Mainly clear skies prevailed across Mumbai and its suburbs on Thursday. The minimum temperature in Colaba was recorded at 22.0 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz registered a low of 17.4 degrees Celsius, with no rainfall reported, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As per the Sameer App, Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 137, categorised as moderate. This level may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung disorders, asthma, or heart conditions. AQI readings across the city were as follows: Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): 148Borivali: 122Byculla: 150Chakala, Andheri East: 126Chembur: 146Colaba: 142Deonar: 141Ghatkopar: 159Kandivali: 134Kherwadi, Bandra East: 180 Delhi's air quality remains 'very poor' with AQI over 370 as thick smog blankets the capital Large parts of the capital were enveloped in a dense layer of toxic smog, drastically reducing visibility and causing discomfort for residents. RK Puram experienced severe smog, with an AQI of 374, categorising it as ‘very poor’, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Similarly, areas around Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were covered in thick smog, with an AQI of 349, also placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Najafgarh recorded a slightly lower AQI of 284, though the area was still surrounded by heavy smog, CPCB data indicated, reported news agency ANI. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented all Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR to curb pollution levels. A thick layer of fog also blanketed the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. According to AQI categorisation, 0-50 is 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'. Earlier, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) deployed 19 teams for a road-inspection drive on December 12, reported ANI. This drive was conducted as part of the Commission's ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the statutory framework and provisions of the extant GRAP. According to the release, a total of 136 road stretches within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) jurisdiction were inspected across Delhi. According to the final compiled data, 15 road stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 38 showed moderate dust, 61 recorded low dust intensity, and 22 stretches had no visible dust. Road stretches with accumulation of MSW and C and D waste were reported to be 55 and 53, respectively. 6 stretches were reported to have evidence of MSW/ Biomass burning, the release said. The above observations clearly indicate gaps and recurring negligence in the maintenance of the affected stretches. It highlighted the need for DDA to enhance operational efficiency and implement prompt corrective measures through consistent, timely dust-mitigation interventions. The agency also needs to improve compliance across all road stretches for MSW/Biomass burning, it was highlighted. The Commission observed that these kinds of incidents impact particulate matter levels in Delhi and emphasised the need for strengthened on-ground action, including regular mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of collected dust, maintenance of road shoulders and central verges in addition to deployment of water-sprinkling/ dust-suppression systems and focused action(s) for prevention of open burning cases across all stretches maintained by DDA. (With ANI inputs)
18 December,2025 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Wednesday said the State Transport Authority will take a decision about the bike taxi aggregators found violating rules, and said his department has so far filed 36 complaints against the erring operators, reported news agency PTI. In a video shared by the Transport Minister's office after a review meeting held at the Mantralaya in the wake of the alleged molestation of a female passenger by a bike taxi rider in Kalyan town of Thane district, Sarnaik said the aggregators had failed to follow the rules even after obtaining permission. After the cabinet's approval, the transport department had issued temporary licences to bike taxi aggregators, namely Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The companies had also showcased their bike taxis to the department. The State Transport Authority, chaired by the transport secretary, will take a decision about it within two days, he said, reported PTI. "If the rules made by the state government about bike taxis are not followed, then it will have to take an appropriate decision about them, and I have given the directives regarding it," Sarnaik said, reported PTI. The transport minister said the companies have been using petrol-powered bikes on roads, despite e-bikes being made mandatory under the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025, reported PTI. He further said that recently, a passenger died in an accident involving a bike taxi of one aggregator, while a rider associated with another aggregator molested a woman passenger in Kalyan. Sarnaik said that so far, the transport department has filed 36 police complaints against bike taxi aggregators, reported PTI. Maharashtra Transport Minister orders crackdown on illegal app-based bike taxis Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaikk on December 3 stated that strict action will be taken against app-based bike taxis operating illegally in the state. He has directed the Motor Transport Department to file criminal cases against companies that run bike taxi services without following government rules, an official statement said. It said that Sarnaik said that although the government recently announced its new e-bike policy, many app-based bike taxi companies have started operating without giving proper training to their