In what is being described as a first for Mumbai’s suburban railway network—and a pioneering experiment on Indian Railways—a non-AC local train equipped with an automatic door-closure system has been manufactured and is currently on its way to Mumbai. First-of-its-kind rake for Mumbai suburban network The 12-car rake, numbered 268201–268212, is the first non-AC train of its kind to be introduced on the network. Designed with automatic sliding doors, the train aims to enhance commuter safety on Mumbai’s crowded suburban routes. Manufactured in Chennai, en route to Mumbai According to available details, the newly built train has rolled out from the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur, Chennai. It is currently being transported to Mumbai via Renigunta as an “empty EMU special.” The Central Railway will officially receive the rake at Wadi station in the Solapur division before moving it to Kurla carshed for further processes and eventual deployment. Push for safer suburban travel Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had announced in September 2025 that Mumbai’s suburban network would gradually transition to closed-door trains to improve passenger safety. “From the safety purpose of commuters in Mumbai, it is very important that any local trains that operate in Mumbai need to have their doors closed. It has now been decided that all the trains henceforth manufactured for Mumbai will be that of closed doors. We have done three experiments in this context. The first is retrofit doors on all existing local trains, the second one is all the non-AC trains that are being manufactured will be with close-doors and naturally the AC trains that will be manufactured will come with close doors. It has been in principle decided to have close doors on all local trains AC or non-AC,” Union Railway Minister Ashiwini Vashnaw said.
09 April,2026 10:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAn Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3 train was halted for nearly 6–7 minutes on an elevated stretch between an underground tunnel section and Aarey JVLR station while en route to Aarey JVLR on Thursday. Technical issue cited According to an onboard announcement, the delay was caused by a technical issue. Passengers were informed about the situation through the public address system inside the train. Brief disruption in services The temporary halt led to a brief disruption for commuters travelling on the corridor. However, there were no immediate reports of panic or safety concerns among passengers during the delay. Further details on the nature of the technical fault are awaited.
09 April,2026 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMaharashtra Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike on Wednesday visited a Katkari settlement in the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) area, where he assessed ground realities and reviewed the implementation of government welfare schemes for tribal communities. Focus on land ownership issues The minister’s visit centred on long-pending concerns over ownership rights of Katkari families residing on Plot No. 538A within municipal limits. Accompanied by Panvel Mayor Nitin Patil and senior officials, Uike inspected the settlement and sought detailed inputs from the Revenue Department and civic authorities regarding the status of the land. During an interaction held at a local community hall, members of the Katkari community highlighted issues related to housing, basic amenities and legal ownership. The minister assured that their concerns would be examined and addressed through appropriate administrative measures. Review meeting at civic headquarters Following the field visit, a review meeting was convened at the PMC headquarters, attended by officials from the Tribal Development Department, Revenue Department and municipal administration. Discussions primarily focused on resolving land ownership claims and ensuring better coordination between departments. Mayor Nitin Patil stated that the municipal corporation would take a “positive decision” on the issue of land rights after due consideration. Housing proposals and welfare outreach Municipal Commissioner Mangesh Chitale informed that the civic body has submitted 116 proposals under the Shabari Housing Scheme to the Tribal Development Department. These proposals aim to provide housing support to eligible tribal families. He added that the administration is working towards ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits of various government schemes within the next three months. Coverage of tribal settlements Officials said the review covered nearly 1,680 tribal families residing across 20 settlements within the Panvel municipal area. The discussion also included the status of key welfare initiatives such as the PM Janman Yojana and the Rani Durgavati Scheme in urban tribal pockets. Directions for inclusive implementation Uike directed officials to ensure that tribal communities in urban areas are not overlooked in policy implementation. He emphasised the need for a sensitive approach in addressing their concerns and called for timely delivery of scheme benefits. The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor Pramila Patil, Leader of the House Prakash Binedar, Opposition Leader Arvind Mhatre, Sub-Divisional Officer Pawan Chandak, Additional Commissioners Ganesh Shete and Maheshkumar Meghmale, Project Officer Tejaswini Galande, along with officials from various departments and local representatives.
