This year’s Gudi Padwa, marking the Maharashtrian New Year, will see celebratory processions across the city. While Girgaon and Thane traditionally host vibrant rallies, a citizen group will organise a separate yatra in Dadar to highlight issues affecting the Marathi community, including the condition of Marathi-medium schools. Led by Dr Deepak Pawar, the Marathi Abhyas Kendra will conduct a procession from Sanyukta Maharashtra Smruti Dalan, Shivaji Park in Dadar, to Kamgar Maidan in Parel on March 19, 8 am, to welcome the New Year. Organisers said the event aims to raise concerns related to Marathi schools, employment opportunities and housing for Marathi people in Mumbai. Open call The group said the celebration is not restricted to any religion and invites people from different communities to participate. Artistes will present visual performances during the yatra, and several Marathi schools and students have been invited to join. “As a part of the procession, we are also undertaking several resolutions. They are small steps, such as purchasing Marathi literature, engaging with local theatre, and watching at least one Marathi film in the cinemas. This way we can ensure that we remain connected to our language all through the year, and not just for a day,” said Anand Bhandare, an activist from the Marathi Abhyas Kendra. Key issues >> Future of Marathi-medium schools>> Employment opportunities for Marathi people>> Housing for Marathi people in Mumbai Resolutions >> Give priority to Marathi businesses>> Subscribe to Marathi newspapers>> Visit heritage forts in Maharashtra>> Promote Marathi food culture>> Sign and greet in Marathi
16 March,2026 08:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarAfter mid-day highlighted the sorry state of Flora Fountain, from which water had ceased to spout, the BMC cleaned the basin of the Grade-I heritage structure in Fort and operated it on Saturday evening. While the fountain was not operational on Sunday afternoon, BMC officials confirmed that it would be operated daily with the help of regular civic staff. Official Speak A senior civic official Flora Fountain, whose basin contains stagnant water and algae, wears a neglected look ‘The department was instructed to start operating the fountain every day with the help of BMC staff until the contract for its daily maintenance is awarded’ Waterworks The 162-year-old structure on Sunday, following a clean-up by civic workers. PICS/ASHISH RAJE >> Water is stored in a seven-foot-six-inch-deep chamber at the centre of the fountain. The chamber got buried but was restored by the civic body in 2017-18>> About 40,000 litres are needed to operate the fountain
16 March,2026 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS | Ashish RajeMotorists across the city have raised concerns over what they describe as a growing revenue trap disguised as road safety enforcement. From strategically placed, barely visible signboards tucked behind trees and Metro pillars to electronic signals showing completely opposite signs to the ‘old-school non-electronic’ signboards, commuters say they are being penalised more for confusion than for dangerous driving. Nariman Point to Grant Road Signal showing a right turn while the signboard displays ‘no right turn’ near Wilson College. PIC/ASHISH RAJE While the old signboard clearly states that drivers cannot take a right turn to go towards Grant Road if they are coming from Marine Drive at the signal that’s just before Wilson College, the electronic signalling system shows that one can take a right turn. Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road While there is a ‘one-way’ sign board near the signal, drivers often tend to miss it, especially during peak hours. By the time they realise, it’s too late, as they are already paying the fine. “We have tried and tested all methods. Opening this road for all traffic is just not possible, as it would lead to huge traffic congestion on the WEH. This road directly connects to WEH, which is packed northwards in the evening and southwards in the morning,” said Ramdas Mahale, traffic constable. The left signal sign board which was removed earlier in March Earlier, if one came from Borivli towards Bandra on the WEH and wished to take a left turn to Bandra directly from the highway instead of first entering the service road and then taking a left turn, to go towards the collector’s office, he or she would be fined just opposite Sai Prasad Hotel on the Maruti Mandir Road, one could get away with a bribe too. However, Joint Commissioner (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare acknowledged mid-day highlighting the confusion over the Kherwadi signal in Bandra East and the alleged bribery by traffic police. Joint Commissioner (Traffic) “We are thankful to mid-day for bringing this issue to our notice. While we have already taken action at one location, actions will be taken at the other two locations as well at the earliest. We will take strict action against the cops who take bribes. We request commuters to not be involved in such