Mumbai's Eastern Waterfront is all set for Rs 22,672 crore maritime transformation with new marina, convention centre, cruise facilities and more planned as part of the development. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, on Friday announced a Rs 22,672-crore plan to transform Mumbai Port’s Eastern Waterfront into a global maritime, logistics and tourism hub. The announcement came after a detailed review of ongoing and proposed projects at the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA). An official statement said that the plan aims to position Mumbai as a leading maritime destination by 2047, supporting both port operations and urban development. The transformation strategy will follow strengthening core cargo operations and repurposing unused port land for tourism, business and public spaces, the statement said. "The plan is aligned with national initiatives such as the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, Cruise Bharat Mission, and NITI Aayog’s Mumbai Metropolitan Region Growth Hub Plan," the statement said. Boosting cargo capacity to 150 million tonnes It said that Mumbai Port aims to reach a cargo handling capacity of 150 million tonnes per year by 2047, mainly through offshore liquid bulk cargo including crude oil, petroleum products, LNG and chemicals. "Under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving decisively towards becoming one of the world’s foremost maritime nations. The Rs 22,672-crore transformation of Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront is central to that journey — strengthening maritime self-reliance, expanding trade and tourism, and creating globally benchmarked waterfront infrastructure. The initiative aligns with the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat while establishing Mumbai as a global maritime and blue economy hub," Sarbananda Sonowal said. The key projects include reclamation and shore protection works, a a sixth oil berth with a capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at Jawahar Dweep, new anchorage facilities for bulk cargo and new marina and sailing school. A major project is the Viksit Bharat Mumbai Marina, planned as India’s largest marina with an investment of Rs 887 crore. It will be developed through a hybrid EPC–PPP model, the statement said. Alongside, the Namo Bharat International Sailing School will provide structured sailing education and expand access to water sports. New convention centre The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Convention Centre at Princes’ Dock is expected to cost Rs 5,500 crore and will be developed on a PPP basis. The facility will aim to attract national and international conferences and events, strengthening Mumbai’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector. Cruise and passenger infra upgrades Mumbai Port is also upgrading cruise and passenger facilities, including RoPax Terminal at M-Shed, Bhaucha Dhakka Glass House and Passenger Terminal and Domestic Cruise Terminal for major events. A new fish jetty at Mallet Bunder will be built at Rs 132 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. This will increase fishing trawler capacity from 300 to over 1,200 vessels and separate fishing operations from passenger movement, the statement said. According to the statement the surrounding area will include themed streets, open-air dining zones and public spaces, and a 3.5-kilometre waterfront promenade. Institutional infrastructure will also be upgraded with new Mumbai Port Administrative Building, Shivdurg Tower at Mallet Bunder and Central Government Office Complex at Cotton Green. These buildings will house key government offices and improve coordination. Integration with city infrastructure The Mumbai Port Authority will support major city projects including the Metro Line 11, Orange Gate-Marine Drive Tunnel and Radio Club Jetty. This will ensure the waterfront development is integrated with Mumbai’s wider transport network. The project is expected to generate 5.5 lakh jobs create over 500 hectares of built-up maritime and blue economy space, and attract over 25 million annual visitors by 2047. “The transformation of Mumbai’s Eastern Waterfront is a reflection of PM Modi’s long-term vision to place India among the world’s leading maritime nations. By integrating world-class port infrastructure, cruise and convention facilities, modern fisheries, skilling institutions and public waterfront spaces, we are unlocking new maritime opportunities that will drive jobs, trade and tourism. Mumbai’s resurgence as a maritime and blue economy hub will play a decisive role in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in maritime services and logistics,” Sonowal said.
06 February,2026 10:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn IndiGo plane on Friday morning faced an issue with the landing gear lever upon reaching the city airport, according to PTI sources. The A321 neo aircraft, which operated flight 6E2157, carrying more than 210 people, landed safely, they added. There was no comment from IndiGo. There was an issue with the aircraft's landing gear lever. The automatic mode was not working, and the manual mode was used. The issue was addressed, and the plane operated other flights later, according to sources. Air India, Indigo wings touch while taxiing at Mumbai airport, no injuries reported; probe launched An Air India and an IndiGo aircraft were involved in a minor accident on the taxiway at Mumbai airport on 3 February, officials said. No injuries were reported, and all passengers on both flights are safe. The incident occurred when Air India flight AI2732, scheduled to operate from Mumbai to Coimbatore, was taxiing from C1 towards M4 for departure. At the same time, an IndiGo flight 6E 791, arriving from Hyderabad, was taxiing after landing and joining taxiway B1. During this movement, the right wingtips of both aircraft came into contact. Both aircraft were taxiing at the time of the incident. Following the wingtip contact, both aircraft were returned to their respective bays for inspection. Air India said the wingtip of its aircraft was damaged and, as a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for technical checks. All passengers were safely disembarked, and alternative travel arrangements are being made. Air India says In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the airline regretted the inconvenience caused and stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. "Flight AI2732 operating from Mumbai to Coimbatore on 3 February was delayed after the aircraft scheduled to operate the service came into contact with another airline’s aircraft while waiting on the taxiway prior to take-off. The wingtips of the two aircraft made contact, resulting in damage to our aircraft’s wingtip. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for further technical checks. All passengers were safely disembarked, and our ground teams are making alternative arrangements to fly them to their destination at the earliest. The incident has been reported to the regulator. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this event. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority," an Air India spokesperson said. Indigo says IndiGo also confirmed the incident, stating that the wingtip of its aircraft came into contact with another airline’s aircraft while taxiing after landing. The airline said all passengers were safe and disembarked after parking, and the aircraft is undergoing maintenance inspections. “We confirm that the wingtip of one of our aircraft operating flight 6E 791 from Hyderabad to Mumbai on 3 February 2026 came in contact with an aircraft of another airline while taxiing, after landing. All passengers are safe and disembarked after parking. The aircraft is undergoing maintenance inspections. In line with established protocols, the relevant authorities were promptly informed and the matter is being investigated. At IndiGo, the safety and security of our customers, crew and aircraft remain our highest priority,” an IndiGo spokesperson said. (With PTI inputs)
06 February,2026 09:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA woman allegedly attempted to kill herself at the Byculla railway station washroom but was saved after being rushed to a hospital, officials said on Friday. According to the officials, the incident took place at the women’s public toilet at railway station when the young woman, a college student attempted to seriously harm herself. The girl entered the toilet and did not come out. The door remained locked from inside, and there was no response to calls or knocks. Other women present became concerned when they heard nothing, officials said. Police alerted A woman at the station informed the police after realising the girl was not responding. The railway police officers arrived at the scene and forced the door open. They found, the woman lying inside the washroom following which she was taken immediately to St George’s Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Police confirmed that the woman is currently stable and undergoing treatment and a probe was underway. Need help? Please contact the below helpline numbers Samaritans Mumbai (Monday to Friday, 10 am–4 pm): 84229 84527 Connecting NGO (10 am–8 pm): 99220 04305 / 99220 01122 Snehi (10 am–10 pm): 93768 04102 Ankahee (All days, 4 pm–10 pm): 86554 86966 iCALL (Monday to Saturday, 10 am–8 pm): 91529 87821 Hitguj Helpline (24x7): 022 2413 1212 1 Life: 78930 78930 Aasra: 98204 66726
06 February,2026 09:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that its Mumbai division will operate a mega block on February 8, 2026 on its suburban sections, affecting Main Line and Harbour Line. An official statement said that the block was being operated to carry out essential engineering and maintenance work. "The block will affect both the Main Line and Harbour Line, causing changes in train operations for several hours," officials said. Main Line: slow line trains to be diverted The mega block will be in effect on the UP and DOWN slow lines between CSMT Mumbai and Vidyavihar from 10:55 hrs to 15:55 hrs. Down slow trains The Down slow services departing CSMT Mumbai between 10:48 hrs and 15:45 hrs will be diverted onto the Down fast line between CSMT and Vidyavihar. These trains will stop at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion and Kurla station. They will rejoin the Down slow line at Vidyavihar, the statement said. Up slow trains The Up slow services departing Ghatkopar between 10:19 hrs and 15:52 hrs will be diverted onto the Up fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT. These trains will stop at Kurla, Sion, Matunga, Dadar, Parel and Byculla station. Harbour Line: services cancelled between Panvel and Vashi A mega block will also be imposed on the UP and DOWN Harbour lines between Panvel and Vashi (excluding the Port line) from 11:05 hrs to 16:05 hrs. Harbour Line section UP Harbour line services towards CSMT departing Panvel between 10:33 hrs and 15:49 hrs will be cancelled. DOWN Harbour line services to Belapur/Panvel departing CSMT between 9:45 hrs and 15:12 hrs will be cancelled. Trans-Harbour line section UP Trans-Harbour line services towards Thane departing Panvel between 11:02 hrs and 15:53 hrs will be cancelled. DOWN Trans-Harbour line services towards Panvel departing Thane between 10:01 hrs and 15:20 hrs will be cancelled. Alternative services during the block period To reduce inconvenience to passengers special local trains will run on the CSMT-Vashi section during the block period, officials said. It said that the Trans-Harbour line services will operate between Thane and Vashi/Nerul and the Port line services will remain available throughout the block. Passengers Advised to Plan Ahead Central Railway has requested passengers to plan their journeys accordingly and bear with the railway administration for any inconvenience caused during the maintenance work.
06 February,2026 08:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a five-hour jumbo block on the UP and Down Slow lines between Santacruz and Goregaon on Sunday, February 8, 2026. It said that the block was being operated to carry out essential maintenance work on tracks, signalling and overhead equipment. An official statement said that the block will be in effect from 10:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs. During the block, all Slow line trains will be diverted to run on the Fast lines between Santacruz and Goregaon. As a result, these trains will not stop at Vile Parle and Ram Mandir stations, due to insufficient platform length and unavailability of platforms, respectively, a statement issued by Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Vineet Abhishek said. However, services will continue to be available at Vile Parle and Ram Mandir on the Harbour line (Churchgate–Goregaon services). Some services cancelled or short-terminated The maintenance block will lead to cancellation of some suburban services. Additionally, some Borivali and Andheri services will run only up to Goregaon on the Harbour line. Passengers are advised that a detailed list of affected trains will be available with station masters at all suburban stations. Western Railway has requested commuters to note the changes and plan their travel accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Central Railway to operate mega block on Sunday Meanwhile, Central Railway’s Mumbai Division will also operate a mega block on February 8, 2026 on its suburban sections to carry out essential engineering and maintenance work. The block will affect both the Main Line and Harbour Line, causing changes in train operations for several hours. The mega block will be in effect on the UP and DOWN slow lines between CSMT Mumbai and Vidyavihar from 10:55 hrs to 15:55 hrs. Down slow services departing CSMT Mumbai between 10:48 hrs and 15:45 hrs will be diverted onto the Down fast line between CSMT and Vidyavihar. These trains will stop at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion and Kurla. The trains will rejoin the Down slow line at Vidyavihar, an official statement said. It said that the Up slow services departing Ghatkopar between 10:19 hrs and 15:52 hrs will be diverted onto the Up fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT.
06 February,2026 08:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTrain timings and terminal stations of several Central Railway services from Mumbai have been revised, according to an official statement. Central Railway on Friday announced changes to the terminal stations and revised timings for several Mail/Express trains, citing operational requirements. Passengers travelling on these services are advised to note the changes and plan their journeys accordingly, it said. Terminal stations shifted to LTT The terminal stations for eight trains have been shifted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Dadar to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai. The changes will be implemented in April 2026 on different dates for each train. The affected trains are - CSMT-Thiruvananthapuram Central Express (Train No. 16331) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 19 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:55 hrs - No change in timings at stations between Thane and Thiruvananthapuram Central Thiruvananthapuram Central-CSMT Express (Train No. 16332) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 18 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 18:50 hrs - No change in timings at stations between Thane and Thiruvananthapuram Central CSMT-Nagercoil Express (Train No. 16351) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 17 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:55 hrs - Revised timings at Thane: - Arrival: 21:07 hrs (earlier 21:13 hrs) - Departure: 21:10 hrs (earlier 21:15 hrs) - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil Nagercoil-CSMT Express (Train No. 16352) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 16 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 18:50 hrs - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil CSMT-Nagercoil Express (Train No. 16339) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 14 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:55 hrs - Revised timings at Thane: - Arrival: 21:07 hrs (earlier 21:13 hrs) - Departure: 21:10 hrs (earlier 21:15 hrs) - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil Nagercoil-CSMT Express (Train No. 16340) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 13 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 18:50 hrs - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil Dadar-Tirunelveli Express (Train No. 22629) - Terminal shifted from Dadar to LTT - Effective from 16 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:45 hrs - Revised timings at Thane: - Arrival: 21:02 hrs (earlier 21:04 hrs) - Departure: 21:05 hrs (earlier 21:07 hrs) - No change in timings between Panvel and Tirunelveli Tirunelveli-Dadar Express (Train No. 22630) - Terminal shifted from Dadar to LTT - Effective from 15 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 15:00 hrs - No change in timings between Tirunelveli and Thane Passengers advised to plan ahead The Central Railway has urged passengers to note these changes and make travel arrangements accordingly. The revised schedules will be effective from mid-April 2026.