riders. According to the official statement, the drivers are using ordinary private bikes to carry passengers, which is unsafe and against the law. Recently, a passenger died while travelling on one such illegal bike taxi. Despite this, several companies continue to ignore government rules. Taking note of repeated complaints, Sarnaik stated that only the companies -- not the individual riders -- will face criminal cases. "What happens in other states will not be allowed in Maharashtra. The safety of passengers is our top priority. Companies that follow safety rules and do not exploit riders will get government support. But those who operate illegally and put passengers at risk will face strong action," he said. Following his orders, on December 2, the Motor Transport Department filed a case at Ghatkopar Police Station against Rapido (Ropn Transport Private Limited). The case was registered under Sections 66(1) and 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for operating bike taxis illegally. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2025 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a setback to the Congress in Maharashtra, party MLC Pradnya Satav is likely to join the ruling BJP on Thursday, reported news agency PTI. Satav, the wife of Congress leader late Rajiv Satav, who was a close aide of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, is a two-time MLC. Her term ends in 2030. Rajiv Satav was an MP from Hingoli and earlier represented the Kalamnuri assembly segment in the district. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said Pradnya Satav has been incommunicado since Wednesday morning after media reports about her switching sides surfaced, reported PTI. Congress leader in the legislative council Satej Patil said the party made her a legislator and he personally feels she will not take any drastic step, reported PTI. BJP media coordinator Navnath Ban said some fresh inductions will take place into the party on Thursday, reported PTI. Ex-Sena (UBT) corporator Tejasvee Ghosalkar joins BJP Meanwhile, former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Tejasvee Ghosalkar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai on Monday, ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Tejasvee Ghosalkar, who had served as the Sena (UBT) women's wing head in the Dahisar assembly constituency in north Mumbai, is the daughter-in-law of former MLA Vinod Ghosalkar. Her husband, Abhishek Ghosalkar, was shot dead in early 2024 during a Facebook Live, allegedly by local resident Morris Noronha. Abhishek was also a former corporator of the BMC. She joined the BJP on Monday in the presence of its Mumbai chief Ameet Satam and party MLC Pravin Darekar. Later, speaking to reporters, Tejasvee Ghosalkar said she had worked diligently in the Shiv Sena (UBT) and would now work harder in her new party. "I will accept any responsibility given to me by the party. There are many things I wish to say, but I cannot do so at the moment," she said. She also expressed disappointment over the slow pace of the investigation into the murder of her husband. "The CBI probe into my husband's murder is moving at a slow pace. I hope it will be completed at the earliest," she said. In September last year, the Bombay High Court handed over the probe into the murder to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), underlining certain lapses and loose ends in the police probe. Tejasvee Ghosalkar was corporator of the (then undivided) Shiv Sena from 2017 to 2022. She had quit from her posts in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena (UBT), citing personal reasons. Differences surfaced between her and her father-in-law during the state assembly elections last year, as both wanted to contest from Dahisar. Vinod Ghosalkar eventually contested the seat on the Sena(UBT) ticket but lost to BJP's Manisha Chaudhary. The schedule for polls to various civic bodies, including the cash-rich BMC, has not yet been announced. Elections to the local bodies in Maharashtra are to be completed by January 31, 2026, as per the Supreme Court's order. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a seven-month probe, Dindoshi police arrested a 21-year-old man from Rajasthan for allegedly cheating an Indian Army officer of R59,317 in a fake DTDC packers and movers scam. The victim, a 32-year-old officer posted at the Malad Army camp in Mumbai, had recently been transferred to Assam and had approached the accused to transport his household goods worth Rs 5.27 lakh. On April 27, four men arrived at his residence in Malad East, packed his belongings, and loaded them onto a truck. The accused told the officer the goods would be temporarily stored at a godown in Sakinaka before being transported to Assam. The officer paid Rs 35,000 for shifting, Rs 15,810 for insurance, and Rs 8,507 for GST. When he requested a proper GST bill and delivery confirmation, the accused allegedly threatened to withhold the goods and later stopped responding, raising suspicion. Instead of transporting the belongings to Assam, they were reportedly stored in a Nalasopara godown. The officer carried out his own investigation with the help of an acquaintance and eventually recovered the goods, transporting them to Assam at his own expense. DCP Mahesh Chimate, Senior Inspector Mahendra Shinde, and API Sachin Survase investigated the case further, tracing transaction details that led to the arrest of Mohammad Tareef Mohammed Arif from Rajgarh, Churu district, Rajasthan, on December 13. Police said another accused, Nadeem, is still absconding. The victim filed an online complaint on May 3, and the case was registered under the relevant sections of the law. “The accused used a fake identity and the name of a reputed logistics company to cheat the complainant,” said Senior Inspector Shinde.