practices and instead click a photo of the cop demanding a bribe and send it to our helpline.” The main signal on highway shows green along with arrows pointing towards left to take a left turn at the Kherwadi signal, creating confusion before the sign board was removed. Pic/Ritika Gondhalekar Voices Esha Narkar, a daily commuter“For someone like me who is not a local resident, seeing the BEST buses and two-wheelers pass, you tend to just drive through. Also, the signboard on the signal [at Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road] is on the extreme left, which is barely visible. I have paid an Rs 500 fine recently.” Gaurav Joshi, a resident of Mahakali“The road was turned into a ‘one-way’ long ago [around 2005-2006] for multiple reasons, including flooding in 2005, followed by multiple constructions. However, it has been three years since the last construction work was completed, for which this road [Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road] was kept open in one direction. We do not understand why people are still made to take a huge turn of about 1.5 km and keep this three-lane-wide road empty even during the peak hours.” Falguni Ketkar, a daily commuter“I was going to my mother’s home in Grant Road, and my office is in Nariman Point. My driver took this right turn, and we were asked to take our car on the side by a traffic cop. He mentioned that we had taken the wrong turn and that a board showing ‘no right turn allowed’ [on Nariman Point to Grant Road] was put up at the signal. I did try to make him understand that the signal allowed us to take a right turn here. How will we know which one to follow?” Rs 500Fine for taking a wrong turn 2005-06Year Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road was converted to one way
16 March,2026 08:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarCommuters have raised safety concerns about the new jetty on the Borivli-Gorai ferry route, where Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) boat services will be introduced, allowing more passengers and vehicles to be ferried across the Gorai creek. Lack of personnel Late last year, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) appointed personnel to ensure ferries don’t get overcrowded with vehicles or passengers. They also ensured that all passengers donned life vests. A few commuters claimed that these individuals are no longer present. Rossi D’Souza, a Gorai resident and member of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat, said, “Nowadays, I don’t see the security personnel near the jetty in the morning or evening. Because of this, no one follows the rules regarding overcrowding or life vests.” Narrow route A commuter said, “While the jetty was previously not extremely wide, it wasn’t so narrow that ambulances couldn’t be accommodated, but since the construction has started, two vehicles can barely be driven abreast of each other. The narrow path leads to overcrowding on weekends.” He added, “Should some accident happen, God forbid, an ambulance carrying victims would have to take the Bhayandar route, wasting precious time.” Official speak An MMB executive engineer said, “After four or five days, there will be more and proper walking space for regular commuters. We are going to ensure a smooth commute for all.”
16 March,2026 08:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Nimesh Dave | Madhulika Ram KavatturStranger danger An Indian Pond Heron fishes for lunch at Bandra Talao, while a Red-eared Slider Turtle watches on. The turtle species is invasive to India, and can cause harm to the city’s ecology Scots the word in Khar Paul Goodwin performs Macbeth. PIC COURTESY/THE SHAKEPSEARE EDIT Amidst the buzzing crowds, sandos, and cute cats outside 3 Art House, this diarist found the ongoing Mumbai Fringe’s co-founder Steve Gove (right). The Scotsman seemed impressed with city folk showing up for the debut fringe pop-up. “It has been quite a turnout. The idea is to use this as a springboard for something bigger in the next edition,” he revealed. The talk is that the Fringe will return next year with an extended showcase that will spread out across a week. “It is too early to say, though,” added Gove, before he joined this diarist to watch a solo performance of another famous Scot’s tale, Macbeth. Queen’s welcome Van Rani is back on track after a five-year hiatus. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI Nearly five years after it was discontinued, the crowd favourite Van Rani toy train is back on track at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. After an inauguration last Saturday, visitors can now head to the Krishnagiri Garden station inside the park — which had turned into a leisurely resting spot for visitors and resident monkeys in the train’s absence — to board the Van Rani. We learnt that the train will operate from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm with a frequency of 30 minutes. While the three-bogey train is aimed at introducing children to SGNP’s flora and fauna, we’ll happily hop on for a nostalgia trip. On-site conversations Rahul Mehrotra, Kaiwan Mehta and Ranjit Hoskote Architecture is the talk of the town at Site Lines: Talking Architecture in the Subcontinent, a series of themed talks, masterclasses, book releases and events that is underway at IFBE, Ballard Estate. Leading voices like Kaiwan Mehta, Rahul Mehrotra, and Ranjit Hoskote (right) will be present among others, at this gathering of like-minded experts from the fields of architecture, design and urban planning. Organised by the Architecture Foundation, it kicked off yesterday, and will continue till March 21. The project builds on a previous exhibition on the subject in 2016, curated by Mehrotra, Mehta, and Hoskote as well. Those keen to attend sessions can log on to @architecture-foundation to access registration forms. We’re over the Moon A still from the film features the launch of Chandrayaan. PIC COURTESY/NEHRU PLANETARIUM This week, we’re counting down to the launch of a new show at the Nehru Planetarium that puts us in the astronaut’s seat. Titled The Moon Mission – India’s Journey to the Moon, the immersive experience of India’s Moon missions will open to viewing tomorrow. Scripted by Dr Sudhir Kumar, former director of the Capacity Building Programme Office, ISRO, the show will play in English, Hindi and Marathi. “It is a reminder that bold dreams and effort can push the boundaries of knowledge, and inspire the next generation to reach for the stars,” shared Arvind Paranjpye (right), director of the planetarium.
16 March,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayThe newly inaugurated mini train service at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) earned upwards of '40,000 in ticket sales from nearly 500 visitors on Sunday. Rides were free on Saturday, when the train was inaugurated by MP Piyush Goyal. A park official stated that the current footfall was on the lower side as the exam season was on. “We are expecting a significant surge in the coming days,” the official said. SGNP visitors can board either of the two Vanrani trains for a 2.5 km ride from the Krishnagiri station from 9 am to 5 pm, excluding a lunch break from 1 pm to 1.30 pm. Visitors speakDarshan Doshi, Malad resident ‘I am visiting with my family. It was a great experience for the kids and even for me. The jungle ride was refreshing. We had to shell out close to '250 per person for this experience, including the entry fee, train ticket fee and the parking. The only suggestion I have is regarding the parking fee, it should be much lower, like before’ Sandeep Reddy Andheri resident Sandeep Reddy and his family ‘I liked the ride but found it shorter for the money paid. We are just a couple, so it didn’t burn a hole in our pockets, but for a large, middle-class family, I think the experience will be on the expensive side’ Linesh Fanse ‘The parking fee has increased a lot, around '80 for two-wheelers and '300 for four-wheelers’ Train facts The Vanrani train in motion The two mini trains can accommodate 160 passengers for two to three rides every hour for 7.5 hours a day; that’s a potential of at least 2400 tickets per day. Current numbers show that only 20 percent of those tickets are sold out. Cost of mini train tickets Rs 98 per adultRs 37 per child Entry fee levied at park’s entry gate Rs 113 per adultRs 61 per child
16 March,2026 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaImagine stepping out of Manish Market with your shopping bags and walking straight into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to catch a train. That possibility is now being explored as part of the Rs 2450 crore redevelopment of the city’s busiest railway station. Railway planners have proposed a major new entry and exit point on the west side of CSMT, potentially routed through the municipal fish market near Crawford Market. The move is being considered to handle the massive crowds expected once the station’s new elevated passenger decks become operational. View of the fish market zone near Crawford Market that railway authorities are considering as a potential access corridor for the redeveloped Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Why a new entry is planned Key objective: manage future passenger flows>> Elevated passenger decks under construction>> Additional west-side entry proposed via Manish Market road>> Avoid structural changes to the historic DN Road buildingA railway official said: “We need larger entry and exit points on the west side to disperse crowds once the elevated decks are operational.” The fish market, which railway authorities are considering as a potential access corridor for the redeveloped Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The bigger vision CSMT redevelopment aims to turn the station into a multimodal transit hub and retail zone, similar to major European terminals Planned features >> Integrated transport hub>> Retail, food courts and passenger facilities>> Access-controlled station entry>> Five acres of rooftop circulation space New CSMT will have... >> Five acres of rooftop passenger space for circulation>> Elevated passenger decks above the railway area>> Segregated entry and exit routes to manage crowds>> Retail, food, and entertainment spaces inside the station>> Souvenir and convenience shopping for passengers>> Access-controlled station entry system>> The station is expected to function like a mini city centre rail hub, where passengers can shop, eat or wait without leaving the premises The idea: Take CSMT back to the 1930s Railway planners told mid-day the goal is to restore the station’s original spatial design.