06 February,2026 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday said that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar should assume charge as the party president, reported news agency PTI. The NCP chief’s post has remained vacant since Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Bhujbal, the state's food and civil supplies minister, told reporters here that he would meet her when she comes to Mumbai and urge her to accept the request. Asserting that all decisions have been taken after consulting Sunetra Pawar, Bhujbal said even her election as NCP legislature party leader was a collective decision and not of any particular leader or leaders. Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar likely to be nominated to Rajya Sabha Parth Pawar is likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha in place of his mother Sunetra Pawar, who took oath last week as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. However, with Parth’s name linked to the controversial Pune land deal, there is a possibility that the party may instead consider other son Jay Pawar for a role in Delhi politics. After the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is going through major changes. Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha member, resigned from Parliament after taking the oath as deputy chief minister, stepping into the role previously held by her husband, Ajit. According to NCP leaders, there is a strong view within the party that Parth should be sent to Delhi politics by nominating him to the Rajya Sabha seat vacated after his mother’s resignation. “The party will soon meet and formally approve Parth’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha,” a senior party functionary said on condition of anonymity. However, due to the controversial Pune land deal linked to Parth, the party is also considering the option of nominating Jay, Parth’s younger brother. According to sources in the NCP camp, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already said that he would extend all possible support to the party’s decision. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra contested from Baramati but lost to Supriya Sule, the daughter of NCP founder Sharad Pawar and Ajit’s cousin. That year, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP failed to win any Lok Sabha seats except Raigad, where party state president Sunil Tatkare emerged victorious. After his wife’s defeat, Ajit, in 2024, got Sunetra nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the NCP. (With PTI inputs)
06 February,2026 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCab and auto-rickshaw drivers across India will observe a nationwide one-day strike on February 7, 2026, protesting against illegal bike taxi services and what they describe as unfair fare policies of app-based companies including Ola, Uber and Rapido, the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and Indian Gig Workers Forum said in an official statement on Friday. The strike will involve drivers associated with app-based platforms as well as traditional cab and auto-rickshaw operators, it said. Driver unions said illegal bike taxi services are operating openly across the country despite repeated warnings from transport authorities. They claimed that such services have led to fatal accidents in Mumbai, resulting in deaths and permanent disabilities. As bike taxi services are not legally permitted in several states, accident victims are often denied insurance coverage, which unions described as a serious public safety concern. According to the unions, the Transport Department has issued multiple written instructions to companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, asking them to follow government-approved rules. However, driver representatives alleged that these companies continue to defy official orders and that no strict action has been taken against them so far. Panic button costs burden drivers Drivers also raised concerns over the installation of panic button devices, saying they are being financially exploited in the process. While the Central Government has approved 140 panic button service providers, the State Government has reportedly declared nearly 70 per cent of these companies unauthorised. This has forced drivers to remove previously installed devices and spend around Rs 12,000 again to install new ones, adding to their financial stress. Auto permit policy adds to woes Another key issue highlighted is the government’s open auto-rickshaw permit policy, which has led to a sharp rise in the number of auto-rickshaws on the roads. Union leaders said this has reduced drivers’ incomes and worsened traffic congestion in major cities. The strike is being organised to draw the government’s attention to these issues and to press for what drivers describe as their legitimate demands. Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum, said, "The one-day strike is a democratic step to seek fair regulation, driver safety and economic justice."
06 February,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has decided not to celebrate his birthday on February 9 as a mark of tribute to the late NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, an official release said on Friday. In a statement issued by his office, Shinde said Maharashtra is still grieving and has not yet recovered from the shock of Ajit Pawar’s untimely death. Shinde also posted on his X handle stating that he will not celebrate his birthday this year. He said that Ajit Pawar’s passing was a personal loss, as he had lost not just a political colleague but also a close friend. Shinde appealed to his supporters, party workers and well-wishers to refrain from organising any celebrations on his birthday. He also urged them not to bring bouquets, flowers or gifts, and requested that no hoardings or banners be put up to greet him. राज्याचे उपमुख्यमंत्री अजितदादा पवार यांच्या दुर्दैवी अपघाती निधनामुळे साऱ्या महाराष्ट्रावर दु:खाचा डोंगर कोसळला आहे. त्यामुळे यंदा ९ फेब्रुवारी रोजी मी वाढदिवस साजरा करणार नाही. या दिवशी कार्यकर्ते, पक्षनेते, पदाधिकारी आणि नागरिकांनी पुष्पगुच्छ, भेटी आणू नयेत, तसेच… — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 6, 2026 “We share the grief of the Pawar family,” Shinde said. Ajit Pawar, who was serving as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, died along with four others when their aircraft crashed at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. Will consider demand to rename Ladki Bahin scheme after Ajit Pawar Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that his government will consider the demand to rename the Ladki Bahin scheme after Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. Earlier on Tuesday, NCP MLC Amol Mitkari demanded that the government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for financial assistance to women be renamed after Pawar. Speaking to the media in Haridwar, CM Fadnavis said, "There are several demands. We will sit together and think how to go about it," as cited by news agency PTI. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. Mitkari had said Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) was the favourite brother of women in the state. He emphasised, "His wrist would be full of rakhis when he travelled across the state during his yatras." The state government would give a tribute to him if it named the scheme the Ajitdadanchi Ladki Bahin scheme (Ajitdada's Ladki Bahin scheme)," as cited by news agency PTI. Ladki Bahin Yojana was announced by Ajit Pawar The Ladki Bahin scheme, announced by Pawar when he was the finance minister and started in July 2024, provides assistance of Rs 1,500 every month to eligible women in the age group of 21 to 65 through direct bank transfer. The scheme is believed to have played a crucial role in the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti in the 2024 assembly elections. (With inputs from PTI)
06 February,2026 07:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra's Thane auto-rickshaw drivers has been getting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid trainings to act as the first responders during emergency situations on streets of the city, officials said. "The auto-rickshaw drivers from the busy streets were given basic training of CPR and first aid, recognising their role as first responders in road accidents and medical emergencies," an official said. More than 100 auto-rickshaw drivers are taking part in the first phase of the initiative, officials said. The training programme focuses on CPR, basic trauma care and patient stabilisation. Practical sessions are conducted under medical supervision, using mannequins to help drivers understand and practise life-saving techniques. Each participant is also being given a first-aid kit to keep in their vehicle, allowing them to provide basic assistance until ambulances or emergency services arrive. Bridging the gap in emergency care Hospital officials said traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) often delays emergency vehicles, while auto-rickshaw drivers are usually among the first to reach accident sites or medical emergencies in public places. The programme aims to bridge the crucial time gap between an incident and professional medical care, they added. Early intervention can save lives Doctors associated with the programme said early intervention can greatly improve survival chances in cases of road injuries and sudden cardiac arrest. Emergency medicine specialists overseeing the sessions stressed that even simple actions taken in the first few minutes can prevent a patient’s condition from worsening. Oral health screenings for drivers Along with emergency training, KIMS Hospitals is also conducting oral health screenings for participating drivers. Doctors said auto-rickshaw drivers are a high-risk group for oral cancer, mainly due to tobacco consumption, and early detection through routine screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Community outreach effort The initiative is being implemented in association with the Amar Gharat Foundation, which is coordinating with local auto-rickshaw unions and drivers to ensure smooth participation in the programme.
06 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerMumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urgently set up a helipad at the Bandra Reclamation area near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to strengthen emergency response on the coastal corridors. In a memorandum submitted to Fadnavis, Shelar highlighted the recent serious emergency on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, where a gas tanker overturned two days ago, stranding commuters for over 36 hours. Citing this as a wake-up call, he stressed the need for enhanced emergency management on critical routes such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Versova-Bandra Sea Link, and the entire coastal road. "These are high-traffic, elevated, and sea-based infrastructure projects. In case of accidents, fire, or natural disasters, providing immediate and effective response becomes a major challenge," the minister noted. "Particularly on the coastal road, which runs underground and over the sea, evacuating the injured to hospitals, mobilising security forces quickly, and delivering emergency services can prove extremely difficult,” he added. Air ambulances can swiftly evacuate the injured during emergencies: Ashish Shelar Shelar specifically demanded the construction of a helipad in the Bandra Reclamation area close to the sea link. He pointed out that suitable land is already available and requested immediate instructions to the departments concerned for a decision and execution. "Once the helipad is operational, air ambulances can swiftly evacuate the injured during emergencies on the coastal road and sea links. This will also enable faster access to nearby major hospitals such as Lilavati Hospital and others in the vicinity," he stated. The minister emphasised that such a facility would significantly improve coordination among disaster management teams, police, fire brigade, NDRF, and other agencies, thereby strengthening the long-term emergency framework for Mumbai — the country's densely populated financial capital. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over safety and rapid response on Mumbai's vital coastal infrastructure, especially after recent incidents that exposed gaps in emergency preparedness.
06 February,2026 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
