In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of the Navi Mumbai Police busted a sex racket operating out of a lodge in Turbhe MIDC, arresting three accused and rescuing two women. On Friday, Navi Mumbai Police’s AHTU busted a sex racket operating from a lodge in Turbhe MIDC using a decoy customer. Three accused — including the lodge manager and two staffers have been arrested. As per the officials, two women have been rescued. The officials, while briefing about the case, said that the accused allegedly charged Rs 4,000–4,500 and facilitated prostitution by showing photos and arranging meetings inside rooms. Acting on confirmation from the decoy, AHTU officers raided the lodge and apprehended three individuals, including the lodge manager and two staff members, for their active role in facilitating prostitution. Two women, believed to have been trafficked, were rescued during the raid. Preliminary investigations have revealed a possible link to Jharkhand, with indications that the women may have been brought from the state as part of an organised trafficking network. A case has been registered at Turbhe Police Station under relevant sections of the IPC and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The accused were produced before a court and have been remanded to police custody till March 28. The case has been registered under the IPC and the Immoral Traffic Act at the Turbhe police station. Accused remanded to custody till March 28.
27 March,2026 10:33 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Abhitash SinghThe iconic 95-year-old Deccan Queen has taken a leaf out of the Pullman and Orient Express playbook with its revamped dining car. Speaking on the occasion, a Central Railway spokesperson said, "It is not just the dining car, but the entire train has been refurbished" Inspired by 19th-century luxury trains, the new dining coach features sofa-style seating, polished wood panelling and a classic dining saloon feel. Adorned with Warli paintings, sepia-toned frames and warm yellow lighting, it recreates the charm of Victorian-era rail travel. The Deccan Queen remains the only train in India with a dedicated dining car offering table service.The Pullman and Orient Express were known for redefining train travel with plush seating, rich wood interiors and understated luxury, an experience the new dining car aims to echo. “It is not just the dining car, but the entire train has been refurbished,” a Central Railway spokesperson said. Coach interiors have been redesigned with new panels and vibrant themes. Air fragrance dispensers have been installed to enhance the onboard ambience. Lavatories have been upgraded with modern fittings, and AC chair car seating now has new covers along with improved doorway areas.” “It is a brand new train now, with a mix of culture, heritage and technology,” he added. The makeover was launched as part of a ‘Train Mahotsav’, which saw enthusiastic participation from passengers, railway officials and rail enthusiasts celebrating the legacy of one of Indian Railways’ most iconic trains. Event highlights The celebrations began an hour before the train’s scheduled 5:10 pm departure. The Deccan Queen was decorated with flowers, reflecting its royal legacy. An audio-visual presentation traced its journey since 1930 and highlighted its contributions to Indian Railways. Journey so far Introduced in 1930 with two rakes of seven coaches each, one in silver with scarlet mouldings and the other in royal blue with gold lines. Underframes built in England, with coach bodies made at the Matunga workshop of the GIP Railway. Replaced with steel-bodied integral coaches in 1966, increasing capacity from 7 to 12 coaches. Air-brake rakes were introduced in 1995. Vistadome coach added in August 2021, offering scenic views of the Western Ghats Upgraded to LHB coaches in June 2022 under Project Utkrisht, with features like LED lights, bio-toilets and Braille signage. The train now runs with 16 coaches, including AC chair cars, second class seating, a vistadome coach, a dining car, a general second class cum guard’s brake van and a generator car. Train firsts The Deccan Queen has several milestones to its name: First to introduce coaches with roller bearings. First to introduce self-generating coaches with a 110-volt system. Among the first to introduce first and second class chair cars. Unique feature - dining car The Deccan Queen is the only train in India with a dedicated dining car offering table service. It is equipped with modern pantry facilities, including a microwave oven, deep freezer and toaster, and features cushioned seating and carpeted interiors for a premium experience. Advocate Vijay Sarwade “I have been travelling on this train for decades and have always been drawn to the dining car. The timings have been legendary. It is for this dining car that I take the train, and the new look is just out of the world.” Sandeep Ashok Chavan “I have been travelling on this train for ten years. It is one of the best connections between Mumbai and Pune and is known for its punctuality.”
