Juhu and Vile Parle residents have raised concerns about the closure of the bridge over the Irla nullah, saying they have been facing difficulties for the past month. Locals were unsure why the structure had been shut, speculating that it could be owing to repairs. They added that because of the closure, they have to take a 2-km detour. The bridge was previously closed for eight to nine months in 2023, and residents said they were inconvenienced then as well, as workers had accidentally damaged a pipe, cutting off the supply of water to the area for a few days. Residents stated that when they contacted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), they were told that officials would look into the matter, but no action has been taken. mid-day contacted the K West ward of the BMC to understand why the bridge had been shut and what steps were being taken to provide relief to residents, but didn’t receive a reply by press time. 2023Year bridge was last shut Residents speak Sunil Kanojia, daily commuter‘The detour costs those travelling from the area to Andheri railway station R100 daily. We were happy when the bridge was reopened. But the work seems to have been started again. With no pedestrian walkway across the nullah, we are being severely inconvenienced’ Sandeep Tiwari‘My kids study in a school which is 600 m from my house, but now, because the bridge is closed, they have to walk about more than 2 km to the school, or take an auto, which costs about Rs 70 a day’ Albert Pinto‘Senior citizens, who would use the bridge daily, now walk around in the heat. We are supportive of the BMC’s initiative to reconstruct the bridge, but we only request that residents should not be inconvenienced’
18 April,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Atul KambleA connector in a premium Andheri West area, leading to Infiniti Mall and behind Citi Mall, was demolished two years ago. This structure, which was approximately 30 metres (approximately 100 feet), connected both sides of the road and was used by pedestrians and vehicles. Sheets form a base on which people have to tread It has been lying unfinished and in disrepair for close to two years. Vehicles now take a turn some distance away to access the other side. A crane lies inside the dug-up cavity, attesting to the long-stalled work Pedestrians have the roughest time as they have to cross over through a makeshift access. This temporary connector comprises metal sheets, after which they have to walk on cables and pipes. One missed step on this treacherous stretch of ‘pagdandi’ may result in a debilitating fall inside a muddy ditch. A cyclist traverses the precarious pathway. Pics/Atul Kamble The nauseating stench of garbage envelopes the area as one side of this connector has become a rubbish dump. “People from all around come in and throw debris. It is a festering garbage disposal spot,” said locals, pointing to a number of bags loaded with rubbish at the spot. Soon, soon Local corporator Rupesh Savarkar said, “I have asked for a joint meeting with the BMC officer concerned and the contractor for a review of the work and the timeline. I assure locals that once I have this meeting, I will ensure that the work is expedited and completed soon.” Anand Shirali, Sandesh Kadam, and Mukesh Sanghavi on a building terrace in the area Locals Speak Anand Shirali, Andheri resident who has to access this space for work ‘A slip or fall on this temporary structure can be very hazardous, especially for kids and senior citizens. It is hard to believe this is an upscale area with sky-high real estate prices, but deplorable conditions’ Sandesh S Kadam, project management consultant and civil engineer whose office is in area‘This is an upscale area, with dizzying real estate prices. I am wary of calling people to meet me at my workplace, which is just a building away. This has become a frustrating wait, and the space is unhygienic and unsafe’ Mukesh Sanghav, Andheri resident‘How are we supposed to cross over to the other side?” asked businessman and resident Mukesh Sanghavi. “We have seen little to no progress since two years; work should have been speedily completed. Every local and others who have to negotiate this space for any reason, is troubled’ Arvind Jethalal, A general/provisions store owner‘Business was good a couple of years ago. Today, customers have decreased, as nobody wants to cross this. I do get orders on the phone, but my staffers need to cross this connector — if one can even call it that — with bags. They have to be very cautious, and I am careful about them carrying weight’ Sanjeev Singh Pal, Andheri resident‘Our local representatives promised ‘beautification of this area’ while campaigning. Then, why are we holding our noses while standing here? There is no security or supervision. Imagine how precarious this will get in the monsoon’
18 April,2026 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharWith the India Meteorological Department earlier this week indicating the possibility of a weak or below-average southwest monsoon, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approached the state government seeking additional water to ensure an uninterrupted supply till the end of August. As of April 16, the seven lakes supplying water to Mumbai are at 33.22 per cent capacity. As a precautionary measure, the BMC has requested one lakh Million Litres (ML) of water to be drawn from Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna. If the state releases the additional stock, this could help sustain supply till August 31, 2026. Current water situation A senior civic official said the city’s current reserves are stable but require careful planning. “In case we have weak rainfall, the present water stock in our lakes should be sufficient till August 31. This does not imply that we will get no rainfall until August, but we have to consider the water stock situation for the entire next year as well,” the official said. At a glance Total storage capacity: 14,47,363 MLCurrent stock: 4,80,842 ML (33.22%)Daily supply: 3950-4100 MLConcern: Weak monsoon forecastPlan: Seek additional water, consider phased cuts Water cuts April 20-27: 5% cut in 11 of 26 municipal wards due to maintenanceAffected areas include Kurla, Govandi, Chembur, Ghatkopar, Powai, Mulund, Churchgate, Colaba, Byculla, Parel, and SioN April 15: 20-25% one-day cut in parts of the eastern suburbs and the island cityCaused by a power disruption at the Pajarapur and Pise treatment plants Possibility of water cuts Officials said a decision on 10 per cent water cut will be taken when required depending on real-time monitoring. “There is no need to panic regarding the water situation. If BMC decides to impose a water cut, it is not a call we can plan about in advance. This call will have to be taken after monitoring the water stock situation in real time,” a senior official said. Lake-wise storage (ML) Bhatsa 2,32,800Upper Vaitarna 75,286Middle Vaitarna 68,589Modak Sagar45,340Tansa 40,280Vihar 15,296Tulsi 3250 Note: Bhatsa water is shared with the state government and is not fully available to the BMC.ML = million litres
18 April,2026 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MS | Sarthak MehtaThe Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is once again showing signs of internal division, this time over the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. Voting for nine seats, along with a bypoll for one seat, is scheduled to be held on May 12. State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal. Pic/X @INCHarshsapkal Congress keen on seat State Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal maintained that if Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray was contesting, it would support the candidature, but if not, then it would discuss with its leadership and its allies, a statement which clearly hints that Congress is keen to contest the seat. May 12Day Council polls are to be held Change in equation Earlier, the MVA had the numbers to secure multiple seats, but after the splits within the Shiv Sena and NCP, the alliance is now in a position to win only one. With Sharad Pawar recently re-elected to the Rajya Sabha, the NCP is not staking a claim to the seat. However, if Thackeray does not contest, the Congress is likely to put forward its candidate. An unopposed election is possible only if Thackeray files his nomination; otherwise, a contest cannot be ruled out, with the Mahayuti keen to exploit divisions in the MVA. Ten seats Polling for all 10 Council seats will be held between 9 am and 4 pm, with counting scheduled for the same day, at 5 pm. The election has been necessitated as the term of nine MLCs ends on May 13. While nine seats will be filled through the regular biennial election, a bypoll will also be held for one vacancy following Congress leader Pradnya Satav’s resignation. Satav has now joined the BJP. Tenures conclude Apart from Thackeray, eight other retiring MLCs include Council Chairperson Neelam Gorhe (Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena), BJP leaders Sanjay Kenekar, Sandeep Joshi, Dadarao Keche, and Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) Amol Mitkari, Congress’s Rajesh Rathod, and NCP-SP’s Shashikant Shinde.
18 April,2026 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThink outside the box” is a line every marketing student hears. This group decided to actually do it. Samaraa Khan, Saanvi Rane, Adya Ravindran, Hitarthi Savla, Maishaa Mukherjee, and Ayaan Abbagani are first-year students at NMIMS, studying branding and advertising, recently put their heads to together to create a delectable online campaign to boost the business of Borun Saha, who runs Manisha vada pav stall opposite DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering in Vile Parle. Borun Saha, who runs the vada pav stall right outside the Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering in Vile Parle. Pic/Instagram @vadawaov The brief As part of a class assignment, the students were asked to carry out a complete brand revamp for a local business. The group set out to find one. The idea Every college has a go-to snack spot. For them, it was a vada pav stall. That’s when it clicked: why not rebrand the stall they already loved? They approached Saha, and he said yes. Meet the vendor When we met Saha, he was busy with his son, serving a rush of students after classes. “I’ve been here for 32 years,” he said. At a glance Location: Vile ParleBusiness: Manisha vada pav stallYears in operation: 32Project by: NMIMS first-year studentsRebrand name: VadawaovSocial media reach: 2 million+ viewsOutcome: Increased customer footfall The rebrand Samaraa Khan The students decided to target college-goers from nearby SVKM institutions. “We wanted to keep the Gen Z audience in mind,” said 18-year-old Samaraa Khan. “We came up with a logo and a name — Vadawaov.” The content play Then, it was time to make reels. “Everyone around us keeps talking about ‘Splitsvilla’, but I have never seen it,” Khan said, “It was Adya’s [Ravindran] idea to make a Reel about it.” In one video, the stall becomes a watch party for the show. Customers and Saha are seen rooting for contestant Akanksha Choudhary and claiming #TeamAkanksha while vada pavs keep coming. Another video shows Saha telling customers, “Your ex blocked you? Come buy a vada pav, and I will let you stalk them on my phone.” “We just recreated the kind of content we like to watch,” Khan said. The Reels have crossed two million views. Real-world impact The online buzz translated into footfall. “Sometimes, my son handles the stall. Kids come up and ask to see ‘bhaiya from Reels’,” Saha said with a laugh. Beyond the classroom “It started out as an assignment, but it became bigger than that,” said Khan. The project also stood out academically. “She’s a hard-to-please teacher, but we did the best in our entire batch. So I think she really liked it,” she added. What’s next Saha said his family plans to expand. “My son is starting a new food joint soon. It will serve Chinese food,” he stated. “My favourite is Chinese, but vada pav is Mumbai’s favourite.”
18 April,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Akshita MaheshwariDo 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 April 18. Aries March 21 – April 20A little bit of self-introspection brings clarity about what exactly it is that’s worrying you so much. Cosmic tip: Be aware of people and surroundings when out of the home. TaurusApril 21 – May 20An attitude of ‘I can’t do this’ and ‘I can’t do that’ disappears as if by magic. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Be aware of transformations being brought in by a new karmic cycle. GeminiMay 21 – June 21It’s good to be absolutely sure of your take on some issues, but sometimes it’s best to let them be for now.Cosmic tip: Be prepared to discuss and argue out your point of view. Cancer June 22 – July 23Looking forward to the yearly holiday means there is so much work to complete before leaving. Angry vibes settle down.Cosmic tip: Let go of any hostility which is felt towards a family member. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A time of recognition and praise begins, but it also includes having to work even harder. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Don’t be a slave to habits that are outdated and create more anxiety. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23It’s easier being forthright, not worrying about consequences till you need to have a discussion with the same person. Cosmic tip: Think from a practical point of view. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Setting an example by not taking the easy way out of a situation is an invaluable learning lesson.Cosmic tip: Maintain a loving but strict mindset if you are the head of the family. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Plans made aren’t viable as you’ve seen in the past. A change in thinking takes you on a spiritual quest.Cosmic tip: Consider the behaviour, the mindset and what you hope to achieve with them. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A major change or upheaval could make you infinitely more peaceful, but that is the karmic lesson you need to work on. Drink enough water.Cosmic tip: Use sagacity and patience to deal with life. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Feeling let down by someone in the past is reason enough to not let go of memories. But that doesn’t help you today in any way. Cosmic tip: Be wise. Forgive from the soul level. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Long term family issues reach a point of finding solutions that work for everyone. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Help as many people as you can without making financial gain a part of it. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Appreciating the value of money and the mental peace it brings should be enough of an impetus to grow savings in a healthy manner. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Spend some. Save more than that.
18 April,2026 02:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseCentral Railway (CR), while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a mega block on Sunday on its Harbour and Trans Harbour lines. An official statement said that due to the block services on the Harbour and Trans Harbour lines in the Mumbai division will be affected. It said that the block was being undertaken due to scheduled engineering and maintenance works. Harbour Line services cancelled UP Harbour line services towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus departing Panvel between 10.33 am and 3.49 pm will remain cancelled, the statement said. Similarly, DOWN services towards Panvel/Belapur departing CSMT between 9.45 am and 3.12 pm will not run. Trans Harbour services hit On the Trans Harbour line, UP services towards Thane departing Panvel between 11.02 am and 3.53 pm will remain cancelled. DOWN services towards Panvel departing Thane between 10.01 am and 3.20 pm will also be suspended during the block period. Alternate arrangements in place Railway authorities said special trains will operate between CSMT Mumbai and Vashi during the block. Trans Harbour services will continue between Thane and Vashi/Nerul, while Port line services will run as usual. Officials said the mega block is essential for infrastructure maintenance and safety upgrades. Passengers have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration. Mumbai's first non-AC automatic door closing train has modern safety, comfort features Meanwhile, the CR recently received its first 12-car non-AC automatic door-closing EMU rake equipped with hi-tech system. According to a release, the rake named “Medha”, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, is currently stationed at Kurla Car Shed and introduces modern safety and comfort features while maintaining the affordability of non-AC local train services. Officials said that the new rake is designed to improve passenger safety, particularly on high-density routes in Mumbai. Automatic doors with enhanced safety The train is fitted with automatic sliding doors featuring an anti-drag mechanism to prevent accidental falls and unsafe travel. The doors also include louvred sections to ensure adequate airflow. Improved passenger comfort The rake includes stainless steel seating in second class and cushioned seating in first class, along with improved grab poles. Wider windows have been added for better ventilation and natural light, while roof-mounted ventilation units provide fresh air at a higher capacity than existing systems, CR said. The train also features vestibule connectivity with half gangways, allowing better passenger movement and more even crowd distribution across coaches, CR further added.
17 April,2026 09:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Women and Child Development Department will organise a district-level ‘Mahila Lokshahi Din’ in Mumbai on April 20, aimed at providing a dedicated platform for distressed and aggrieved women to raise their concerns. The programme will be held at the District Collector’s Office, Mumbai City, between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, District Women and Child Development Officer Shobha Shelar said in an official release. Officials said the initiative is designed to ensure prompt redressal of complaints at the government level, while also offering guidance and support to women facing various issues. Application forms are available at the District Women and Child Development Officer’s office in Worli, and applicants must submit their complaints in the prescribed format along with necessary documents. Authorities clarified that only personal grievances will be accepted, while sub judice matters, incomplete applications, and service-related complaints will not be considered. The department said the monthly initiative plays a key role in safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring access to justice, urging eligible women to make use of the platform. PM Modi pushes for unanimous backing of Reservation Bill Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a strong pitch for the early implementation of the women’s reservation framework, urging Members of Parliament to extend unanimous support to the proposed constitutional amendments. He emphasised that women voters remain aware of political positions taken on their rights, reported ANI. Speaking during a debate in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said the moment presents a historic opportunity to expand women’s participation in governance and shape the country’s political future. PM Calls It a Historic Opportunity PM Modi described the proposed legislation as a defining moment in India’s parliamentary democracy. He said such opportunities arise rarely and must be utilised to create a lasting legacy, reported ANI. He noted that the idea of women’s reservation has been discussed for decades and has now reached a mature stage. According to him, the evolution of the proposal reflects the strength and adaptability of India’s democratic system. Appeal for Unanimous Support in Parliament The Prime Minister urged all MPs to rise above political differences and support the bill, stating that it is a nation-building exercise involving half of the country’s population. He stressed that Parliament must not allow this opportunity to pass, as the move would bring greater sensitivity and inclusiveness into governance. PM Modi said the legislation would not only influence political representation but also shape the broader direction of the country, reported ANI.
17 April,2026 09:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday has carried out a drive to remove illegal encroachments in the Dongri area of Mumbai. Officials said that nine unauthorised shops were demolished along Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Road and nearby areas in Dongri. The action was taken after authorities found that encroachments were obstructing pedestrian movement, they said. Apart from the shops, the civic team removed illegal extensions of shops, unauthorised signboards, and iron poles placed on roads for parking vehicles. Action was also taken against illegal hawkers operating in the area, the officials said. Joint civic action The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Chanda Jadhav and led by Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai. Multiple civic departments, including encroachment removal, licensing, and solid waste management, took part in the drive. Adequate police security was provided by the Dongri police station to ensure that the operation was carried out smoothly without any disturbance. Action to continue Civic authorities have said that similar drives against illegal constructions and hawkers will continue regularly to keep public spaces clear and accessible. Demolition drive along GMLR Meanwhile, earlier this month, in a massive demolition drive, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police had cleared nearly 11 acres of government land along the Ghatkopar-Mankhurd Link Road (GMLR). More than 1,200 unauthorised slum structures were demolished in a single day, officials had earlier said. The drive took place in Mankhurd, where a large number of illegal huts had been built on government land. Officials said the action was part of a planned effort to reclaim public property from encroachment. A joint team including officials from the BMC, revenue department, police, and the Public Works Department carried out the demolition. Senior officials involved in the operation included Additional District Collector Padmakar Rokde, Deputy District Collector Asha Tamkhede, Sub-Divisional Officer Kalpana Gode, Assistant Commissioner Ujwal Ingole, and Tehsildar Dilip Rayannavar, along with officers from the local police station. 200 workers, excavators, JCBs, dumpers, and drone cameras deployed An official BMC statement said that around 200 workers, along with heavy machinery such as excavators, JCBs, dumpers, and drone cameras, were deployed. Adequate police presence ensured the operation remained orderly. Officials said the encroachments had come up on nearly 22 acres of government land. The eviction was part of an ongoing effort to clear illegal settlements along the key road corridor.
17 April,2026 08:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCab drivers’ unions in Maharashtra have announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday, April 20, 2026, after failing to secure permission for protests over the weekend, an official statement said on Friday. The protest will take place simultaneously at multiple locations, including Azad Maidan in Mumbai, Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur, and the District Collector’s office in Pune, the union said. The agitation is directed against app-based transport companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The unions allege that these companies have been repeatedly violating government rules. Key issues raised by drivers According to the unions, one of the main concerns is that government-approved fare structures are not being properly displayed on mobile applications. Drivers also claim that illegal bike taxi services continue to operate despite regulatory restrictions, the statement said. They argue that these practices are affecting their earnings and creating unfair competition in the transport sector. Government ‘helpless’: Union In their statement, the unions alleged that the government has failed to take strict action against the companies, describing the situation as one where authorities appear “helpless”. They said repeated complaints have not led to effective enforcement of rules. Statewide demonstration planned Organisers confirmed that the hunger strike will not be limited to one city but will be held across key urban centres in Maharashtra. They have obtained the required permissions for the protest beginning Monday. The protesting drivers have demanded immediate government intervention to enforce regulations, ensure fair pricing, and take action against unauthorised services.
17 April,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Central Railway recently received its first 12-car non-AC automatic door-closing EMU rake equipped with hi-tech system. According to a release, the rake named “Medha”, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, is currently stationed at Kurla Car Shed and introduces modern safety and comfort features while maintaining the affordability of non-AC local train services. Officials said that the new rake is designed to improve passenger safety, particularly on high-density routes in Mumbai. Automatic doors with enhanced safety The train is fitted with automatic sliding doors featuring an anti-drag mechanism to prevent accidental falls and unsafe travel. The doors also include louvred sections to ensure adequate airflow. Improved passenger comfort The rake includes stainless steel seating in second class and cushioned seating in first class, along with improved grab poles. Wider windows have been added for better ventilation and natural light, while roof-mounted ventilation units provide fresh air at a higher capacity than existing systems, CR said. The train also features vestibule connectivity with half gangways, allowing better passenger movement and more even crowd distribution across coaches, CR further added. Upgraded emergency and safety systems The rake is equipped with a modified emergency alarm system that can be reset externally, along with multiple evacuation provisions such as sliding doors, tubular partitions, and wider ladders. Advanced smoke and heat detection systems have been installed, and all coaches are fitted with CCTV cameras for enhanced security. Crew-friendly additions The train includes a Crew Voice and Video Recording System (CVVRS) and air-conditioned driving cabs to improve working conditions for staff. Trials before passenger service The rake will soon undergo Confirmatory Oscillograph Car Run (COCR) trials, specialised tests to record dynamic parameters like speed, acceleration, oscillations and ride quality, by the Research Design and Standards Organisation to assess speed, stability, and ride quality. Passenger convenience and safety trials will also be conducted to evaluate braking performance, door systems, alarms, and integration with signalling systems. The train will be introduced for public use after successful completion of these trials. Key concerns observed One of the immediate concerns is that coach alignments may differ from existing trains due to the technical design of the new rake. This could lead to last-minute confusion and passenger scrambling on platforms. Additionally, there are apprehensions that the door opening and closing mechanism may impact train halt times and potentially cause delays.
17 April,2026 07:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