18 December,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThere is relief in sight for the motorists who have been enduring long traffic snarls on the old Mumbai-Nashik Highway stretch between Thane and Vadpe due to road-widening work after the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) picked up the pace of construction, significantly improving progress on the project. According to MSRDC officials, over 75 per cent of the work has already been completed, and the remaining portion is being fast-tracked. Motorists Bhima J (right) Raj Pawar Confirming the development, an MSRDC official said, “About 75 per cent of the eight-laning work on the Thane-Vadpe stretch of the Mumbai-Nashik Highway has been completed. The project is expected to be fully finished by March 2026, which should ease traffic and reduce inconvenience for motorists travelling towards the Samruddhi Highway near Amane.” Long hours in traffic At present, motorists travelling from Thane towards the starting point of the Samruddhi Mahamarg near Amane are forced to use the old Mumbai-Nashik Highway. Due to the ongoing eight-laning work and the construction of bridges over the creek, traffic congestion is common during peak hours. As a result, commuters often take 90-120 minutes to cover the 23-km stretch between Thane and Vadpe. Benefit to motorists Once finished, the upgraded stretch is expected to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and reduce travel time to 30-40 minutes, which also means that motorists can expect a smoother and hassle-free drive on this crucial highway section. What do motorists say? Raj Pawar, a motorist, said, “Because of the ongoing eight-laning work on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway between Thane and Vadpe, traffic congestion is common during peak hours, and it often takes 90 to 120 minutes to cover just 23 km. Owing to this, I now prefer travelling from Nashik to Mumbai by long-distance train. We hope the work is completed soon so that we can use the Samruddhi Highway up to Amane and then the old Mumbai-Nashik Highway to reach Thane.” Another motorist, Bhima J, said, “For over two years, commuters have been struggling with severe traffic congestion caused by the ongoing road-widening work between Thane and Bhiwandi. At times, it takes more than 90 minutes and even up to two hours to cover the 23-km stretch, which ideally should take less than 45 minutes. We hope the authorities expedite the completion of the project while ensuring proper quality.”
18 December,2025 08:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavWhat was announced as a major relief for commuters on the Uran suburban line has instead triggered confusion and anger, with passengers alleging that revised train timings introduced from December 15, 2025, have disrupted daily travel on the Uran-Nerul and Uran-Belapur routes. On this line, the Central Railway recently increased services by 10 additional trains, citing the need to support shift-based commuters and upcoming operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). However, commuters say the execution has left them struggling, especially on the first day of implementation when updated schedules were not reflected on the M-Indicator app. Revised timetable Earlier, the first train from Kharkopar departed at 6.30 am, while the last service left at 10.20 pm. Under the revised schedule, the first train now runs at 5.46 am, with the last service from Kharkopar curtailed to 10.46 pm. Also, the first train from Nerul was at 7.10 am and now it has been revised to 6.15 am, and the last train is at 9.30 pm instead of 8.55 pm. From Belapur, the first train was at 6.30 am, which has now been revised to 5.30 am and the last train, which was at 9.32 pm has been revised to 10.30 pm. Key services Timing shifts of key services have also broken long-standing travel routines. The popular 8.55 am Kharkopar-Belapur train was rescheduled to 9.01 am, catching many commuters off guard. Several passengers missed their connecting Belapur-CSMT locals, a daily linkage they had relied upon for years. To compound matters, commuters claim that on the first two days, multiple services were four to five minutes late, despite the rescheduling. Unhappy commuters Ashish Rekhate, a businessman, said the impact was immediate: “The train timings have been changed with effect from December 15, and on the very first day several trains were late. My friend, who has been catching the 8.55 am train to Belapur from Kharkopar for years, discovered that it was shifted to 9.01 am only after reaching the station. The train was delayed by another four to five minutes, and now he can no longer catch the 9.20 am Belapur-CSMT local he has depended on for the last four years.” Evening commuters have also been hit. The last train from Nerul, earlier at 8.55 pm, now runs at 9.30 pm, while the last Belapur service is at 10.30 pm, forcing passengers to wait for long intervals if they miss the scheduled trains. Pravin Vij, a resident of Sector-17, Ulwe, who travels on this route, said the intent was positive but acknowledged the inconvenience. Vij said, “The decision to increase 10 trains on the Uran-Nerul and Uran-Belapur routes is meant to benefit passengers. However, due to the reshuffling of timings, a section of commuters has been affected and inconvenienced.” Another commuter, Govind Pal, linked the move to airport readiness. “The Railways have taken this decision keeping in mind airport workers, as NMIA’s first flight is expected on December 25. Every decision works well for some and not for others,” he said. Senior railway officials said the revised timetable was designed to suit shift-based travel, pointing out that the line has a limited number of end-to-end rakes and low station revenue, which restricts further expansion for now. Dr Swapnil Nila, chief PRO, Central Railway, said, “The changes in the timings have been made because of the introduction of 10 new trains and operationalisation of two stations, Gavan and Targhar. The additional services and extended period of operations are likely to benefit all the passengers.”