“The idea is to freeze the station to the 1930 levels,” an official said.“All the haphazard developments that came up later will be removed while modern amenities are added.”The iconic heritage structure itself will remain untouched. Fishermen demand safeguards The community has called for:>> Cancellation of the Letter of Intent issued through what it calls a questionable bidding process>> A review of the tender process>> Assurance that fish market operations will not be disrupted>> Consultation with fishermen before any final decision “If authorities proceed without protecting the market, the fishing community will strongly oppose it,” Tandel said. Crowd pressure Indicator EstimateDaily passenger movement Among the highest in IndiaPlatforms under current focus 16, 17, 18Redevelopment model Inspired by UK’s King’s Cross & St Pancras stns Why some say new entry point is needed Vivek Pai, architect and transport planner‘Multiple horizontal and vertical entry points are essential to handle future commuter demand’ Harshad Joshi, commuter‘A wider exit connecting Manish Market will ease congestion and improve access’ Fish market concernsDevendra Tandel, Akhil Maharashtra Machhimar Kruti Samiti ‘This is not a small local market but a major fish distribution hub. Thousands of fishermen and workers depend on it.” The community says nearly 300 fish transport vehicles operate from the site daily and has warned it will oppose plans that threaten livelihoods.’ Redevelopment footprint Total area4,61,534 sq m New construction2,79,507 sq m Renovation1,30,912 sq m Open areas37,703 sq m Other works 13,412 sq m
16 March,2026 07:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for March 16. Aries March 21 – April 20Maintaining the right balance between diet and exercise improves sleep cycle within a week. Crucial decisions are worked out at the office. Cosmic tip: Listen to instinct about a certain person. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Make positive karma with the right words and voice inflection. Keep distance from people who habitually respond in a rough manner.Cosmic tip: Be kind. Forgive yourself of any past wrong decisions made. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Resting for an extra 24 hours helps recover completely from a viral infection. Step away from unnecessary arguments.Cosmic tip: Don’t follow up on half-baked ideas. Put thoughts into perspective. Cancer June 22 – July 23Appreciation is won due to consciously putting in 120% effort. Try and avoid food that has too much oil, ghee and butter.Cosmic tip: Live life from within the peace in your heart. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Attending parties is no longer enjoyable; in fact, the feeling of not belonging there refuses to slide away. Avoid eating chutneys or sauces.Cosmic tip: Keep fluctuating thought patterns in check. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Try not complicating life with self-criticism/ obsessively thinking of a worst-case scenario (be compassionate).Cosmic tip: Exercise, practice yoga or any other manner of working out. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Accepting people at face value is a wiser way to keep connections flowing smoothly. Planetary positions encourage new work coming in. Cosmic tip: Rework schedules daily according to priority. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Circumstances and certain conversations make you feel undermined. Speak up about it calmly.Cosmic tip: Don’t fear or resist changes as they occur. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Something is upsetting you, but pinpoint the real cause after silent introspection. Have blood pressure checked regularly. Cosmic tip: Live with awareness that’s in tune with the Higher Power. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20It’s not an avoidance tactic, but sometimes it’s best to change course, eluding conditions that mentally upset without any other recourse.Cosmic tip: Accept life as it unfolds to keep it in sync with karmas. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A karmic cycle of a better rapport with the boss begins. It’s advisable to let go of any angry thoughts on the last conversation.Cosmic tip: Accept responsibility for thoughts, words and actions. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Professional path takes a slight detour of temporary delays which more than make up for them. Cosmic tip: Make important decisions with a calm mind (it should not be an emotional decision).