09 April,2026 09:53 PM IST | Panvel | mid-day online correspondentA two-day multi-agency disaster preparedness exercise was conducted at the Navi Mumbai International Airport to evaluate its readiness to handle complex emergency situations, including natural disasters and technological hazards. The exercise brought together multiple central, state and local agencies, focusing on coordination, response efficiency and crisis management systems. Tabletop planning and equipment demonstrations The exercise began with a tabletop simulation, where officials discussed response strategies, communication protocols and inter-agency coordination mechanisms. This was followed by demonstrations of specialised rescue equipment and emergency response vehicles designed for rapid deployment during crises. Officials said these sessions were aimed at aligning operational procedures across agencies and identifying potential coordination gaps before moving to real-time simulations. Full-scale drill simulates multi-hazard emergency The key component of the exercise was a full-scale drill simulating a multi-hazard scenario. Situations such as a cyclone impact, fire outbreak and leakage of hazardous radioactive material were recreated to test response systems under pressure. Teams carried out evacuation from multi-storey structures, search and rescue operations, firefighting and hazard containment measures. Emergency Operation Centres were activated, while communication networks and on-ground coordination were assessed in real time. Authorities noted that the drill tested the ability of agencies to respond to cascading disasters—where one emergency triggers another—requiring rapid decision-making and seamless coordination. Participation from multiple agencies and institutions The exercise was conducted under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Authority and the District Disaster Management Authority. Key response forces included the National Disaster Response Force, Central Reserve Police Force and the Department of Atomic Energy. Local agencies such as the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Panvel Municipal Corporation and City and Industrial Development Corporation also took part, along with the Central Industrial Security Force, fire services, civil defence teams and disaster volunteers. Medical response was supported by teams from Fortis Hospital Vashi and Apollo Hospital CBD Belapur, ensuring immediate treatment and triage during simulated casualty scenarios. Officials observe and assess preparedness Senior officials, including Dinesh Kumar Aswal and Ajay Verma, were present to oversee the drill. Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale and other administrative and emergency management officials monitored the execution and response timelines. Authorities said the exercise helped identify operational strengths and areas requiring improvement, particularly in communication, resource mobilisation and on-site safety management. Focus on strengthening emergency response systems The drill was aimed at enhancing preparedness for extreme weather events and complex emergencies that could affect critical infrastructure like airports. Officials emphasised that such exercises are essential for improving coordination among agencies and ensuring a swift, structured response during real incidents. The successful execution of the exercise is expected to contribute to strengthening disaster response frameworks and operational readiness at the upcoming airport facility.
09 April,2026 09:40 PM IST | Raigad–Alibag | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at Terminal 1 of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Santacruz East on Thursday, April 9. The incident at the airport triggered a swift response from emergency services. Soon after receiving information about the fire, teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, along with airport police, rushed to the spot and began firefighting operations. The situation was brought under control, and no injuries have been reported so far. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) While briefing about the fire incident at T1, the CSMIA spokesperson said, "On Thursday, 09 April 2026, a minor fire was reported at Terminal 1 due to a short circuit at 18:10 hrs. The fire was immediately brought under control by the emergency response teams within minutes. Airport operations remain unaffected." A source at Mumbai Airport further said that due to the fire, electronic systems at the airport temporarily stopped working, leaving the security doors open. However, everything as of now seems to have been brought back to normal. " The fire had started at Aerobridge 3 (alpha 3) with a short circuit and led to the system going down at the airport," the sources further confirmed. Short circuit initiated the blaze at CSIA Furthermore, the officials indicated that a short circuit is suspected to be the likely cause of the incident. As per the official statement from BMC, the blaze was reported at around 6:35 pm. The incident occurred at the 1B Circle area of the airport, where the fire was confined to the ground floor of a ground-plus-three-storey structure. The Mumbai Fire Brigade classified the situation as a Level I (minor) fire at 7:05 pm. Firefighters, along with airport police and civic ward staff, were immediately mobilised to contain the blaze. Authorities confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far. Initial assessments suggest a short circuit may have caused the fire, though a detailed investigation is underway. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, and further updates are awaited as more information and visuals from the site emerge.
09 April,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturMaharashtra government is planning solar-powered onion processing units in the state to support farmers, stabilise prices, state minister Jaykumar Rawal said on Thursday. He said that the state is set to promote the onion processing industry to support farmers. Speaking at a meeting held in Mumbai on Thursday, Jaykumar Rawal said that the move aims to protect onion growers from price fluctuations while also safeguarding the interests of consumers. He stressed that ensuring fair and stable prices remains a key priority for the government. Maharashtra is one of the largest onion-producing states in India, with significant output every year. Around 70 per cent of the produce is consumed within the country, while nearly 30 per cent remains surplus. Rawal, Maharashtra Minister of Marketing and Protocol, said that it is important to process this extra produce into value-added products such as onion powder and chips, which can be sold in domestic as well as international markets, an official statement said. Push for industry and women’s participation Jaykumar Rawal called for the establishment of onion processing units across the state. The staate minister also stated the need to involve women’s self-help groups in the sector, which could create additional income opportunities and strengthen rural communities. Push to rural economy, employment Jaykumar Rawal expressed confidence that such industries would not only benefit farmers but also generate employment at the local level and support the rural economy. The minister pointed out that excess production often leads to a drop in onion prices that causes losses to Maharashtra farmers. At the same time, price rises create dissatisfaction among consumers. He stated that the processing surplus onions was described as an effective way to balance both situations, the statement said. Technology and sustainable approach According to the official statement, at the meeting, representatives from S4S Technologies presented technical details of the proposed project. Rawal suggested that the project should have high processing capacity to benefit a larger number of farmers. He also recommended using solar-powered technology for better efficiency and sustainability. Officials have been asked to prepare a detailed and comprehensive plan for implementation, it said.
09 April,2026 08:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil has raised strong objections to the proposed sale of the seed strain used in DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) vaccines to a private company, urging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to immediately halt the process, reported news agency PTI. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Patil expressed concern over what he termed a move to transfer a critical public health asset into private hands, warning that such a decision could have long-term implications for affordable healthcare in the state, reported PTI. Concerns over transfer of critical biological asset Patil highlighted that the seed strain used for manufacturing DPT vaccines is a rare and invaluable biological resource with a market value running into thousands of crores of rupees. He cautioned that transferring such an asset to a private entity could undermine public sector capabilities in vaccine production. The proposal reportedly follows interest from Reliance Life Sciences, which has offered to acquire the strain on commercial terms. Patil noted that the government appears to have initiated steps in this direction, raising serious concerns about transparency and intent. Haffkine Corporation capable of producing vaccines The NCP (SP) leader stressed that the state-run Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceutical Corporation already possesses the infrastructure and expertise required to manufacture DPT vaccines at affordable rates, reported PTI. He argued that instead of selling the strain, the government should empower the Haffkine Corporation to scale up production, thereby ensuring wider access to essential vaccines while retaining control over a strategic resource, reported PTI. Legacy of Waldemar Haffkine cited Patil also invoked the legacy of Waldemar Haffkine, after whom the institute is named. He pointed out that Haffkine, a pioneering scientist, developed life-saving vaccines for humanity without seeking patents or commercial gain, reported PTI. Selling the DPT seed strain, Patil argued, would go against the foundational principles and legacy of the institution, which has historically focused on public welfare and scientific advancement. Opposition leaders question urgency of proposal The issue has also been flagged by Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who raised concerns during the recent Budget session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly. Wadettiwar questioned the urgency with which an Expression of Interest was floated by the Haffkine Institute following the proposal from Reliance Life Sciences. He asked why a biological asset valued at approximately Rs 1,500 crore should be transferred to a private entity when the state-run institute itself has the capacity to manufacture vaccines, reported PTI. Call to cancel sale and prioritise public health Patil urged the state government to cancel the proposed sale and instead direct the Haffkine Corporation to begin or expand vaccine production. He maintained that such a move would ensure the continued availability of affordable vaccines while safeguarding a critical public health resource, reported PTI. Established in 1899, the Haffkine Institute is among India’s oldest biomedical research institutions, engaged in research, training, and testing related to infectious diseases. The controversy surrounding the proposed sale has sparked a broader debate over public versus private control of essential healthcare assets. (With inputs from PTI)
09 April,2026 08:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday criticised the Congress for withdrawing its candidate from the Baramati assembly bypoll, arguing that the opposition missed an opportunity to push for a formal investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, reported PTI. The bye-election was necessitated following Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash earlier this year. The polling is scheduled for April 23, with over 20 candidates still in the fray. Raut questions timing of Congress withdrawal Reacting to the Congress decision to withdraw its candidate Akash More, Raut said the move came at a crucial moment when opposition parties could have exerted pressure on the government, reported PTI. He suggested that the withdrawal could have been used as leverage to demand the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) into the crash, which also claimed the lives of four others. According to Raut, the opposition had a clear chance to “unmask” the ruling party by insisting on accountability, reported PTI. FIR demand remains central to opposition stance Opposition parties in Maharashtra have been consistently demanding that an FIR be registered in connection with the Baramati plane crash. Raut reiterated that such a step is essential to initiate a thorough probe into the incident and determine responsibility. He alleged that the government has shown little urgency in pursuing legal action against the aviation company involved, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the investigation process. Calls directed at Pawar family as well Raut also stated that the demand for an FIR should have been strongly raised by Sunetra Pawar, who is contesting the bypoll, as well as by family members including Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, reported PTI. He questioned why those directly affected by the tragedy had not taken a more assertive stand on the issue. Political outreach preceded Congress decision Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar met Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, urging him to ensure the withdrawal of the party’s candidate from the Baramati contest. The Congress had previously indicated that it would consider stepping out of the race only if an FIR was registered in the crash case. However, the party eventually withdrew without that condition being fulfilled. Raut targets Election Commission over TMC row Separately, Raut also criticised the Election Commission of India over its reported exchange with a delegation from the All India Trinamool Congress, reported PTI. Referring to allegations that the Chief Election Commissioner had an altercation with TMC leaders during a meeting, Raut described the development as an “assault on democracy.” He accused the poll body of bias, claiming its conduct raised serious questions about its independence, reported PTI. Bypoll remains politically significant The Baramati seat, represented eight times by Ajit Pawar, remains politically significant in Maharashtra. With the Congress opting out and opposition unity under scrutiny, the bypoll has taken on added importance, not just as an electoral contest but as a reflection of broader political dynamics in the state. As campaigning intensifies, the focus is likely to remain on both the electoral outcome and the unresolved questions surrounding the plane crash investigation. (With inputs from PTI)
09 April,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra on Thursday said that it was starting a special drain cleaning drive alongside its ongoing cleanliness campaign ahead of the arrival of the monsoon season. An official statement said that a large-scale cleanliness campaign is underway in Thane, and the civic body will begin drain cleaning work from Friday, April 10, as part of efforts to improve sanitation across the city. It said that the campaign is being carried out under the vision of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, with leadership of Thane Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and under the guidance from Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao. Cleanliness drives in key Thane areas The officials said that on Friday morning, a cleanliness drive will be conducted at the Indiranagar Naka in Lokmanya Savarkar Nagar ward and it will begin at 8 am. A drive will also be launched near Darul Falah Masjid area in Mumbra area in Thane district at 9:30 am. Local representatives and civic officials are expected to take part in these activities, they said. Drain cleaning work to begin in Mumbra The statement said that following the cleanliness drives, the drain cleaning work will be formally launched at 10 am at Amrut Nagar Nala in the Mumbra ward area. Senior civic officials, including the mayor and municipal commissioner, will be present at the event. Focus on citywide sanitation According to Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Madhukar Bodke, the initiative aims to improve overall cleanliness and ensure proper drainage ahead of the monsoon season. BMC accelerates Mithi River desilting Meanwhile, the BMC has intensified desilting operations across the Mithi River and key drainage networks, with officials setting a firm deadline of May 31, 2026, to complete the work ahead of the monsoon. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar has directed officials to accelerate desilting work across major and minor drains, particularly at waterlogging-prone locations. He emphasized the need for structured planning, including strict timelines for each drain, with start and completion schedules to be made publicly accessible via a digital dashboard. Daily targets have also been mandated to ensure timely completion, while contractors have been instructed to provide real-time updates on machinery deployment as per tender conditions. Field Inspections Across Key Locations Bangar conducted an on-ground inspection on April 3, reviewing ongoing desilting works in the Mithi River and eastern suburbs. Under a three-package plan, work has commenced at five locations along the river. Key sites inspected included stretches near the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority office, and areas near a prominent international school in the vicinity. In addition, inspections were carried out at Boundary Nala in Mulund and Somaiya Nala in Ghatkopar, where officials were directed to prioritise flood-prone zones and coordinate closely with local representatives.
09 April,2026 07:18 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to set up a centralised “war room” to strengthen monitoring of cleanliness operations across the city, as part of efforts to improve on-ground implementation. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed officials to ensure stricter supervision, including regular field visits by ward-level administrators. The directions were issued during a review meeting of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) department held at the civic headquarters on April 9. Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioners Prashant Gaikwad and Kiran Dighavkar, were present. According to officials, the proposed war room will function as a central control system to track cleanliness-related work across Mumbai, enabling quicker response and better coordination between departments. Focus on consistent execution and micro-planning Bhide emphasised that cleanliness must be treated as an ongoing process rather than a one-time exercise. She called for “micro-planning” of road cleaning, particularly on high-traffic stretches such as coastal roads and major highways, where heavy vehicular movement poses challenges. To address this, the BMC is considering the deployment of mechanised cleaning systems using specialised vehicles designed for urban conditions. Officials have been asked to explore collaborations with reputed institutions to develop customised solutions suited to Mumbai’s requirements. The commissioner also suggested that select high-footfall locations be developed as “model clean areas” to set benchmarks, alongside public awareness efforts to encourage citizens to maintain hygiene standards. Electric vehicles and waste management upgrades The civic body highlighted its increasing reliance on electric vehicles for waste collection. Around 10 per cent of the BMC’s solid waste collection fleet now comprises electric vehicles, making it one of the first municipal corporations in India to deploy high-capacity e-vehicles at this scale. Mumbai currently generates approximately 7,200 metric tonnes of solid waste every day, which is processed and disposed of using scientific methods, officials said. Under a revised service-based contract system, the BMC has streamlined its fleet operations. While the earlier system deployed 1,196 vehicles, improved capacity in the new fleet has reduced the number to 988, officials added. The vehicles have also been given a new colour scheme for easier identification. Segregation efforts and citizen participation The city currently has 46 dry waste segregation centres, supported by 94 dedicated vehicles operating round-the-clock. In addition, the BMC has rolled out a specialised service for the collection of domestic sanitary waste, which is being used by a growing number of establishments. Officials also reiterated the importance of public participation in maintaining cleanliness. The civic body has urged residents and businesses to actively take part in initiatives such as the ‘Mumbai Clean League’, aimed at encouraging community involvement in sanitation efforts.
09 April,2026 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe vision laid out at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 at Davos is now gaining traction on the ground. As per the official statement, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority convened a high-level meeting to accelerate the proposed ‘Innovation City’ project in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The meeting on Thursday was chaired by Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, which focused on translating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this year into a structured implementation roadmap. Key focus areas The discussions were built upon the MoU signed at Davos 2026 between MMRDA, the Tata Group, and the Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra. However, the key focus areas included defining the overall vision and strategic direction of the Innovation City, outlining an execution roadmap, identifying potential partnerships, and setting timelines for phased implementation. Officials further indicated that there is strong alignment among stakeholders, paving the way for a time-bound rollout of the ambitious project. The proposed Innovation City is envisioned as a world-class ecosystem that will integrate technology, research, and entrepreneurship within the MMR. Project focuses on boosting Maharashtra’s development Once operational, the project is expected to significantly boost Maharashtra’s positioning as a global hub for innovation and emerging technologies, while also attracting investments, fostering startups, and generating employment opportunities across sectors. With initial groundwork now underway, authorities are expected to move towards detailed planning and on-ground execution in the coming months, marking a shift from policy intent to tangible progress. Among those present were Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Kaustubh Dhavse, Sucharita Choudhury, and Ritesh Mandot, along with senior officials from the authority and representatives of the Tata Group.
09 April,2026 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