18 December,2025 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghCommuters on the Kasara section can look forward to some relief. The first phase of the long-awaited third line, between Asangaon and Kasara, is expected to open in 2026. Stations like Titwala and Asangaon, often overcrowded, will benefit the most. “Yes. No more delays. Work is in its final stages, and the first phase between Kasara and Asangaon will be operational in 2026,” said a Central Railway spokesperson. The Asangaon-Kasara section has been in service for over 164 years. The new project, under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), aims to reduce congestion and improve train movement on this busy suburban route. Spanning 67 km between Kalyan and Kasara, the Asangaon-Kasara stretch covers roughly 35 km. It has been prioritised due to high passenger traffic and frequent disruptions caused by mixed suburban and long-distance trains running on just two tracks. Construction on the third line is taking shape along the Asangaon-Kasara stretch Once operational, the third line will allow dedicated suburban tracks, reduce delays, and enable more frequent peak-hour services. It is part of a wider MUTP strategy, which includes fourth line proposals, additional chords, and upgrades on adjoining sections. With growing passenger loads at Titwala, Asangaon, and Kasara, the 67 km line will become Mumbai division’s longest bi-directional route, allowing suburban, long-distance, and goods trains to run more efficiently in both directions. The new Kalyan-Kasara project Cost: Rs 792.89 CrLength: 67.35 km Land acquisition: 49.23 Hectare Expert speak Rajesh Ghanghav, K3 Rail Passenger AssociationThe project was sanctioned in the 2011 budget, and work began in 2016. I had the honour of breaking the inaugural coconut to mark its start. The construction is now at an advanced stage and is set to be completed in 2026. Once done, it will allow us to run additional trains to Kasara, easing congestion and improving services for commuters. Umesh Vishe, Kalyan Kasara Passenger AssociationThe third line work from Asangaon to Kasara is almost complete. What needs to gain pace is the section between Asangaon and Kalyan. In addition, the Kalyan yard remodelling work must be expedited, because even if this corridor is ready, congestion remains at Kalyan junction.
18 December,2025 08:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarUnidentified assailants opened fire at the office of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) municipal election candidate Pawan Walekar in Ambernath, Thane district, late Tuesday night, just days ahead of the local civic polls scheduled for December 20. The incident occurred around midnight in the Navin Bhendi Pada area of Ambernath West, where two men on a motorcycle allegedly fired four to five rounds at Walekar’s public relations office, police said on Wednesday. CCTV footage of incident on Tuesday. PIC/XSCREENGRAB@atuljmd123 The firing was captured on CCTV cameras, which are currently being used as a crucial element in the investigation to determine who the gunmen were, police said. Hearing the shots, security personnel rushed out, and one security guard was hit and injured, sustaining a bullet wound to his finger. “He was taken to the hospital immediately. He is currently in a stable condition,” a police officer said. Walekar and his party workers present at the office were unharmed, said the officer. Police said they have registered a case, and special teams have been formed from the Ambernath and Badlapur police stations, along with the Crime Branch, to investigate the matter. “We are examining the footage and technical evidence to identify and apprehend the suspects. Security in the area has been heightened,” a Crime Branch official added.
18 December,2025 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerMotormen operating local trains on the Western Railway network have expressed resentment over new duty hours that reportedly make many of them work in double shifts. The Mumbai Division of Western Railway has reported significant vacancies, leading to a high workload for the remaining motormen. To address this issue and decide on the future course of action, a meeting was held inside the motormen’s lobby at Churchgate on Wednesday. According to the sources, the problems have been simmering for a long time, and if not addressed timely, this could lead to disruption of suburban services. Motormen say they have been working without adequate rest due to the new rule, which affects the quality of driving and leads to safety issues. At Byculla station, commuters approach a motorman about the closed doors. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT “There has been a shortage of motormen, leading to these issues. We only get four hours of rest after completing the duty and then again do one more shift. New motormen are joining, but the pace is slow and the problem is increasing,” a motorman said. “In the four-hour rest period, we cannot even go home and come back. We have been asked to get tiffins from home. All such things are adding to stress and compromising safety,” another motorman said. Officials speak WR officials said they were working on resolving the issue at the earliest. “There is a vacancy of about 54, with an average of 20 motormen forced to do double duty. To address this situation, recruitment of [Assistant Loco Pilots] ALPs from Railway Recruitment Boards [RRB] is being done. Also, promotion in the higher cadre of motormen will be done. Thus, once the cadre is filled, there will be no double duty. To provide facilities, air-conditioned running rooms are being provided with proper beds at multiple locations," an official said. AC local doors remain shut at Dadar halt Commuters of the 10.42 am AC fast local on Central Railway created a ruckus at Byculla station after the doors of their morning rush hour local did not open at Dadar station. “The Badlapur-CSMT train arrived at Dadar, and the train halted as usual, but the doors did not open, and the train departed. The next station was Byculla, and people missed their schedules,” said Mukesh Makhija, a commuter. “We then approached the motorman. There were seven people in his cabin. We questioned him, and he said that the guard is in charge of the train and that he does not have the mechanism to open doors,” said another commuter.
18 December,2025 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare on Wednesday directed district administrations and police authorities to take strict preventive measures to ensure peaceful polling and counting during the upcoming municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in the state, reported news agency PTI. Polling to elect presidents and members in 24 municipal councils and nagar panchayats and 154 seats in 76 local bodies will be held on December 20. The first phase of elections to 264 municipal council and nagar panchayat polls in the state were held on December 2. The counting of votes for all 288 municipal councils and nagar panchayats will take place on December 21. Waghmare issued the directions while reviewing preparedness through video conferences with district collectors, police commissioners, superintendents of police and election officers over the last two days. State Election Commission Secretary Suresh Kakani, Inspector General of Police Manojkumar Sharma and other senior officials were present, reported PTI. The SEC said polling and counting must be conducted smoothly and peacefully, and any untoward incident should invite immediate and strict action. Authorities were also asked to promptly inform the media, voters, candidates and political parties about the action taken to avoid any misinformation or wrong public perception. Kakani said that while polling will take place at limited locations on December 20, counting across all municipal councils and nagar panchayats will be held on December 21, requiring close coordination among police and other agencies, particularly after the declaration of results, reported PTI. He also reminded officials that election campaigning through electronic or print media will not be permitted after 10 pm on December 19, the day prior to polling. IG Manojkumar Sharma said adequate security arrangements must be in place to maintain law and order on polling and counting days, and stressed the need for timely communication of police action to the public, reported PTI. Mahayuti, Oppn MVA to face-off on Jan 15 in 'Maha' battle for Mumbai, 28 other civic bodies High-stakes polls to 29 municipal corporations, including the cash-rich Mumbai, on January 15 will see the ruling Mahayuti and Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) battling it out for electoral supremacy in Maharashtra's major urban centres. The poll schedule announcement was made by Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday in compliance of an order from the Supreme Court fixing January 31 next year as the deadline for holding the long-pending local body elections in the state. The court in September this year had also censured the SEC for its "failure to take prompt action" and adhere to earlier timelines. The January 15 elections, involving 2,869 seats and over 3.48 crore voters, set the stage for a crucial political showdown between the Mahayuti comprising BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led NCP and the MVA coalition of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and Sharad Pawar-headed NCP (SP). These are first municipal corporations post-splits in the Shiv Sena (2022) and the Nationalist Congress Party (2023), developments which reshaped Maharashtra's politics. Votes will be counted on January 16. While one corporator will be elected from each seat in Mumbai (227 wards), three to five corporators will get chosen by voters per ward in 28 other civic bodies. After the assembly polls, old alliances too are taking new shape, suiting local politics. The phase one of local body polls saw an intense contest among Mahayuti partners with the Shiv Sena and the BJP slugging it out in several municipal council polls earlier this month. (With inputs from PTI)
18 December,2025 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn Andheri-based fashion stylist has registered an FIR at Amboli police station after an unknown person created a fake profile in her name on a dating app, and sent multiple messages to people for a meet. The stylist, 43, has since been receiving calls and messages from potential matches. The complainant has been living in Andheri with her husband for the past three years. She has a public Instagram account and has shared her mobile number for professional purposes. According to the police, she has been receiving suspicious messages on her mobile phone from various unknown numbers since June. Messages such as “You had called me to meet” were received. Initially, she ignored them, but as the frequency of such messages increased, she started blocking the numbers. “On August 6, an unknown man called her husband on his mobile phone and asked, ‘Are you her manager?’ This raised suspicion. Further inquiry revealed that a fake profile had been created in the woman’s name on a dating app called ‘Pure’.The accused had mentioned the stylist’s and her husband’s phone numbers on the app, claiming that he is her manager. Eventually, she began receiving messages and calls, asking for obscene chats and video calls,” said an officer. Another officer said, “We have registered an FIR against the unknown person and are receiving help from the Cyber Cell team. We also approached the ‘Pure’ dating app to identify the accused.” JuneMonth the woman began receiving texts from unknown numbers
18 December,2025 08:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaADVERTISEMENT
