Eleven-year-old Rudra Susvirkar, who was badly injured after falling into the lift shaft in a Goregaon building on Wednesday night around 10.00 pm, talks to mid-day about what happened that day. He said he had held on to friend Vignesh Mahatre’s hand as soon as he began to fall into the lift shaft after the grill door broke, which may have prevented him from ending up on the dangerous lift spring. But, both boys eventually fell in after Vignesh slipped out of Rudra’s grip. Speaking to mid-day from his hospital bed, Rudra recounted the terrifying sequence of events. He said the incident took place while he and Vignesh were playing with other children on the third floor of their residential building after returning from tuition. “We were playing hide-and-seek and then kabaddi. Vignesh was running when he suddenly hit the lift. The outer door broke, the grill gate swung inward, and he fell into the lift duct,” Rudra said. Seeing his friend in danger, Rudra immediately rushed forward and managed to grab Vignesh’s hand. He held on with one hand while bracing himself against the wall with the other. “I started shouting for help,” he said. As Vignesh continued to slip, Rudra tried to adjust his grip. In that moment, he lost balance and fell into the shaft along with his friend. Rudra Susvirkar’s mother, Sanjeevani, sits beside him at the hospital following the lift shaft fall in Goregaon West. Pic/By Special Arrangement Rudra said that during the fall, he attempted to grab the lift’s support cable to save himself, but his hand slipped as the wire was greasy. “I was conscious after the fall. Vignesh was badly injured and not responding. I kept calling for help, but after some time I felt severe pain and lost consciousness,” he recalled. He later regained consciousness to find himself in a wheelchair at the hospital. In the accident, Rudra sustained fractures in both arms and his left thigh bone. He is currently admitted to Matushree Gomati Hospital, where doctors have performed surgery to align the fractured bones. Vignesh, who suffered head injuries with bleeding, was taken to Kokilaben Hospital, where doctors operated on his wounds. His condition is stated to be stable, and he remains under observation. As soon as Vignesh lost his balance when the lift door caved inwards, Rudra grabbed his hand and held on When mid-day visited Rudra on Friday, his parents, Sanjeevani and Anil Susvirkar, were by his side. Teachers and classmates from Rudra’s school have been visiting regularly to offer support. mid-day also learned that prayers were offered at temples, churches and mosques for the recovery of both boys. Rudra’s mother, Sanjeevani, said her son’s first question after regaining consciousness was about Vignesh. “He kept regretting that he could not save his friend,” she said, holding the housing society responsible for the incident. Rudra’s parents have alleged gross negligence. “The society collects maintenance charges, and lift technicians visit regularly, but they only check the ground-floor door and weight capacity. They never inspect all the lift doors,” said Anil, adding that he had mentioned the society’s lapses in his statement to the police. But as Rudra tried to adjust his grip, Vignesh slipped out of his grasp and fell, but thankfully escaped the lift spring that could have killed him instantly; Rudra fell after him. Illustrations/Uday Mohite Eyewitness Arnav Kadam, 15, a resident of the same society, described the rescue efforts. “I was waiting on the ground floor when I heard a loud metallic crash from inside the shaft. When I looked in, I saw the broken lift door and both boys lying inside,” he said. Kadam said he immediately opened the lift door, jumped into the shaft and called out to Vignesh, who addressed him as “Dada”. By then, Rudra’s father had arrived. “Since Vignesh was bleeding heavily near his eye, we pulled him out first. Then we rescued Rudra and rushed both of them to hospital,” he said. Police officials said a spot panchnama has been conducted, and further investigation into possible negligence by the society and the lift maintenance agency is underway. Vignesh had immediately lost consciousness, but Rudra was conscious till he passed out from the extreme pain the lift spring Dr Shubham Shukla of Tiwari Hospital said Rudra sustained fractures in both arms and his left thigh bone. “The bones have been aligned through surgery. His condition will be reviewed in three to four weeks, and if required, another procedure will be carried out to remove the screws. There is no cause for concern at present,” the doctor said.
10 January,2026 07:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanBeach flip A group of girls watch a man perform a somersault at Dadar beach Because talent sees no hurdles Kiran Vinkar in performance Ongoing Braille Literacy Month activities in the city will receive a musical interlude this evening at the Panini Auditorium in Thane West. Visually impaired flautist Kiran Vinkar, who has earned praise from the likes of Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, and Salim Merchant, will take stage at a special socio-cultural event for artistes with visual impairments. Kiran Vinkar with singer Shankar Mahadevan (right). Pics Courtesy/@kiranvinkarflute Organised by city-based organisations Team Vision and the Atulya Inclusive Cell of the Joshi-Bedekar College, the event will also see an award function for volunteers who have excelled in empowering people with vision loss. “The event also marks the release of a new audiobook platform that will allow users with UDIDs (Unique Disability IDs) access to a large library of audiobooks, too,” member Siddesh Nayak told this diarist. To know more, reach out to @team.vision. Words on the move Writers across the city might want to take notes. The National Centre for Performance Arts (NCPA) has teamed up with the Soho Theatre, London for a new writing season across Mumbai and Delhi in January. As part of the two institutions’ four year-long partnership, the sessions will begin tomorrow with an interactive workshop conducted by Max Elton, associate director Soho Theatre, and Pooja Sivaraman, creative associate, Soho Theatre. On January 13, the venue will host the staged reading of the 2024 Verity Bargate award-winning play, Little Brother, by Eoin Mcandrews. Directed by Rachel D’Souza, the reading features performances by Amba Suhasini Jhala, Dheer Hira and Shantanu Ghatak, among others. Clowns with a cause Artistes put on a show during a visit to one the hamlets in Palghar IF you thought clowning around was easy, the Clowns Without Borders might change your mind. Today, six trios of clowns will take the stage in Andheri to showcase, Offence 2.0, the result of a two-month long clowning camp in Palghar. “The global collective was founded with the idea of bringing laughter to those who need it the most. A moment from a performance. Pics Courtesy/Clowns without borders India To that end, for the last couple of months, we had been working with 19 artistes from across India. We performed across the Zilla Parishad and Adivasi hamlets across Palghar, and will now bring a mirror performance to Andheri,” shared Rupesh Tillu (below) founder, Clowns Without Borders, India. While it might seem fun, Tillu shared that things are not always easy. “The job of a clown is to comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comforted. The first part was for the children of the Adivasi hamlets, now the job is to question the urban citizens,” he told this diarist. One for the books of the year Things are about to get busy for the jury of the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize. Now in its ninth edition, the New India Foundation (NIF) has opened nominations for the award that recognises non-fiction works centred on modern India. Avid readers will remember that it was author Aparajith Ramnath who bagged the prize in 2025 for Engineering a Nation: The Life and Career of M. Visvesvaraya. “Since its inception, the award has recognised works of in-depth research and intellectual rigor. It honours publications that enhance understanding of India’s past and present, fostering an informed discourse among a broad readership,” said Nandini Nair (left), associate director, NIF. Those keen to submit their works published between January 1 2025 and December 31 2025, can log on to newindiafoundation.org before January 31. Back to the roots Guests sample the tubers The last time this diarist read of tubers was in high school science textbooks. For Avinash Harad, community member of Belpada, in Murbad, Thane, they are a key part of the food cycle. Today, Harad will join Van Niketan, INTACH Thane Chapter, Save Bombay Committee, Arenya and others to host the first Tuber Festival in Thane. Channi and Shatavri. Pics Courtesy/Avinash Harad “We have hosted such festivals across Maharashtra, but this is the first festival so close to Mumbai. Tubers are a key food group; they are resilient and nutritive. As more foods are affected by climate change, they can offer a solution. Unfortunately, there are no government initiatives or policy to help cultivation of tubers. The festival is an attempt to educate the villagers of its benefits, and varieties,” he shared.
10 January,2026 06:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo 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 January 10. Aries March 21 – April 20Getting involved in confrontations is so pointless as the person can’t see situations beyond their own understanding. Cosmic tip: Spend quality time with that special person. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A contract about to be signed plays hide-n-seek, much to your annoyance. Money is received for earlier work done. Respond to an invitation.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this peaceful and slow-moving day. GeminiMay 21 – June 21This is a karmic cycle of plenty and good luck. Positive developments in career are coupled with good health and positive vibes.Cosmic tip: Stay calm when people expect you to explode. Cancer June 22 – July 23A time of career growth begins and the Universe is unstinting in rewarding past efforts. Get enough rest.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this karmic cycle of cosmic vindication that comes as a breath of resh air. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Some take a short break to relax and rejuvenate; and then go all out to achieve the next goal decided on sometime back. Cosmic tip: Don’t react emotionally. Be pleasant, no matter what the situation. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A job offer sounds good, but check the job profile properly before even agreeing for an interview. Team members co-operate.Cosmic tip: Out-discipline jealous people by working harder. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Not considering life is akin to a game of chess helps meet the right person (don’t make calculated moves where you are in a position of advantage). Cosmic tip: Control your attention. Ignore what’s annoying. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A celebration is attended even though you’d rather give it a miss. Aim at greater output at work as a combined effort. Cosmic tip: Let go of no-win situations. Be wise. Accept changes as they occur. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22A close and affectionate friendship could deepen into something special. A career goal is reached. A positive karmic cycle begins.Cosmic tip: Never reveal plans in advance. Mystery is a weapon. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20A temporary relocation is revealed for some. Have servicing done regularly if driving out of town is done at least once a week. Do pamper yourself today.Cosmic tip: Respond with logic, not arguments. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Making changes is good, but what exactly do you need to change? Ask yourself this question, doing your homework diligently. Cosmic tip: Stand firm in your values. Those who bend easily, lose. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Singles need to spend time alone as their soul demands it for overall peace and happiness. Whatever you do, make positive karmas.Cosmic tip: Accept that fame brings happiness, but also a host of issues.
10 January,2026 03:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMumbai continues to struggle with air pollution, even as a study shows that most polluted cities in India lack proper clean air action plans. According to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) titled “Tracing the Hazy Air 2026”, 96 per cent of India’s persistently polluted cities do not have a clean air action plan. Using satellite data, the study analysed PM2.5 pollution levels in 4,041 cities and towns across India. It found that 1,787 cities exceeded the national annual PM2.5 limit every year between 2019 and 2024, excluding the Covid-affected year of 2020. It means nearly 44 per cent of Indian cities are facing long-term or chronic air pollution, the report suggests. Limited coverage under clean air programme The study noted that only 67 cities are currently covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Even among these cities, progress has been limited. Only 51 cities met the initial target of reducing PM10 pollution by 20–30 per cent, while just 23 cities achieved the revised 40 per cent reduction target. Mumbai’s air quality trend In Mumbai, annual PM2.5 levels in 2025 remained similar to those recorded in 2024, showing no major improvement in air quality. Within the city Deonar was the most polluted monitoring station followed by Worli and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). However, Kandivali East recorded the highest number of days when PM2.5 levels exceeded the daily national air quality standard in 2025. Maharashtra pollution status The study found that eight cities in Maharashtra exceeded the annual PM2.5 standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It also revealed that all Maharashtra cities covered under the NCAP failed to meet PM10 standards, indicating continued problems with coarse particulate pollution. Most polluted cities in India At the national level, the study identified Byrnihat, Delhi and Ghaziabad as the most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels. For PM10 pollution, Delhi ranked worst, followed by Ghaziabad and Greater Noida, the report stated. It said that overall 190 cities exceeded the annual PM10 standard, 103 cities exceeded the annual PM2.5 standard Call for stronger action The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger air pollution control measures, especially in major cities like Mumbai, where pollution levels remain consistently high despite existing programmes.
09 January,2026 11:22 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSThe Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that special traffic and power blocks on the Kalyan-Badlapur section during the nights of January 10-11 and January 11-12, 2026. The blocks will be operated for infrastructure work linked to platform extension and the proposed third and fourth railway lines, officials said. According to the Central Railway, the blocks will be carried out for the following -- - Dismantling of a Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at Badlapur for extension of Platform No. 2 to accommodate 15-coach local trains - Launching of girders for FOBs 1 and 2 at Chikhloli - Works related to the proposed 3rd and 4th railway lines between Kalyan and Badlapur Block schedule and sections affected - Block 1 Date: Night of January 10/11 (Saturday-Sunday) Time: 12.00 am to 5.00 am Section: Ambarnath to Vangani (Up and Down lines) - Block 2 Date: Night of January 10/11 Time: 1.30 am to 4.00 am Section: Ambarnath to Badlapur (Up and Down lines) - Shadow Block Date: Night of January 10/11 Time: 2.00 am to 3.00 am Section: Kalyan to Ambarnath (Up and Down lines) - Block 3 Date: Night of January 11/12 (Sunday-Monday) Time: 1.45 am to 3.15 am Section: Ambarnath to Badlapur (Up and Down lines) Express trains to be diverted Several up Mail and Express trains will be diverted via the Karjat-Panvel-Diva route, and may arrive 10 to 20 minutes late. Diverted Trains Include the following -- - 11020 Bhubaneswar-CSMT Konark Express train - 18519 Visakhapatnam-LTT Express - 12702 Hyderabad-CSMT Express - 11140 Hospete-CSMT Express "Trains scheduled to halt at Kalyan will instead halt at Panvel and Thane for passenger convenience," the officials said. Suburban Train Services Affected The statement further said that the suburban local services will not operate between Ambarnath and Vangani during the block period. Train cancellations: - CSMT-Badlapur local (11.51 pm) on January 10/11 - Badlapur-Thane local (11.04 pm) on January 10/11 Short Termination and Origination: - CSMT-Karjat local (12.12 am) will terminate at Ambarnath - Karjat-CSMT local (2.30 am) will start from Ambarnath at 3.10 am First and last local trains Last locals before the block -- - CSMT-Karjat local at 11.30 pm - Badlapur-CSMT local at 11.29 pm First local train after the block -- - Thane-Karjat local at 5.00 am - Karjat-CSMT local at 3.35 am Public Cooperation The Central Railway said the blocks are essential for safety and infrastructure upgrades. Passengers have been requested to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate with the Railway Administration during the temporary inconvenience.
09 January,2026 11:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe residents of Shivaji Park have deferred their plans to hold an awareness campaign for the problems of red soil pollution at Shivaji Park playground on Saturday, January 10. The residents cited that the Mumbai police denied them permission to hold the gathering, attributing it to violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which is in place due to upcoming civic polls. While flyers, posters and invites were prepared for the campaign, the residents have deferred it by one week. At midday, we tried to reach officials from the Shivaji Park police station on Friday, who remained unavailable for comment or a confirmation about this issue. The Model Code of Conduct is a set of rules to regulate the behaviour of political parties and candidates during elections. It aims to ensure free and fair elections by maintaining a level playing field and preventing the misuse of government machinery for political campaigning. It also imposes some restrictions pertaining to political demonstrations. The residents of Shivaji Park, via its registered ALM named Shivaji Park ALM, had decided to conduct a signature campaign on Saturday between 5 pm and 7 pm at the Shivaji Park playground. However, after denial of police permission to the residents, the campaign has been moved to January 18, after the elections. Vaibhav Rege, secretary of the ALM, told mid-day, "We were going to conduct a peaceful gathering of residents before the elections to raise awareness about the issue of pollution from the red soil at Shivaji Park. The police told us that cases would be lodged against us if we gathered at Shivaji Park and denied us permission." Rege pointed out that the residents were of the consensus that the ALM should still go ahead with an awareness campaign for the citizens, as it is a non-political initiative. However, he said, "It has been deferred, as we were subjected to insensitive comments from authorities. One of which was 'Will your people die if you do not create awareness over this weekend?'" Shivaji Park is scheduled to see a rally on 11th January from the MNS and Shiv Sena.
09 January,2026 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSA fire broke out at a building in central Mumbai's Parel, civic officials said on Friday, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. The blaze was reported at the Lodha Grandeur building in Parel area, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) said. The incident was reported at around 6.21 pm, following a call received by the BMC’s MFB Control Room. The building is located opposite the Parel ST Depot on Sayani Road. Fire confined to bamboo scaffolding According to officials, the fire was confined to bamboo scaffolding and stored bamboo material on the ground floor of the building. However, heavy smoke spread throughout the entire building, causing concern among residents. Emergency agencies rush to spot Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, Adani, and BMC ward staff were rushed to the spot to control the situation and manage safety arrangements. Fire brought under control The fire was classified as Level 1 (minor) and was successfully extinguished by 7.36 pm, officials confirmed. No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident. Authorities said the situation is now under control and further checks are being carried out to ensure safety in the building. Fire breaks out at restaurant in Mumbai's Fort, no injuries reported Meanwhile, in an another incident on Thursday, a fire broke out at a restaurant in south Mumbai's Fort area on Thursday afternoon, civic officials had earlier said. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the incident was reported at 12.59 pm from Native Bombay restaurant, located on Kochi Street in Ballard Pier, Fort. The fire occurred in the kitchen on the first floor of the restaurant. Fire officials declared it a Level-I (minor) fire at 1.08 pm and immediately mobilised emergency teams to the spot. Officials said that the fire engines, along with personnel from the police, BEST and local ward staff, were deployed to control the situation and ensure public safety. As per the latest update issued at 1.17 pm, no injuries have been reported. Firefighting operations were carried out to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the building.
09 January,2026 09:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs many as 240 Mumbai local trains will remain cancelled on January 12 and 13 due to the ongoing Western Railway sixth line work, an official statement said on Friday. The Western Railway announced a major block on the Kandivali-Borivali section in connection with the construction of the 6th railway line. The ongoing 30-day block began on the night of 20th/21st December, 2025 and will continue until 18th January, 2026. Night blocks on Jan 11-12 and 12-13 According to Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek, the following night-time blocks will be undertaken: - January 11 and 12, 2026: Dismantling of Point No. 104 on the car shed line at Kandivali. - UP Fast Line: 11:15 pm - 3:15 am - DOWN Fast Line: 1:00 am - 4:30 am - January 12 and 13, 2026: Making connection of crossover 101/102/103/104 at Kandivali. - UP Fast Line: 11:15 pm - 3:15 am - DOWN Fast Line: 1:00 am - 4:30 am Suburban trains to be cancelled Due to the blocks, speed restrictions, and suspension of the 5th line, a number of suburban train services will be cancelled. Summary of train cancellations Date UP Trains DOWN Trains Total Jan 12 60 60 120 Jan 13 60 60 120 "In total, 240 suburban trains will be affected over the two days," officials said. Passenger advisory Passengers are advised to check train schedules in advance and plan their journey accordingly. Detailed information on affected trains is available with the concerned Station Masters. Western Railway has requested commuters to cooperate during this period of construction to improve overall service capacity on the busy Kandivali-Borivali section. Central Railway to operate mega block on Jan 11 Meanwhile, Central Railway on Friday said that it will operate a mega block on its its Main and Trans-Harbour lines on January 11. The block will be undertake to carry out essential engineering and maintenance works. The block will affect services on the Main Line and the Trans-Harbour Line, leading to diversions, suspensions and cancellations of several local trains, an official statement said. On the Main Line, UP and Down slow lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, and Vidyavihar will remain under block from 10.55 am to 3.55 pm, a statement issued by Central Railway said. Changes to down slow services During the block period, Down slow services leaving CSMT Mumbai between 10.48 am and 3.45 pm will be diverted onto the Down fast line between CSMT and Vidyavihar. These trains will halt at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion and Kurla stations before being diverted back to the Down slow line at Vidyavihar. Changes to UP Slow services Similarly, UP slow services leaving Ghatkopar between 10.19 am and 3.52 pm will be diverted onto the UP fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT. These services will halt at Kurla, Sion, Matunga, Dadar, Parel and Byculla stations. Trans-Harbour line services suspended On the Trans-Harbour Line, UP and Down services between Thane and Vashi/Nerul will remain suspended from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm. During the block period several trains will remain cancelled, these include: - Down line services for Vashi, Nerul and Panvel leaving Thane between 10.35 am and 4.07 pm will remain cancelled. - UP line services for Thane leaving Panvel, Nerul and Vashi between 10.25 am and 4.09 pm will also remain cancelled. Advice to commuters Central Railway has advised passengers to plan their journeys in advance and cooperate during the mega block, which is being carried out for the safety and reliability of suburban train services.
