In view of increased passenger demand, the Central Railway has announced two special train services between Mumbai and Howrah. According to the railways, Train No 02870 (Howrah–CSMT Special) will depart from Howrah at 1.55 pm on Thursday and reach Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 11.45 pm the following day. The return service, Train No 02869 (CSMT–Howrah Special), will leave CSMT at 11.05 am on Saturday and arrive in Howrah at 8.55 pm on Sunday. Both the trains will halt at Kalyan, Nashik Road, Bhusaval, Akola, Badnera, Nagpur, Gondia, Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Tatanagar, and Kharagpur. The composition includes two air-conditioned (AC) two-tier coaches, five AC three-tier, two AC three -tier economy, six sleeper class, four general second class, one general second class- guard’s brake van and one generator/luggage van. Bookings for Train No 02869 will open on Friday at all passenger reservation system (PRS) locations and on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website. Passengers can check detailed timings at halts on the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or the enquiry portal. Maharashtra: Central Railway to run 76 winter special trains to ease Christmas and New Year rush To manage the holiday rush during Christmas, New Year, and winter vacations, CR as announced 76 Winter Special train services connecting Mumbai and Pune with key destinations, including Karmali, Nagpur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Amravati, and Sanganer. The services will operate between December 2025 and early January 2026, offering travellers additional options during the peak season. Key winter special services Mumbai CSMT–Karmali Daily Specials (36 services)• Train 01151: Departs CSMT at 12.20 am (Dec 19–Jan 5)• Train 01152: Departs Karmali at 2.15 pm (Dec 19–Jan 5) LTT–Thiruvananthapuram North Weekly Specials (8 services)• Train 01171: Thursdays from LTT• Train 01172: Saturdays from Thiruvananthapuram North LTT–Mangaluru Junction Weekly Specials (8 services)• Train 01185: Tuesdays from LTT• Train 01186: Wednesdays from Mangaluru Jn CSMT–Nagpur Weekly Specials (6 services)• Train 01005: Saturdays from CSMT• Train 01006: Saturdays from Nagpur Pune–Nagpur Weekly Specials (6 services)• Train 01401: Fridays from Pune• Train 01402: Saturdays from Nagpur Pune–Sanganer Weekly Superfast Specials (6 services)• Train 01405: Fridays from Pune• Train 01406: Saturdays from Sanganer Pune–Amravati Weekly Specials (6 services)• Train 01403: Saturdays from Pune• Train 01404: Sundays from Amravati(Booking opens on Wednesday) The announcement was issued on Tuesday by Dr Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway, Mumbai.
11 December,2025 09:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentChief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, while chairing a review meeting of the Ports Development Department at the Legislature’s Council Hall in Nagpur cited that Maharashtra is set to become home to India’s largest shipyard. Citing the state’s 720-km coastline, the strategic development of the upcoming Vadhavan Port, and strong maritime growth prospects, the Maharashtra CM has directed officials to fast-track plans and take steps to establish the shipyard by 2026. Ports and Fisheries Development Minister Nitesh Rane joined the meeting, along with senior officials including Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport & Ports) Sanjay Sethi, and Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO Pradeep P. They were also present in the meeting along with the CM. DPR to be prepared for mega shipyard Fadnavis further instructed the department to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed shipyard and identify a suitable site. He emphasised that Maharashtra must leverage its coastal advantage and emerging port infrastructure to strengthen India’s shipbuilding capabilities. To improve connectivity and boost port-based development, Fadnavis directed that land acquisition for the Kolhapur–Vaibhavwadi railway line begin immediately. The railway link will support the growth of Jaigad, Angre, Redi, and Vijayawada ports. He added that the state government would participate financially in the project. CM Fadnavis also noted that the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is building a highway connecting Vadhavan Port to Nashik and stressed the need for planned development along both sides of the corridor. Highlighting the potential of coastal districts, the CM said, “A dedicated company should be established jointly by MIDC and the Ports Department to attract industries and promote port-led industrialisation.” Fadnavis further emphasised that “the rising prominence of Vadhavan Port calls for the creation of a Special Planning Authority (SPA) to oversee integrated regional development”. Mumbai Water Metro to outpace Kochi Reviewing the status of the Mumbai Water Metro Project, the Maharashtra CM said, “The system must be modern, fully electric, and technologically superior to Kochi’s water metro. Initially, hybrid boats will be deployed, followed by fully electric vessels, with new boats set to be procured for the network.” As reported, around 21 terminals will be constructed along with the development of 200 nautical mile routes. The DPR is currently under preparation. Fadnavis also stated that Maharashtra’s maritime growth plans focused on shipbuilding and water transport that will play a vital role in shaping the state’s industrial and infrastructural future.
11 December,2025 09:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government on Thursday said that soon a revised Occupancy Certificate (OC) amnesty scheme will be announced to regularise nearly 20,000 buildings in Mumbai that have remained without the mandatory document for years. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session in Nagpur. Relief for over 10 lakh residents In an official statement, released by his office, Eknath Shinde, who also holds the urban development and housing portfolios, said that the scheme would benefit more than 10 lakh residents who have faced legal and financial difficulties due to the absence of an OC. The affected buildings were denied OCs because of minor deviations from approved plans. Moreover, the residents have been paying double property tax, water charges, and sewerage tax, and the scheme would provide direct relief to over 2.5 lakh families, it said. Benefits of the new scheme The statement also listed benefits for the residents, it said - - Residents will no longer pay double property tax due to the lack of an OC. - Access to home loans will become easier, and the resale market will see improvement as properties fetch proper value. - Residents will be able to utilise their full entitlement during redevelopment projects. - Proposals submitted for regularisation will receive 50 per cent concession on premiums for additional or fungible built-up area, based on ready reckoner rates. - Proposals submitted in the first six months will attract no penalty, while those between six months and one year will incur a 50% penalty. - A separate mechanism will allow individual flat owners to obtain OCs independently. Broader impact "The amnesty scheme will also benefit hospitals and schools listed under unauthorised structures, providing relief to the health and education sectors. The government plans to implement similar policies in other municipal corporations across Maharashtra," the official statement said. Shinde stated that the Mahayuti government has been working for the past three-and-a-half years to transform Mumbai, prioritising the safety of existing residents and encouraging original families who moved out to return. He added that the government plans to implement similar policies in other municipal corporations across Maharashtra. He urged Mumbai residents to take full advantage of the revised amnesty scheme to resolve long-standing legal and financial issues.
11 December,2025 08:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Government has announced a policy to rehabilitate tribal families and approximately 25,000 slum dwellers residing within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Mumbai, Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde said in the state assembly on Monday. The move is expected to free up a significant portion of the park for conservation. Speaking in the Assembly, Shinde noted that many settlements in the park currently fall within the ‘No Development Zone (NDZ)’, and courts have ordered the clearing of these areas. However, relocating residents to distant locations may not elicit the desired response from local inhabitants. To address this, the government has studied various options and drafted a new rehabilitation policy. Under the new policy, the government intends to rehabilitate tribal families within the same vicinity. Slums built on encroached land will be relocated to NDZ areas within a 5-km radius of the park. Necessary amendments under Section 37(1k) of the MRTP Act have been completed, and approval for the revised plan has been granted, with the notification process underway. Shinde added that the policy will simplify rehabilitation for tribal families and slum dwellers while allowing valuable forest areas within SGNP to be cleared for conservation. Maharashtra govt to soon announce new rules to redevelop Mumbai’s ‘Pagadi’ buildings: Shinde Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that the state government will introduce a separate set of rules to redevelop Mumbai’s old ‘pagadi’ (rent-controlled) buildings. The move aims to ensure fair and proper redevelopment while protecting the rights of both tenants and building owners. In an official statement, issued by his office, Shinde said that around 19,000 buildings in Mumbai, mostly constructed before 1960, are identified as pagadi buildings. Some have already been redeveloped, some have collapsed, and nearly 13,000 buildings are awaiting redevelopment. Tenants in these buildings are protected under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, and many legal disputes between landlords and tenants remain pending in courts. “The current legal and financial issues prevent building owners from receiving fair compensation, and redevelopment is slow. A proper and just redevelopment system is needed while keeping the rights of tenants and owners intact,” Shinde said. He added that for economically weaker sections and very low-income groups, redevelopment should not rely only on Floor Space Index (FSI) incentives; the cost of reconstruction should also be provided free of charge.
11 December,2025 08:14 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentIndia’s traditional leather craft, Kolhapuri chappals, is set to get a global stage and international recognition after an official collaboration with the luxury brand Prada. An official statement said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Prada, LIDCOM (Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation), and LIDKAR (Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation) at the Italian Consulate in Mumbai, during the Italy-India Business Council meeting. Tradition meets modern design Under the initiative, Kolhapuri chappals will be crafted by combining centuries-old traditional manufacturing techniques with Prada’s contemporary design sensibilities. The exclusive collection, titled "Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals", will be available in Prada’s 40 retail outlets worldwide and on its official website by February 2026. Government support and artisan benefits The statement further said that the Maharashtra Government strongly backs the project, with guidance from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, and Minister of State Madhuri Misal. Shirsat stated that the collaboration will benefit artisans, professionals, and entrepreneurs across India, while giving Indian craftsmanship greater global recognition. Prerna Deshbhratar, Managing Director of LIDCOM, said, "The partnership honours generations of artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka and ensures that their work receives worldwide identity and credit. Dr. K. M. Vasundhara, Managing Director of LIDKAR, added that this collaboration opens doors for training, employment, and global opportunities for traditional artisans." Cultural significance and global platform Kolhapuri chappals are produced in eight districts -- Maharashtra: Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Solapur; Karnataka: Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Bijapur. In 2019, they received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising their cultural authenticity. Lorenzo Bertelli, head of the social responsibility division of the Prada Group, said that this partnership is a new milestone in cultural exchange. He reaffirmed Prada’s commitment to giving Indian artisans rightful recognition in the modern world. "The MoU defines the framework, implementation strategy, and guidelines for the project. The footwear will be made in India with premium materials, traditional techniques, and contemporary designs, creating a unique dialogue between India’s heritage and global luxury fashion," the official statement said.
11 December,2025 07:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Department of Other Backward Class (OBC) Welfare has completed the work of establishing 65 new hostels for OBC students across Maharashtra, news agency IANS reported. Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, while speaking during the Maharashtra Assembly's Winter Session, credited OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save for the successful completion of this initiative. While responding to a question from an opposition member in the assembly, CM Fadnavis said that the issue regarding these hostels had been debated for 10 to 12 years without any progress. "After Minister Atul Save was entrusted with this department, I requested him to locate suitable land for each hostel and establish the necessary facilities. I am delighted that today 65 hostels have commenced operations," the CM stated, according to IANS. Fadnavis also emphasised that the state government's objective is to have independent premises in every district rather than operating hostels in rented buildings. “Land identification is ongoing, and sites have been finalised in most districts in Maharashtra,” he added. Highlighting the land acquisition for the hostels, Fadnavis said that land has been officially transferred by the revenue department in Pune, Jalna, Buldhana, Bhandara, Wardha, Gadchiroli, and Ratnagiri, IANS reported. The Maharashtra CM further asserted, "Additionally, land has been made available for hostels through transfers from other departments in Solapur, Sangli, Dhule, Dharashiv, Amravati, Akola, Yavatmal, Washim, Chandrapur, and Gondia." "The land transfer process is currently underway in Nagpur, Kolhapur, Satara, Nashik, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, Latur, Nanded, Hingoli, Beed, Parbhani, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Ahilyanagar districts," he added. Minister Save announced that all the commissioners and collectors have been ordered to complete the full implementation within six months. Save highlighted, "Vacant lands belonging to the Dairy Department are also being utilised, making additional land available in nearly 10 locations." "Through the two schemes, 'Aadhar' and 'Swayam', 1,200 students (600+600) per district are benefiting. Financial assistance ranging from Rs 38,000 to Rs 60,000 is being disbursed directly to students via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)," Save added. He also confirmed that all the girls' hostels have been equipped with CCTV cameras and an inspection system is in place. While the process to appoint a flying squad is also underway, the project will soon be completed. During the Question Hour in the state assembly, Save also said that the presentation of the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card has been made mandatory in all state government offices and departments, effective from October 9. (With inputs from IANS)
11 December,2025 07:44 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ambitious revamp project in South Mumbai’s historic Kala Ghoda area has entered its final phase and civic officials have expressed that the area is expected to be opened very soon. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, along with former chief secretary and chairman of Maharashtra State Finance Commission, Nitin Kareer, on Thursday morning reviewed the revamp work on Dr VB Gandhi Marg, Rutherford Marg, and B Bharucha Marg, which is part of the five-road improvement plan in the iconic Kala Ghoda area. Assistant Commissioner (A Ward) Jaydeep More and other civic officials were also present. Known for its rich heritage, art galleries, museums, and the popular annual Kala Ghoda Art Festival, the iconic area attracts thousands of visitors daily. First phase of the Kala Ghoda revamp project Kala Ghoda’s proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai has made the beautification drive a priority for the civic body. In the first phase, work is being carried out across 3,443 square metres spanning 500 metres. The BMC aims to create a seamless ‘heritage walk’ experience by upgrading Sai Baba Marg, Rope Walk Lane, Dr VB Gandhi Marg, Rutherford Street, and B Bharucha Marg. The redesigned zone will feature basalt, grey and black granite paving, winding pedestrian pathways, and a central plaza at the B Bharucha Marg junction. BMC further emphasised that the plaza will also offer seating arrangements for visitors to relax and enjoy the facilities. To ensure pedestrian safety and enhance pedestrian comfort while also preserving the area's aesthetic appeal, heavy vehicles will be banned and state-of-the-art barricades will be installed along all four sides. Gagrani has directed officials to ensure uniformity in commercial signboards across restaurants, hotels, and shops, maintaining the heritage character of the precinct. With the finishing touches underway, the civic authority expects the rejuvenated Kala Ghoda to offer an improved cultural and tourist experience while preserving its historic charm.
11 December,2025 07:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday said that the state government will introduce a separate set of rules to redevelop Mumbai’s old ‘pagadi’ (rent-controlled) buildings. The move aims to ensure fair and proper redevelopment while protecting the rights of both tenants and building owners. In an official statement, issued by his office, Shinde said that around 19,000 buildings in Mumbai, mostly constructed before 1960, are identified as pagadi buildings. Some have already been redeveloped, some have collapsed, and nearly 13,000 buildings are awaiting redevelopment. Tenants in these buildings are protected under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, and many legal disputes between landlords and tenants remain pending in courts. “The current legal and financial issues prevent building owners from receiving fair compensation, and redevelopment is slow. A proper and just redevelopment system is needed while keeping the rights of tenants and owners intact,” Shinde said. He added that for economically weaker sections and very low-income groups, redevelopment should not rely only on Floor Space Index (FSI) incentives; the cost of reconstruction should also be provided free of charge. Key provisions of new rules - Tenants will be given FSI equivalent to the area they currently occupy. - Owners will receive FSI for the land they own. - Economically weaker and very low-income tenants will receive additional FSI incentives for free reconstruction. - If FSI cannot be fully utilised due to height restrictions or other limitations, the remaining FSI will be provided in the form of Transferable Development Rights (TDR). Shinde stated that these rules will unlock redevelopment of old pagadi buildings, prevent further structural collapses, and avoid financial and human losses. Existing redevelopment schemes under sections 33(7) and 33(9) will continue, and this will provide a new option for buildings that have not benefited from earlier schemes. Fast-Track courts to resolve pending cases To speed up redevelopment, the government will also set up fast-track courts to resolve around 28,000 pending legal cases between tenants and building owners, many of which have been unresolved for decades. The aim is to resolve these disputes within three years, ensuring that thousands of Mumbai residents living under the pagadi system receive homes with full ownership rights. Shinde stated that no injustice will be done to tenants or owners, and the government is committed to resolving any challenges that arise during the process.
11 December,2025 07:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro lines 2A and 7 will begin services an hour later than usual on December 12, with trains starting at 7 am instead of 6 am, an official statement said on Thursday. The change in operations was being made to allow a team from the Office of the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety to carry out an 'important' inspection, it said. According to the statement, the inspection is required before approval is granted to start metro services between Metro Line 7 and Metro Line 9 (Phase 1). It will include essential system integration checks and safety trials. These steps are part of the process to extend direct metro connectivity from Andheri (East) to Mira Bhayandar, which is expected to offer a smoother and more convenient journey for commuters in the future. Important Update 👇Metro 2A & 7 services to start at 7 AM on Dec 12 for vital safety inspectionTo facilitate inspection by a team from the office of the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety— for issuing approval to begin metro services between Metro Line 7 and Metro Line 9… pic.twitter.com/eTfvFPhPUL — Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (@MMMOCL_Official) December 11, 2025 "Regular services on Metro lines 2A and 7 will resume from December 13 2025. Passengers have been advised to plan their travel accordingly," the statement said.
11 December,2025 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentState School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse on Thursday highlighted that the government is installing CCTV cameras and providing other necessary safety infrastructure to strengthen the safety and security in schools across the state, news agency IANS reported. While filing a written reply to a question raised by NCP legislator Sulabha Khodke during the Maharashtra Winter Assembly Session, Bhuse said, “Following the directions from the High Court, a Government Resolution (GR) was issued on May 13 mandating the installation of CCTV cameras for the security of students in all schools." The decision to install CCTV cameras will cover schools of all mediums and management types, IANS reported. The GR also directs the implementation of comprehensive safety guidelines. Furthermore, the government also confirmed that a major factor contributing to inadequate school safety is the lack of school safety committees, complaint boxes, and first-aid facilities in many institutions. Bhuse also highlighted that a total of 60,049 government schools run by local self-governing bodies and 29,049 private schools in the state have installed CCTV cameras, IANS reported. Moreover, 45,677 teachers and non-teaching staff in the state have registered in the Teachers-Staff Database. “Nearly 4,888 schools have registered under the School Portal. About 103,665 School Safety Committees and 103,703 Parent-Teacher Associations have been formed. In addition, 103,703 schools have confirmed awareness and compliance regarding the POCSO Act and child protection guidelines,” the minister added. The state has also allocated Rs 18 crore for the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras in 16 Tribal Development Department (TDD) ashram schools, with the average cost of installation estimated between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per school. In Amravati District, the work for installing CCTVs in 27 government schools was completed at a cost of Rs 2 crore through the 'Super Computer' company. Moreover, the Palghar District has submitted a request for Rs 44 lakh from the zilla parishad to the district collector for CCTV installation. While the administrative approval for Rs 14 crore (80 per cent of the total cost) was received in the 2018-19 financial year, the tender process is currently underway. Separately, 63 schools in the Amravati District are also in the process of installing CCTVs. Minister Bhuse also emphasised, “Measures related to student security and safety are being implemented in all schools across the state as per the May 13 GR, and continuous action is underway." The opposition made a strong pitch for increasing the speed of the installation of CCTV cameras. Citing implementation delays, the opposition said that there is a lack of dedicated funding across a majority of the state's schools in the process. (With inputs from IANS)
11 December,2025 04:41 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentTo highlight the issue of rising leopard attacks across Maharashtra, Junnar MLA Sharad Sonawane arrived at the state legislature in Nagpur on Wednesday for the Maharashtra Winter Assembly Session dressed in a leopard costume, news agency PTI reported. The Shiv Sena MLA's gesture came on a day when seven people were injured after a leopard attack in the Pardi area of Nagpur city. The wild cat was captured by the forest department following the incident during the early hours of Wednesday. While speaking to the media on Wednesday outside the assembly premises, Sonawane claimed that 55 people have died in leopard attacks in Junnar Taluka of Pune district in the past three months. VIDEO | Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session: MLA Sharad Sonawane dons a leopard costume while addressing a press conference to protest against the rising incidents of leopard attacks in the state.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/GDL5KskQwo — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 10, 2025 The Shiv Sena MLA further highlighted that people in the area are living in fear, demanding that the government should build rescue centres which can accommodate up to 2,000 leopards in Junnar taluka and Ahilyanagar district, PTI reported. On Wednesday, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik had informed the assembly about a proposal to release goats in forests to provide prey for leopards. Responding to this, Sonawane said that it would be of no use as leopards increasingly live in sugarcane fields and near human settlements. “The government should declare a ‘state emergency’ and capture at least 2,000 leopards and put them in rescue centres,” Sonawane further stated. In the latest spate of attacks, seven people were injured by a leopard on Wednesday morning in a neighbourhood in the Nagpur District of Maharashtra. According to officials, the forest department received a call reporting that a leopard had been spotted in Shiv Nagar in the Pardi area of Nagpur, causing panic among local residents. According to Dr Vinita Vyas, deputy conservator of forests, Nagpur, at least five and at most seven people suffered injuries during the incident, reported the PTI. A team from the forest department and the wildlife treatment centre quickly reached the location, tranquilised the leopard, and safely rescued it. All the injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment. (With inputs from PTI)
11 December,2025 04:04 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