27 March,2026 10:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Maharashtra government on Friday released a government resolution (GR) to regularise residential encroachments that existed as of January 1, 2011, and are currently used solely for residential purposes. The government hopes to resolve the housing issues of lakhs of poor and needy families in the state. According to the GR, this decision applies to the entire state, except for the Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts. Residential encroachments up to 500 square feet will be regularised at no cost. For the remaining area, only 10 per cent of the prevailing market value will be charged as the occupancy price. Encroachments on riverbeds, canals, grazing lands (Gairan), public roads, forests, cemeteries, playgrounds, or lands reserved for schools and hospitals will not be regularised under any circumstances. The government has decided to provide alternative housing through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to families affected by these categories. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the government’s stance is that no needy family in the state should be without shelter. “We have provided relief to lakhs of families by regularising encroachments up to January 1, 2011. This will bring stability to their lives. A review of this progress will be conducted every three months,” he stated. The minister said the primary objective of this decision is to reach the last person in society to achieve the ‘Housing for All’ policy and the ‘Developed Maharashtra 2047’ goal. Special committees have been established under the chairmanship of District Collectors, Sub-Divisional Officers, and Tehsildars to implement this scheme. This eliminates the need for various separate government approvals, as these committees will make the final decisions. “A 17-member committee under the chairmanship of the Guardian Minister exists at the district level, and committees will be established at the Assembly constituency level under the chairmanship of respective MLAs. A comprehensive system is being prepared to handle eligibility, terms and conditions, area limits, fee structures, implementation procedures, application deadlines, verification, and the execution machinery,” Bawankule added. He further said land will be granted as ‘Occupant Class-2’ in the joint names of husband and wife. A maximum of 1,500 square feet will be regularised in both rural and urban areas. Encroachments exceeding the limit will be demolished. “All residential encroachments up to 500 square feet are completely free. If a portion of the house is used for business, 25 per cent of the market value will be charged. A fee of Rs 1,000 will apply for land registration up to 1,000 square feet. Voter ID, an electricity bill, or a property tax receipt prior to January 1, 2011, will be valid. Proof of residence for the last year is mandatory,” he said. However, Bawankule clarified that under no circumstances will the encroachment of a person who is not a citizen of India be regularised. The implementing officers must ensure this is strictly enforced. Instructions have been issued to file a police complaint if such encroachments are found.
27 March,2026 10:11 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSMumbai’s ambitious underground mobility network has achieved a significant breakthrough, with the Orange Gate-Marine Drive road tunnel project entering its main tunnelling phase, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The development marks a crucial step forward in one of India’s most complex urban infrastructure projects aimed at transforming east-west connectivity in the city. Main drive signals key progress The project recently crossed an important milestone as the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) commenced its main drive operations after successfully completing the initial excavation phase, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority stated. Designed specifically to tackle Mumbai’s challenging coastal geology, the TBM - the largest slurry shield machine deployed for an urban road tunnel in India - has already demonstrated strong performance. The authority noted that following an earlier breakthrough, the machine has advanced rapidly, excavating nearly 70 metres within just a few days, reflecting both engineering precision and operational efficiency. Big milestone for Mumbai’s Underground Mobility Project: Orange Gate–Marine Drive Tunnel Begins Main DriveThe Orange Gate–Marine Drive Road Tunnel, one of India’s most complex urban road tunnelling projects, has reached another historic milestone with the main tunnelling drive… pic.twitter.com/AcwSKqI4lk — MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) March 27, 2026 High-level backing and strategic importance The TBM was officially launched on December 3, 2025, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The project is being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and is considered a critical component of the city’s long-term transport infrastructure strategy. Engineering marvel beneath the city According to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, the project involves the construction of twin tunnels stretching over 7 kilometres. The first tunnel, currently under development, spans 3.45 kilometres and reaches depths of up to 52 metres below ground level. The alignment passes beneath key transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway, and Mumbai Metro Line 3, requiring high levels of safety and engineering precision. The authority stated that once completed, the tunnel will reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive to just five minutes. It will also provide seamless integration with major infrastructure such as the Coastal Road and Atal Setu, significantly easing congestion and reducing fuel consumption and vehicular emissions. Milestones achieved so far The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority highlighted that since its launch, the project has recorded steady progress through multiple critical stages. These include the successful lowering and installation of the TBM’s backup system, integration with the TBM shield, and completion of essential hydraulic and electrical connections. The authority further noted that advanced monitoring instruments such as flowmeters, densitometers, and pressure sensors were calibrated to ensure safe and efficient operations. The initial tunnelling phase began on January 8, 2026, with the erection of temporary rings, followed by permanent ring installation starting January 26. The initial drive was completed by January 31, paving the way for the transition to the main drive, which was finalised on February 26. Full-scale tunnelling operations officially commenced on February 28, the authority said. Rapid progress continues As of March 26, 2026, the TBM has excavated 70 metres out of the planned 3,720 metres for the first tunnel, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said, adding that the pace of work is expected to accelerate in the coming months. The Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel is poised to become a game-changer for Mumbai, offering faster, more efficient connectivity while supporting the city’s vision of sustainable and modern transport solutions, the authority added.
27 March,2026 07:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai suburban commuters are likely to face disruptions on March 28 and 29. As per the railway officials, Western Railway will undertake a major 19-hour block between Andheri and Borivali to carry out key infrastructure works. The official release issued by the authorities stated that no trains will be handled on platform numbers 1 and 2 at Borivali during the block period. Whereas, several suburban services will be cancelled or short-terminated at Andheri and Goregaon, affecting operations across the corridor. Authorities further shared a detailed list of cancellations, short terminations, and originating services that will be made available at station master offices in the suburban section. 254 trains to be cancelled on Sunday As per an official statement from Western Railway, 45 trains will be cancelled on Saturday, whereas 254 services will also remain cancelled on Sunday due to the block. However, to ease commuter inconvenience, 25 extra trains will be operated during the disruption period. In a key operational change, all 15-car slow local trains will run as fast services between Andheri and Borivali in both UP and DOWN directions during the block window. In a temporary operational change, all 15-car slow local trains will run as fast services between Andheri (ADH) and Borivali (BVI) in both directions. The block will also be used to fast-track multiple pending infrastructure projects. Key works that will be carried out by the authorities include: Harbour Line Extension: Launching of PSC slabs and ballast retainers on Bridge No. 56A between Malad and Kandivali, a crucial step toward extending the Harbour Line up to Borivali. Kandivali Deck Construction: Launching of a girder for one of the deck spans (C16–C17) on Platform 1 at Kandivali station. Additionally, another major block will be undertaken for launching a girder deck span between piers C16 and C17 on platform 1 at Kandivali station. This activity is scheduled between 2:00 am and 7:30 am on the same day.
27 March,2026 07:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday reiterated its commitment to strengthening the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, with a focus on financial stability and addressing long-pending employee demands. A joint meeting to review the concerns of BEST employees was held at the BMC headquarters, chaired by Mayor Ritu Tawde. The meeting brought together senior civic officials, BEST authorities, and representatives of workers’ unions. Focus on Clearing Legal Dues and Employee Welfare Addressing the gathering, Mayor Tawde said the civic administration is sensitive towards resolving issues related to gratuity and other legal dues of retired workers and employees. She assured that these matters would be handled on priority. The Mayor also interacted with representatives from the BEST Workers’ Union and the BEST Joint Workers’ Action Committee, hearing their concerns and assuring them of appropriate solutions. Boosting BEST’s Financial Strength and Bus Fleet Highlighting the importance of long-term sustainability, Tawde stressed that the BMC is committed to making BEST financially strong and self-reliant. She underscored the need to increase the number of buses owned by BEST, calling it a key priority for improving operational efficiency. “Planned and systematic efforts will be undertaken, and regular review meetings will be held to ensure progress,” she said, urging the BEST administration to devise effective strategies. Wide-Ranging Discussions on Key Issues The meeting covered a broad spectrum of issues, including pending demands of current and retired employees, wage agreements, promotions, compassionate appointments, availability of BEST-owned buses, and financial assistance. Senior officials present included Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadhi, Leader of the House Ganesh Khankar, Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde, Shiv Sena Group Leader Amey Ghole, and BEST Committee Chairperson Trishna Vishwasrao. Also in attendance were Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and Acting BEST General Manager Dr Ashwini Joshi, along with other senior BEST officials. Push for Financial Discipline and Operational Efficiency Mayor Tawde emphasised that BEST, being one of Mumbai’s key public transport and electricity providers, must adopt strict financial discipline while enhancing revenue generation and operational efficiency. She directed the administration to formulate and implement long-term strategies to ensure sustained growth and improved service delivery, adding that continuous monitoring will be undertaken through periodic review meetings.
27 March,2026 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a bid to address persistent traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian safety, the Mumbai Traffic Police has declared a strict no-parking zone along the busy Vikhroli Station Road stretch, from Narayan Bodhe Chowk to Vikhroli Railway Station (East). The decision comes following repeated complaints from local residents and commuters about severe traffic snarls caused by vehicles parked on both sides of the road. The stretch serves as a crucial access route for daily commuters, making it particularly vulnerable to congestion during peak hours. Frequent complaints prompt action According to officials from the Vikhroli Traffic Division, the continuous parking along the road has significantly reduced carriageway space, leading to bottlenecks and delays. Citizens have raised concerns over the inconvenience caused, especially to senior citizens and pedestrians who struggle to navigate the encroached pathways. Authorities also highlighted that illegal parking poses a serious risk during emergencies. Blocked roads can hinder the swift movement of essential services such as ambulances and fire brigade vehicles, potentially endangering lives in critical situations. Order issued under Motor Vehicles Act The no-parking directive has been issued by Dr. Priyanka Narnavre, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Mumbai, under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with relevant government notifications. As per the order, parking of all types of vehicles is strictly prohibited on both sides of the road between Narayan Bodhe Chowk and Vikhroli Railway Station (East). However, emergency vehicles, including ambulances, police vehicles, and fire brigade services, are exempted from the restriction. Implementation from March 27 The order will come into effect from March 27, 2026, and will be enforced by the traffic police to ensure smoother vehicular movement and safer commuting conditions. Officials have urged motorists to comply with the new regulation and avoid parking along the designated stretch to prevent penalties and contribute to easing congestion in the area. Dahisar road gets temporary odd-even parking rule to ease congestion Earlier, to reduce traffic snarls and prevent accidents on a narrow stretch in Dahisar, the Mumbai Traffic Police (West Region) has introduced temporary odd-even parking restrictions for the next three months. The order applies to the north-south road between Swagat Cooperative Housing Society and the main entrance gate of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Dahisar. The road is narrow with residential buildings on both sides and sees two-way traffic. Heavy vehicles regularly enter and exit the FCI office and godown for grain transport, putting extra pressure on the route. Parking of two-wheelers and four-wheelers on both sides often causes bottlenecks, raising the risk of mishaps.
27 March,2026 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA case of cyber fraud has been registered at Dindoshi Police Station after a 75-year-old retired man from Malad East was allegedly cheated of Rs 8.59 lakh by unidentified fraudsters posing as representatives of a gas company. According to police officials, the FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66(a) and 66(d) of the Information Technology Act. The 75-year-old complainant, a resident of Mahendra Nagar, alleged in his complaint that the incident occurred on March 12, 2026, between 7:03 pm and 9:17 pm while he was at his residence. "He received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number, where the sender impersonated officials of MGL Gas. The fraudster, using multiple WhatsApp numbers, convinced the victim that his gas connection required urgent updating. He was then sent a malicious APK file labelled as an MGL application. Police said the victim was tricked into installing the file on his mobile phone. Once installed, the accused allegedly gained unauthorised access to his device and coerced both the complainant and his wife into entering sensitive banking details, including account and debit card information. Using these details, the accused transferred a total amount of Rs 8.59 from the couple’s bank accounts to multiple unknown accounts. "The accused, currently unidentified, used WhatsApp numbers linked to the fraud and remains absconding. We have launched an investigation into the case and are tracing the digital trail of the suspects, the officer added. The Dindoshi police have urged people, especially senior citizens, to remain cautious against such cyber frauds and avoid installing unknown applications or sharing banking details over messaging platforms.
27 March,2026 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA fire broke out on Friday evening at an industrial building located on Mahakali Caves Road in Andheri East, prompting a swift response from multiple emergency agencies. According to officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the incident was reported at approximately 4:41 pm at Nand Bhavan Industrial Estate. The Level-II fire was later upgraded to a Level-II emergency at 5:08 pm as thick smoke engulfed parts of the structure. Fire confined to lower floors Fire officials stated that the blaze was confined to the ground and first floors of the ground-plus-two (G+2) industrial building. Heavy smoke was observed billowing from the premises, raising concerns among nearby occupants and workers in the area. Massive firefighting operation deployed A significant firefighting operation was launched to contain the blaze. The deployment included eight fire engines, three aerial water tower tenders, four jumbo tankers, two water tankers, one breathing apparatus van, and three quick response vehicles. Senior fire officials, including a Divisional Fire Officer (DFO), two Assistant Divisional Fire Officers (ADFO), two Senior Station Officers, and four Station Officers, were present at the site to oversee operations. Multiple agencies join rescue efforts In addition to the fire brigade, personnel from the local police, the concerned electricity distribution company, emergency ambulance services, and BMC ward staff were mobilised to assist in firefighting and precautionary measures. No casualties reported so far Authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported in the incident so far. Fire at scrap godown in Thane; no casualty In another incident, a fire broke out at a godown storing plastic and air-conditioner scrap materials in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Wednesday. No one was injured in the incident which occurred on Tuesday night, they said. The blaze was reported at 9.01 pm at the warehouse located near a school in the Dahisar Mori area, the officials said. Firefighting teams from multiple stations, including Thane, Vashi, Airoli and Koparkhairane in Navi Mumbai, were deployed. "The fire was brought under control at around 1.30 am on Wednesday after sustained efforts. Cooling operations are currently underway. No injuries have been reported in the incident," Thane Municipal Corporation's disaster management officer Yasin Tadvi said. The plastic and AC scrap materials stored in the godown were gutted in the fire, officials said. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, they added.
27 March,2026 06:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the Republican Party of India (Athawale) an MLC seat in the upcoming legislative council polls, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said on Friday, reported news agency PTI. Addressing a news conference, Athawale also said the party has also been assured one-two state corporations. "During the civic body polls, the CM assured us an MLC seat," Athawale said, reported PTI. Legislative council polls in the state are expected to be held next month. Athawale, who heads the RPI (A) faction, was upset at the ruling Mahayuti after his party did not get seats in the civic body polls. Despite being part of the Mahayuti, he had fielded candidates in the civic body polls but none tasted success, reported PTI. The Union minister said the deputy mayor in Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is an RPI (A) activist. Athawale stressed the need to make his party one that can have members and supporters from different castes and religions. On being queried about whether the BJP's top brass had suggested he move to state politics and that a ministerial berth was offered to him in Maharashtra, Athawale said he told the BJP leadership he was more comfortable being a Union minister. Ramdas Athawale welcomes govt's decision to reduce excise duty on fuel Meanwhile, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Friday welcomed the government's decision to reduce the excise duty on petrol and diesel, saying that the decision will bring "relief" to the people. "The excise duty reduction will provide relief to the people...This decision is welcome. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government works for the development of all and is concerned about all sections of society...," Athawale told ANI. The Central government reduced excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and brought it down to zero for diesel, as per a Gazette notification issued under the provisions of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Additionally, a windfall tax of Rs 21.5 per litre has been imposed on diesel exports. The decision follows escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz--a crucial route that handles nearly one-fifth of the world's crude oil supply. Before the crisis, India sourced around 12-15% of its oil imports through this route. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
27 March,2026 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the petrol excise duty cut announced by the Central government will shield consumers from the impact of rising global crude prices amid the ongoing war in West Asia. Welcoming the government's announcement to slash excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 a litre and exempt diesel from the duty, Fadnavis thanked the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving this "big benefit" to consumers. "The burden (due to the situation in West Asia) won't be passed on to consumers," he said. Fadnavis appealed people not to queue up at petrol pumps. "We have enough fuel," he said. There is also no need for hoarding of domestic gas, he added. The Centre has declared that there won't be any lockdown, Fadnavis said. Those spreading rumours of a nationwide lockdown will face criminal action, he added. Govt cuts excise duty on petrol, diesel The government has slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre each, a move aimed at shielding domestic consumers from a surge in global oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, at an estimated revenue cost of Rs 1.75 lakh crore. Alongside, the government brought back duties on export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Special additional excise duty on petrol has been cut from Rs 13 a litre to Rs 3 and the same on diesel from Rs 10 per litre to nil, according to a notification issued late on Thursday. Alongside, the government imposed an export duty of Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), reinstating a levy first introduced in July 2022 to curb windfall gains by refiners following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and later withdrawn in December 2024. However, unlike last time, there is no windfall tax that has been levied on domestic crude oil producers like ONGC. After the reduction in excise duty, the incidence of excise duty on petrol will be Rs 11.9 per litre (Rs 1.40 basic excise duty, Rs 3 special additional excise duty, Rs 2.50 agriculture infrastructure and development cess and Rs 5 road and infrastructure cess). On diesel the incidence will be Rs 7.80 per litre (Rs 1.80 basis excise duty, Rs 4 agriculture infrastructure and development cess and Rs 2 road and infrastructure cess). Considering 175 billion litre of auto fuel sales annually (115 billion litres of diesel and 60 billion litres of petrol), the impact of the duty cut would be Rs 1.75 lakh crore annually. The excise duty cut follows record losses that oil companies suffered from the surge in international oil prices. Prices of crude oil, the raw material for making petrol and diesel, have surged almost 50 per cent this month as the US and Israel attack on Iran and Tehran's sweeping retaliation disrupts global supply. (With inputs from Agencies)
27 March,2026 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
