Even after 75 days of the IndiGo chaos in December 2025, some passengers who travelled during the worst-hit period are still waiting for their compensation from the airline. Flights in December were cancelled or severely delayed after IndiGo failed to realign crew schedules with the new flight duty time limitations. The rules raised weekly pilot rest from 36 to 48 hours and restricted night landings from six to two, disrupting rostering at an airline that controls around 65 per cent of India’s domestic aviation market. Passenger Speak Karina Ostwal, travelling from Mumbai to Bengaluru on December 4, reached a day late, forcing her family to postpone an important event. She says, “I expected compensation, but the airline has not given any intimation that I would receive the Gesture of Care (GoC) for the delay.” Another passenger, who flew from Hyderabad to Kolkata the same day, says emails to IndiGo went unanswered and the portal shows a claim he insists he never filed. mid-day made multiple attempts, since February 20, to contact IndiGo over unpaid passenger compensation, but received no response till the time of going to press. Compensation rules >> Gesture of care: Rs 10,000 >> Travel voucher (two Rs 5000 vouchers)>> Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s rules: Refund plus compensation or alternate flight>> Applies even to tickets booked via third-party agents What triggered the chaos New flight duty time limitations effective November 1Increased pilot rest and reduced night landingsCrew rostering failures led to mass disruptions Key dates affected December 3, 4, and 5, 2025Hundreds of cancellations and long delays
25 February,2026 08:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturTaxi drivers have complained that their designated parking stands near Marine Drive in South Mumbai are invariably being occupied by private vehicles. Two of the spots are at either end of G Road near Marine Lines railway station. While two others are on nearby D Road and outside the Churchgate railway station entrance on IMC Marg. The taxi parking spot outside Churchgate station on IMC Marg. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE A traffic police officer who patrols the area, requesting anonymity, said, “We act against all violators, and don’t differentiate between private vehicles and taxis. When we see a private vehicle about to park in a taxi parking zone, we stop the motorist. But it is difficult to always keep an eye on them, as the lanes outnumber us.” Taxi drivers’ tribulations ‘When private cars are parked in our spots, we have no other option but to cross the parking limit or double park, resulting in challans that eat into our earnings. While it is unfair, I have also seen traffic cops acting against offending motorists, as well. This, at least, happens at the parking spot at the end of G Road’Ram Pukar, driver with 25 years’ experience ‘When we violate the rules, we are charged about Rs 1500, sometimes an entire day’s earnings. I have gone to the traffic cops to request that they void the charges since I wasn’t technically in the wrong. But they say that their hands are tied. I have rarely seen the cops act against errant motorists’Kedar Rajak, driver with at least a decade’s experience ‘Being fined for parking outside designated spots is fair. But I have not seen private vehicles being charged for violations. If we are charged Rs 1500 to Rs 2000 in fines, we have to let go of a day or two’s earnings’ Giyalal Sonakar, driver with 23 years’ experience Official Speak ‘We have not heard about the issue occurring on a large scale. Most of the time, such instances are dealt with and sorted out by on-ground personnel. If it does become a rampant issue, we will definitely look into taking care of it’Anil Kumbhare, joint commissioner of police (traffic)
25 February,2026 08:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturHotels allegedly running dance bars in the guise of orchestra bars and repeatedly flouting norms will soon face permanent closure and cancellation of licences, with the Maharashtra government set to amend the existing law to enable stricter enforcement. The proposed changes will empower the administration to permanently shut down establishments found guilty of repeatedly violating rules. Several MLAs on Tuesday raised concerns that dance bars continue to function in violation of rules. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav alleged that several hotels along the Panvel highway remain shut during the day but operate through the night and called for strict inspections and action against such establishments. MoS assures action Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar on Tuesday stated that the state government does not issue licences for dance bars but grants permission only for orchestra bars. He admitted that there have been complaints of violations and warned that strict action will be taken, including permanent cancellation of licences in cases of habitual offenders. State to amend act The government had enacted a law banning dance bars to ensure their permanent closure; however, court rulings have allowed permissions for orchestra bars under certain conditions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. Fadnavis said there is a need to follow the principles of natural justice and decide whether establishments found violating norms three or five times should face permanent closure. “A meeting was held on the issue on Monday. The government intends to introduce an amendment bill in the ongoing session or, at the latest, in the next session,” Fadnavis said. Strict guidelines Licences of orchestra bars will be permanently cancelled following repeated flouting of norms. Orchestra bars must operate within specific guidelines, including demarcated performance areas and a complete prohibition on throwing money
25 February,2026 08:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe state government is planning to rope in the BMC to strengthen cancer care and other critical treatment facilities, amid concerns over rising costs and inadequate infrastructure. The issue was raised in the Assembly on Tuesday, where members urged the state health minister to improve facilities for cancer treatment, dialysis, and other essential services, citing the high expense of treatment and the poor patient-to-facility ratio in the state. Leaders raised concerns over the high costs of drugs and the overall cancer treatment while demanding the establishment of cancer care facilities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the expansion of the Tata Cancer Hospital, which has been delayed. Voices Amin Patel, Congress MLAPatel raised concerns over the rising cost of chemotherapy and overall cancer treatment, urging the government to increase the number of cancer specialists, doctors, and paramedical staff in public hospitals. He also demanded steps to reduce the high cost of medicines used by cancer patients as well as the steep premiums of cancer insurance policies. Rais Shaikh, Samajwadi Party MLASpeaking on the issue of the expansion of the Tata Cancer Hospital, which has been delayed, Shaikh claimed that land has been allotted behind the Haffkine Institute for the expansion, but the project has been delayed as BMC has not handed over the plot due to premium-related issues. Prakash Abitkar, State health ministerAbitkar said patients travel to Mumbai for cancer treatment so we need more facilities in the city. He said that he will soon call a meeting of the state and BMC chief to address the issue and improve the facilities. Abitkar said companies manufacturing the medicines also need to be consulted for a solution to bring down the high costs. CM assures better hospital services for poor The state government has decided to amend existing law to make it compulsory for all hospitals registered under the Charity Commissioner to implement state and central government health schemes. Rules state All registered hospitals will be required to prominently display patient information for the poor and weaker sections. It is now mandatory for these hospitals to put up a clearly visible board showing the number of beds reserved for economically weaker patients and how many of those beds are currently available. Cost of treatment Avg cost in India — up to Rs 5,00,000Chemotherapy: Up to Rs 6,50,000Drugs Rss10,000 - Rs 1,00,000Oral chemotherapy Rs 1,00,000- Rs 25,00,000 Chemotherapy injectionRs 18,000 - Rs 25,000(Data sourced from TATA AIG)
25 February,2026 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarMotorists commuting between Mumbai and Pune can expect significant relief by May as the long-awaited Mumbai-Pune Expressway missing link nears completion. Once operational, the new stretch, which is being developed by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), will bypass the accident-prone ghat section, easing congestion and reducing travel time by approximately 30 minutes, offering a faster and smoother journey for commuters. It will be toll-free. The recent traffic jam on the expressway became a major talking point, with many commuters criticising the authorities over the prolonged delay in clearing the congestion. The project comprises two tunnels, measuring 1.68 km and 8.87 km in length, and 23 metres in width — among the widest in the world — constructed by Navayuga Engineering Company. Additionally, two cable-stayed bridges, measuring 650 and 950 metres, were built by Afcons Infrastructure. Special tech used >> Models of the cable bridge tested in foreign countries>> Water mist system in tunnels>> Fire hydrant system>> Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition software>> Intelligent traffic management systems>> SOS and emergency system>> Surveillance cameras>> Fire detector, linear heat detection system>> Voice evacuation system in tunnels>> Ventilation system in tunnels>> Use of Doka formwork system for 180-m pylon construction>> A cantilever form traveller for deck slab construction>> Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete girders>> Epoxy asphalt modified concrete works Official Speak An MSRDC official‘Work is underway to connect the two segments of the cable-stayed bridge. This is likely to be completed in the coming weeks. Once that is done, finishing works and road construction will commence. The entire stretch is expected to be completed by April or May, after which it will be opened to the public’ Benefits >> Saves time and energy; improves safety for commuters>> Smooth travel for commuters due to flat gradient>> Seamless traffic flow>> Prevents bottlenecks at toll plaza>> No access for tankers and trucks carrying inflammable materials or gas Challenges faced during project execution TunnelMuck removal and disposal from excavated tunnels Supplying oxygen to those working in tunnelsMitigation of work in different rock conditionsLonavala lake blasting work Viaduct>> Hilly terrain >> Wind pressure>> Heavy rainfall in Khandala forest areas>> Extensive blasting of rocks near live road Deadlines missed Before January 2026, MSRDC had announced multiple timelines for project completion The initial target month for project completion was March 2024Subsequently, January 2025 was projected It was then advanced to March 2025 This was revised to September 2025 Later, the target completion month was pegged at December 2025 Time overun reasons >> Special tests for the design of the bridge and main components were only conducted abroad, and slots were not available during the pandemic>> Permits and forest clearance>> Heavy rainfall in Khandala 13.3 kmLength of Mumbai-Pune Expressway stretch between Khopoli exit and Kusgaon 19 kmDistance between Lonavala and Khopoli exit 1.68 kmLength of tunnel I 8.87 kmLength of tunnel II 23.50 mWidth of each tunnel 1.6 kmCombined length of both viaducts 184 mHeight of tallest pylon of cable-stayed bridge 6 kmDistance shaved off thanks to stretch 30 minTime saved by avoiding ghat section 180 mDepth at which tunnel passes below Lonavala lake 5.86 kmLength of expressway being widened as part of project
25 February,2026 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMumbai’s civic finances enter a crucial phase on February 25, when Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani presents what is likely to be his final Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation budget, expected to cross Rs 75,000 crore and focus heavily on mega infrastructure, water security, and pollution control while keeping new taxes off the table for residents. The budget, to be tabled before Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde, will also mark the first time in four years that the civic spending plan is formally presented before the committee, restoring a key procedural step missing since the dissolution of the elected body in 2022. Budget presentation Date: Feb 25, 2026Time: 2 pmVenue: Standing Committee HallPresented by: Bhushan Gagrani, municipal commissionerTo: Prabhakar Shinde, Standing Committee chairmanSignificance:>> Gagrani’s second and final budget>> First Standing Committee presentation in 4 years Top spending priorities likely Infrastructure:>> Goregaon-Mulund Link Road>> North Coastal Road (Versova-Dahisar-Bhayandar)Rs 17,000 crore road concreting programme Water security:Rs 3,000 crore Gargai dam Environment:>> 7 sewage treatment plants>> Air-quality control measures Public participation Suggestions received:2024-25: 11812025-26: 2703 Citizen inputs more than doubled, reflecting rising public engagement in civic spending Spending pattern shift Earlier years: Capital spending dominatedRecent budgets: Revenue spending risingThis year, officials indicate capital-heavy spending may return, driven by big-ticket projects
25 February,2026 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSFor Karan Shah, a wheelchair user from Dadar, late Monday morning turned into an unusual civic moment. Shah travelled along newly cleared pavements in Dadar and met Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to thank him for the ongoing anti-hawking drive that has opened up pedestrian space in the area. The civic action follows Bombay High Court directives and is part of a wider crackdown across Dadar, Parel and Matunga to clear encroachments and improve pedestrian access. Why it mattered for Shah Shah, a dog behaviourist, said the cleared pavements have transformed mobility for wheelchair users. “A society that factors in its differently-abled in every aspect is an evolved one practising equal rights. The clean-up drive has made it easier not just for pedestrians but also for wheelchair users like me,” he said. Sunil Shah “When hawkers spill onto the pavement, people struggle to place their feet. How can a wheelchair pass through?” He met Gagrani near the Suvidha store in Dadar West. “The commissioner was down-to-earth and positive. When I thanked him for thinking of disabled persons like me, he said, ‘Do not call yourself disabled, simply differently-abled.’ That was touching,” Shah said, adding, “Dadar suddenly looks bigger, as if it has expanded.” Traders’ view Sunil Shah, president of the Dadar Vyapari Sangh, said the uncluttered streets must be maintained. “Dadar has never looked as open as it does today. We must ensure the space does not revert to its earlier state. Proper demarcation and relocation of licensed hawkers is essential.” Ground reality before the drive Mobility barriers faced>> Wheelchairs forced onto roads due to pavement congestion>> Users exposed to traffic risk>> Narrow walking space due to hawker spillover Accessibility gaps still remain Issues flagged to the BMC>> Need for ramps or gentle gradients on pavements>> Bollards blocking wheelchair access>> Some bollards already removed in parts of Dadar Civic action underway Areas reviewed by the commissioner on Monday>> Dadar>> Parel>> MatungaDrive launched following Bombay High Court directives on encroachments.
25 February,2026 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe new ‘readymade’ 15-car train has arrived in Mumbai on Western Railway (WR) from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai. Once commissioned, the new stock will allow WR to convert around 10-12 existing 12-car services into 15-car formations, significantly increasing peak-hour carrying capacity on crowded routes. A 15-car train carries roughly 25 per cent more passengers than a 12-car rake, and railway officials believe the conversion will help distribute commuter loads more evenly across platforms and coaches. Most of the augmentation is expected on the WR suburban sections where several platforms already support 15-coach operations. Local trains on WR >> Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) local trains have been operating in Mumbai in units of three. Three coaches form one unit. The present 12-car train has four such units, manufactured in units by ICF and dispatched to Mumbai and other cities as 12-car trains, as per requirements >> Over the years, the 15-car EMUs have in demand because of overcrowding in Mumbai. To create these, the local workshops in Mumbai disassemble a four-unit 12-car EMU and create 15-car trains by adding one more unit. This was done first by Western Railway in 2009 >> ICF has now begun manufacturing 15-car EMUs at their factory so that Mumbai gets a ready-made 15-car train with five units of three cars each. This is a variant, and 12 such rakes will be manufactured in the forthcoming period. The advantage here is a factory-fresh, Mumbai-ready 15-car EMU local train EMU configurationsCoaches in each unit: 3Units in 12-car train: 4Units in 15-car train: 5 25%Increase in carrying capacity in 15-car train
25 February,2026 07:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai’s suburban railway network is set to get its longest tunnel, the 2.639-km Wavarle Tunnel (Tunnel-2), being built on the Panvel-Karjat corridor under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project Phase 3. The tunnel is a key component of the 29.6-km double-line project aimed at easing congestion on the Central Railway, cutting travel time between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai-Raigad, and improving connectivity near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. Workers collectively spent an estimated over 24 lakh man-hours working round-the-clock for 16 months to pierce the Sahyadri hill and create Mumbai suburban railway’s longest tunnel. Tunnel at a glance Length 2.639 kmHeight 7.323 mWidth 13.282 mAgency: MRVCProject length: 29.6 km double line Why it matters >> Reduces pressure on the Central line>> Improves access to Navi Mumbai and Raigad>> Supports airport and regional growth>> Adds high-speed compatible infrastructure Engineering highlights Construction method: New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)Excavation start Feb 22, 2023Breakthrough achieved June 2024 Tunnels on the corridor Total tunnels: 3Combined tunnel length: about 3.2 km>> Tunnel-1 (Nadhal): about 234 m>> Tunnel-2 (Wavarle): 2.639 km>> Tunnel-3 (Kirawali): about 333 m Safety and tech features >> Emergency public refuge areas>> SCADA-based tunnel monitoring system>> Advanced lighting>> Firefighting systems>> Ventilation shafts and airflow systems Behind the longest suburban tunnel >> 24 lakh+ man-hours>> 16 months, day and night shifts>> Sahyadri hill excavated
25 February,2026 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarJust hours after a late-night two-wheeler accident left him with six stitches on his head and bruised arms, Std X student Mohammed Umar Ansari from St. Pius School in Mulund walked into his SSC Marathi exam hall on Monday morning, determined not to lose an academic year. The accident occurred close to midnight after the student, who had been revising throughout the day and observing Ramadan fast, stepped out briefly with friends when their bike skidded on debris. Student in the hospital: Student with bandaged arms and a head injury after a late-night two-wheeler accident, just hours before he was due to appear for his SSC board exam Discharged from hospital in the early hours, Umar insisted on writing the paper, prompting his school, SSC Board officials and exam centre to coordinate within hours to verify medical records and arrange a writer so he could take the exam on time. Student’s own words “I didn’t want to lose time in my academics. The Marathi paper went well. I still have a headache and pain in my palms, but I am preparing for my next exam, English.” Parents, teacher, and board official on call: At 5:30 am, academic coordinator of his school in Mulund gets a call from the boy’s parents. Soon, the board custodian, board superintendent, principal of the exam centre, and Vashi board officials are informed What the father said Abdul Rehman Ansari said the accident happened after the boy stepped out briefly following study hours. “He got six stitches and a CT scan; there was nothing to worry about, but he insisted on writing the exam the next morning. We informed the school early on Monday morning.” Rapid response from school and board School: St. Pius School, MulundExam centre: Lokmanya Tilak English High School, MulundBoard coordination: SSC officials at VashiPrincipal Fr Norbert D’Souza said the response was swift.“Within hours, the school, board, and centre verified medical documents and arranged a writer so he could appear without difficulty.” Mohammed Umar Ansari, studying at his residence after receiving the stitches. Pic/By Special Arrangement Student at the centre Name: Mohammed Umar Ansari Class: SSC (Std X)School: St. Pius School, MulundExam: Marathi The injury in numbers >> 6 stitches to the head>> 1 CT scan conducted>> Bruises: arms and palms>> Time between accident and exam: Under 12 hours From accident to exam hall Sun, 11:45 pmBike slips on debris while returning home Mon, about 3 amStudent discharged from hospital Mon, 6 amSchool begins coordination with the board and centre Mon, 10:30 amWriter arranged, documents cleared Mon, 11 amStudent writes the Marathi exam 3 amTime student was discharged from the hospital
25 February,2026 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarWhile most 12-year-olds worry about homework and the outcome of cricket matches, Parwez Ali’s days are spent outside hospital wards, pleading with strangers to help save his mother. Originally from Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, the boy brought his ailing mother to Mumbai after his father and other relatives allegedly began neglecting her. Parvez Ali at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital. PIC/SHADAB KHAN Parwez has been living with Shabana’s mother at Antop Hill since he was three years old and had been going to a civic-run school in Wadala. He was in Std IV in 2024 when he returned to his hometown and brought his mother from UP to Mumbai for treatment. Scan QR code to help fund Shabana’s treatment “When doctors in our village told my father that they could not treat my mother, he did not take her to any major hospital in UP, and her health deteriorated further. After that, they began telling her to leave the house. She would call me and keep saying that she was in a lot of pain and that my father was not taking her to the doctor despite her repeated complaints. That's when I decided that I would bring her here,” said the boy. The issue Parwez Ali and his mother, Shabana According to a doctor at Sion Hospital, where Shabana was admitted on February 1, she is being treated for rectourethral and rectovaginal fistulas. “The doctors who treated her earlier should not have left her treatment mid-way, as it gets difficult to accept such patients, considering the risk involved. However, the boy pleaded so much that the administration couldn’t be inhuman. She needs an abdominal exploration with recto muscle flap and omental interposition. While treatment at Sion Hospital is at subsidised rates, there is some amount that needs to be paid,” the doctor said. Treatment stopped Parwez Ali (in green) and a social work tender to Shabana at KEM Hospital in 2024. Pic/By Special Arrangement Shabana underwent a colostomy at KEM Hospital two years ago. However, after that, Parwez alleged that doctors refused to treat her further. “They said they couldn’t keep her in the hospital and treat her further, as we were unable to make the payments and that they do not have the manpower to constantly keep a check on her. They made us sign a form to discharge her against medical advice, and my mother left with her organs outside her body in a bag,” said Parwez. Medical expenses As a doctor from a private hospital will perform the surgery, considering the complexity. “Despite the doctor agreeing to charge just a nominal amount, the boy is required to pay Rs 60,000. Also, Shabana will require multiple surgeries in the coming months, the total cost of which would reach a total of at least Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh,” said the doctor. Education on pause The lack of family support amid this crisis has forced Parwez to sacrifice schooling. “I stopped going to school a year ago. I do not have any option. I have to run around asking for help, and also sit at my mother’s bedside to take care of her. Where do I have the time to go to school? I just pray that we get some help and my mother gets well soon so that I can resume academics and become educated enough to earn a decent livelihood for us,” the boy said.
25 February,2026 06:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