16 March,2026 02:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMaharashtra’s Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Chhagan Bhujbal, on Sunday said the state government will examine concerns raised by hotel owners over a possible reduction in commercial gas supply following an advisory prioritising domestic consumption amid the West Asia crisis. In a statement, Bhujbal said gas companies have been directed by the Centre to ensure that household supply is not disrupted under any circumstances. “While the directive focuses on domestic consumption, it may indirectly affect the availability of gas for commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants,” he said, reported PTI. The minister noted that reports from Karnataka indicate that some hotels have already faced disruptions, while similar concerns have been raised in Gujarat. Hotel owners have appealed to the government not to completely halt commercial gas supply and suggested that, if necessary, it be reduced partially instead. Bhujbal warned that a complete suspension of gas supply to hotels could force many establishments to shut down. “Switching to alternatives such as kerosene would require significant infrastructure changes and could pose operational risks,” he added, reported PTI. Govt to balance domestic and commercial gas supply The minister said he has discussed the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, adding that the government will attempt to strike a balance so that domestic consumers remain unaffected while commercial establishments do not face major disruptions. Meanwhile, the Union government in its daily update on the impact of the West Asia situation said priority sectors continue to receive protected natural gas supplies, including 100 per cent supply for piped natural gas (PNG) used in households and compressed natural gas (CNG). However, gas supplies to industrial and commercial users have been regulated at around 80 per cent. Commercial LPG cylinders have also been made available to state governments for priority distribution and are currently accessible in 30 states and Union Territories. Authorities have also intensified inspections to curb hoarding and black-marketing. India imports nearly 88 per cent of its crude oil, about 50 per cent of its natural gas and around 60 per cent of its LPG requirements. Prior to the United States-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28 and Iran’s retaliation, a significant portion of these imports came from West Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The conflict has also led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for Gulf energy supplies, raising concerns about fuel availability and supply disruptions. (With PTI inputs)
15 March,2026 08:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid rising demand for LPG cylinders and the introduction of an OTP-based delivery system, the cyber cell of Mumbai Police has warned citizens about a potential online fraud targeting gas consumers. A cyber officer from Kandivali Police Station said fraudsters may exploit the new booking and delivery verification process by sending malicious APK files from unknown numbers. These files may falsely appear to be from gas providers such as Mahanagar Gas Limited or HP Gas. Officials said that if users download or open such APK files, their mobile phones could be compromised, allowing cyber criminals to gain access to personal or financial information. The police have advised citizens not to download or open APK files received from unknown numbers. They clarified that gas companies do not send such files to customers. Authorities also noted that LPG deliveries under the new system are confirmed only through an OTP sent via SMS to the customer’s registered mobile number after a booking is made. Police have urged residents to remain cautious and report suspicious messages or links to the cyber cell to prevent fraud.
15 March,2026 05:39 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA Travelling Ticket Inspector (TTI) of Central Railway has crossed the Rs 1 crore mark in ticket-checking earnings for the financial year 2025-26, becoming the first official in the Mumbai Division to achieve the milestone. Mohammed Shams Chand, a TTI from the Open Detail Batch in the Mumbai Division, recorded ticket-checking earnings of Rs 1,00,38,505 after detecting 11,483 cases between April 1, 2025 and March 15, 2026, Central Railway said on Sunday. Railway officials said his performance has helped curb ticketless travel and prevented significant revenue loss to the national transporter. The achievement has also set a benchmark within the ticket-checking fraternity. Meanwhile, Central Railway has urged passengers to travel only with valid tickets purchased through authorised vendors, station booking counters, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), or the official website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Passengers can also book tickets using the Rail One mobile application. Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards ticketless travel, the railway administration said it remains committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable and dignified journey for passengers.
15 March,2026 04:56 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