09 January,2026 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 on January 15, the civic body has announced a final opportunity for officials and staff to attend the second phase of election training. Those who missed the previous sessions have been asked to complete the training on Saturday. Dr Ashwini Joshi, additional municipal commissioner (city), warned that officials or staff failing to attend the training or neglecting duties during the election process will face strict disciplinary action under election laws from Sunday. According to the schedule released by the Maharashtra State Election Commission, polling will be held on January 15 from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, with the counting of votes the next day under the supervision of 23 returning officers. A total of 1.34 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes at 10,231 polling centres across Mumbai, with 64,375 officials and staff appointed to manage the process. BMC Election 2026: Training mandatory, says civic body Officials and staff have been provided training in two phases, and the second phase saw some absentees. The civic body has emphasised that attending the training is mandatory. Those yet to complete it must contact their respective Returning Officers immediately to ensure active participation in the election process. Dr Joshi reiterated that any dereliction of duty or absence during the elections will be met with stringent disciplinary measures under the relevant provisions of election law.
09 January,2026 09:03 PM IST | MumbaiIn yet another instance of ticket fraud, the Mumbai Central ticket checking staff detected a fake local train ticket (UTS pass) during a routine inspection on the Churchgate-Virar suburban route on Friday. As per the information received by the officials, Deepika Murty, Chief Ticket Inspector (CTI), (Sports Squad), Mumbai Central, was on duty between 7:00 am and 11:00 am when the incident came to light. At around 10:20 am, while checking tickets in the women’s first-class coach of Churchgate AC local. Shortly after the train departed from platform 7 of the Andheri Railway Station, the official inspected the ticket of a woman passenger that appeared to be fake. Fake UTS AC local pass The passenger showed a UTS AC local pass on her mobile phone that showed validity from January 1, 2026, to January 31, 2026. Upon questioning about the ticket, which seemed highly suspicious, the passenger gave evasive replies that further triggered the doubt of the ticket inspector. Furthermore, she was subsequently disembarked at Bandra Railway Station for further verification of the pass that she possessed. The ticket was investigated by the DCTI Control, and they confirmed that the UTS pass shown on the mobile phone was fake. However, the woman then admitted that the pass was forged and had been created by her friend, who had forwarded a fake UTS application to her via WhatsApp. With the help of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the passenger who had a fake UTS train ticket pass was taken to Bandra Government Railway Police (GRP) station. Officials informed that an FIR has been registered against the woman and her friend in connection with the ticket fraud, and the authorities are investigating it. Moreover, the railway authorities have once again urged commuters to purchase tickets only through authorised platforms and warned that strict action will be taken against those found using fake or fraudulent tickets.
09 January,2026 08:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith just a few days to go for BMC Election 2026, the civic body on Friday began distributing the voter information slips to the electorate. The slips distributed by the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) contain key details such as the voter’s name, address, part number in the electoral roll, polling station name, and room number. They are being delivered directly to voters in their homes to help them easily identify their designated polling booths and avoid confusion on polling day. As per the civic body, the slips are being distributed through the officers and employees of the solid waste management department appointed in each administrative ward. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) further informed that this is a statutory initiative to simplify voting for all registered voters across the city and is a mandated exercise as per SEC's directives. Briefing more about it, the Mumbai civic body on Friday said, "The voter slip is handed over to the voter or the head of the family, and not to any other person.” “The BMC staff have been given instructions to distribute the voter information slips through the chairpersons of housing societies, non-governmental organisations, and representatives of social and non-political organisations in their respective areas. A daily report of this entire process is submitted to the election office," the BMC further stated. It also emphasised that if voters are unavailable at their residences during the distribution, the slips will be given to them outside their respective polling stations on the day of polling, January 15, through the booth-level officers (BLOs) and municipal employees. BMC Election 2026: Polling to be held from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm BMC Election 2026 will be held after a long delay of over 34 months as the previous term ended in February 2022 without elected corporators. Along with BMC, 28 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will also go for polls on January 15. The polling will be held from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm and the counting of votes will take place on January 16. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) had come into force on December 15 across all the municipal corporation areas.
09 January,2026 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSADVERTISEMENT
