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 03:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSIn a major push towards easy digital ticketing, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Wednesday announced the implementation of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system, making it mandatory for passengers availing travel concessions. The announcement of making NCMC cards mandatory was made by Maharashtra Transport Minister and ST Corporation Chairman Pratap Sarnaik. As per the officials, this move is a “historic decision”. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik further said that the initiative aims to eliminate cash transactions, ensure transparency in concession disbursement and provide more convenient services to passengers. Sarnaik further added, “This is not just a technical upgrade but a step towards digitally strengthening passengers’ trust. Accurate recording of concessions, transparent reimbursement and cashless transactions will now be integrated into a single card.” The officials further highlighted that a statewide registration drive will soon begin across all ST depots. The NCMC card will be issued to multiple beneficiary groups: Students: School and technical education students will receive cards linked to their ‘Saral’ number. Senior Citizens and Women: Amrut Senior Citizens, general senior citizens and women passengers will be provided Aadhaar-linked cards. Persons with Disabilities: Cards will include special features linked to the UDID number. Freedom Fighters, Accredited Journalists and Awardees: Distribution will be handled through divisional headquarters depots. Features of the NCMC card Cost: The new card has been priced at Rs 199 (inclusive of GST), while the existing smart card holders can obtain the new card for Rs 149 upon surrendering the old one. Wallet Limit: Minimum balance of Rs 100; recharge allowed in multiples of Rs 50. Recharge Options: Through ETIM machines, the official website, mobile application or authorised agents. Extensive Registration Network: Over 3,000 authorised agents appointed, particularly to assist senior citizens and women. On-site Registration: Facilities at bus stands to benefit passengers in rural areas. Officials also added that the move marks a significant shift from the traditional ticketing system to a fully digital, cashless framework. With the introduction of the NCMC card, passengers will no longer need to worry about carrying change or maintaining physical concession documents. The State Transport Corporation further mentioned that the initiative is expected to make travel easier, safer and more transparent across Maharashtra’s extensive bus network.
11 February,2026 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Solapur–Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai Vande Bharat Express has completed three years of service, marking a major milestone in modern rail connectivity and passenger convenience. Since its inauguration on February 9, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the train has carried over 23 lakh passengers with an impressive occupancy rate of 102.27 per cent, according to the Solapur Division of Central Railway. The 455-km service, operated as Train Nos. 22226/22225, connects Solapur, known for its textiles and martyrs, with Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. It reduces travel time to just 6 hours 30 minutes, compared to nearly 8 hours by conventional superfast trains, saving passengers approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Enhancing tourism across Maharashtra The train has strengthened economic, social, tourism, and religious ties by linking major pilgrimage destinations, including Siddheshwar Temple (Solapur), Akkalkot, Tuljapur, Pandharpur, and Alandi near Pune Its popularity among daily commuters, students, business travellers, tourists, and pilgrims has led to an expansion from a 16-coach to a 20-coach rake in August 2025, offering a total seating capacity of 1,440 passengers, Solapur Division of Central Railway said. The Vande Bharat Express uses modern push-and-pull technology to efficiently navigate the challenging Bhor Ghat section (Karjat–Lonavala-Khandala) with the steepest gradient of 1 in 37, twice in the same day, without banker locomotives. Mumbai suburban rail travel set for mega transformation with 238 AC Vande Metro trains Mumbai’s suburban railway network, the lifeline for millions of daily commuters, is poised for a major transformation with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) initiating a competitive bidding process for 238 state-of-the-art Vande Metro Air-Conditioned electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets. The new fleet will include 2,856 next-generation coaches under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase-3 and 3-A. Unlike conventional train procurements, the project comes with a 35-year comprehensive maintenance framework, signalling a long-term commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and operational reliability. MRVC in a press release issued on Saturday, said the move aims to ensure sustained benefits for millions of Mumbaikars for decades. The Vande Metro coaches are designed to redefine suburban travel. Walk-through trains with wider inter-car gangways will allow better crowd distribution, while roof-mounted and underslung equipment will maximise usable standing and seating space. Ergonomic modular cushioned seating will include dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities and wheelchair users, and larger windows will enhance visibility of stations and surroundings. Passenger health and comfort are a priority. Advanced HVAC systems with high-efficiency filtration will reduce viruses and bacteria, while automatic air regulation will adapt to passenger load. Safety features include automatic sliding doors with obstacle detection, smoke and fire alarms, CCTV, Passenger Emergency Alarm (PEA), Emergency Talk Back (ETB) systems, and external sidewall cameras for monitoring boarding and deboarding. High-visibility LED displays will indicate destination, rake length, and Fast or Slow service.
11 February,2026 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Corporator Ritu Tawde began her first speech as Mumbai Mayor by paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. Tawde, who became the 78th mayor of Mumbai on Wednesday, also thanked 11 other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, senior BJP leaders Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Ashish Shelar, Republic Party of India (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athavale, BJP state chief Ravindra Chavan, party city president Ameet Satam, BJP Group Leader in BMC Ganesh Khankar, and Shiv Sena Group Leader Amey Ghole. "According to the mantra given by respected Prime Minister Shri Narendraji Modi, I take an oath that this first citizen will work as the 'first servant' of our Mumbai from today," said Tawde. Mumbai Mayor Election 2026: Tawde pledges people-centric, development-driven administration Identifying herself as "Marathi Mayor", she added, "CM Devendraji Fadnavis fulfilled the promise given to Mumbaikars that the BMC Mayor would be a Marathi, and today I stand before you all in this historic hall as the Marathi Mayor." Setting the tone for her tenure, Tawde said, "My goal will be to provide transparent, development-oriented, people-welfare administration. Making our city clean, beautiful, safe, and modern will be our priority. We are determined to implement effective schemes for women empowerment, employment opportunities for youth, care for senior citizens, and for the poor and needy. Digital systems and AI (artificial intelligence) will be used to provide corruption-free administration. I would like to assure you that service will be given more importance than politics."
11 February,2026 02:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSMaharashtra 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 ShivadekarMumbai 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 correspondentMumbai 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 correspondentResidents 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 MSIn 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 ShivadekarNationalist 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 ShivadekarResidents 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 MSADVERTISEMENT
