers over surge pricing by Uber and Ola, even during normal traffic hours. Screenshots accessed by mid-day show that a 16-18 km ride to NMIA is being priced anywhere between R400 and R800, depending on the app, vehicle, location, and time of booking. Sachin Dahake, a Vashi resident, said, “After seeing the price of Uber from Sector-17 to NMIA, I cancelled the cab bookings and negotiated directly with auto drivers. The fare keeps changing every time you refresh. Prices for an Uber ride from Andheri West and  Mulund West to NMIA on Tuesday evening There’s no rain, no jam, but the price suddenly jumps.” Kamothe resident Nirmala Arote experienced what many commuters now describe as a routine shock. She said, “While my local autowallahs agree to the drop at Rs 300, Uber was charging Rs 800,” labelling the “exponentially high” Friday fares as unacceptable. The incident underscores a growing trend where passengers are abandoning traditional cab aggregators in favour of local transport and low-cost alternatives like Rapido, which continue to undercut surge-heavy platforms by nearly Rs 350 per trip. Uber fare last week was way higher than expected. It’s a 17km ride lasting barely 20 minutes, which normally wouldn’t cost more than Rs 400 on a heavy traffic day.” Similar complaints surfaced at Nerul and CBD Belapur. Ola fares from Vashi to NMIA ranged between R427 and R537, while Prime SUV options touched R685 for the same distance. From Khandeshwar railway station — a major feeder point for airport traffic — fares climbed to R625, despite similar travel time and traffic conditions. At Ulwe, one of the closest residential pockets to the airport, proximity offered little relief. From housing societies such as Tejas Narmada Apartments, Uber Auto fares fluctuated between Rs 130 and Rs 180 within minutes, while those of Uber Go rose close to Rs 300. In contrast, Rapido bike taxis were available for under R100, and auto rides were nearly Rs 150 to Rs 200 cheaper than Uber and Ola. The problem becomes starker for longer airport drops. International motor racer Rustom Patel, a resident of Byculla, said he was stunned by the fares quoted while returning from NMIA. “A private travel operator asked for Rs 3200 to ferry me from NMIA to Byculla, while Ola and Uber’s prices were around R2200 in the afternoon. That’s not surge pricing — that’s daylight robbery,” Patel said. The site of the recently inaugurated Navi Mumbai International Airport. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE “People are abandoning these apps,” said a Belapur-based consultant who travels weekly. “When Rapido undercuts Ola and Uber by R350 per trip, the decision is obvious.” A transport analyst stated that affordable and predictable ground transport is crucial for an airport’s success, saying, “If passengers associate NMIA with expensive and unreliable connectivity, it could affect public confidence.” Drivers speak A cab driver at Belapur railway station said, “Airport trips mean long waiting times and often no return passengers. Many drivers reject airport rides, so the app automatically increases the fare.” Another driver blamed demand clustering. “When flights arrive or depart around the same time, demand spikes instantly. The algorithm reacts even if traffic is normal,” he said. Long road back home On January 13, this reporter and others landed at NMIA from Bengaluru at 6 pm. With no mobile network available, we had to depend on the unreliable airport Wi-Fi, though staff were present to assist. Charges for travelling to Vile Parle via app-based cabs were as high as R2000 to R2500. On exiting the airport, an auto driver offered to drop the writer to Khandeshwar railway station, where she could take a train terminating at Goregaon and get off at Vile Parle, for R200. Travelling by train involved a 17-minute auto ride to the station, and a 40-minute wait at the station for the delayed train. Price comparison These were the rates mentioned on cab aggregator apps when mid-day booked rides to and from the NMIA between 6 pm and 8 pm Input by Phorum Pandya

11 February,2026 10:41 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet Singh
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