A 400-tonne mobile crane toppled during ongoing Metro Line 2B construction work in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in the early hours of Wednesday, following a mechanical failure while lifting a pre-cast beam near the Asian Heart Hospital junction.The mishap happened during the overnight work at around 4:30 am. The work was being carried out by the contractor J. Kumar Infraprojects Limited. #WATCH | Mumbai: A major accident occurred at the Metro construction site in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, where an entire beam fell while being lifted onto a pillar. During this, the mobile crane used to hoist the beam also toppled over. (Early morning visuals from the spot… pic.twitter.com/h12rWEf9R4 — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2026 The incident took place when a large concrete beam was being lifted and positioned onto a pillar using a crane at the metro construction site in BKC. Midway through the operation, the crane that was positioning the pillar experienced a technical failure, causing the beam to fall on the ground. However, no injuries or casualties have been reported. Speaking about the accident, MMRDA director Basavaraj MB said, "As per our initial investigation, there was a gear failure in the lifting boom of one crane. After the failure, the load shifted to another crane, which caused it to tilt. The road will be reopened for traffic within 3-4 hours." The accident on Mumbai's one of the busiest circuits will surely impact the traffic during the peak office hours. However, authorities have already initiated efforts to clear the chaos. However, to ensure quick clearance of the toppled equipment and to ensure the road is opened to traffic at the earliest, senior officials from MMRDA promptly reached the site. A 600-tonne crane is being mobilised to safely recover the toppled equipment. Our teams are working to ensure that there is the least inconvenience to citizens. In consultation with the traffic police, traffic has been diverted. We are working proactively to restore regular traffic at the earliest. Further checks and balances, as needed, are being implemented to ensure safety at the site.MMRDA official statement. With no injuries reported as of yet, further details are still awaited. One dead, four injured after a car rams into a trailer in Kalwa In a different incident on April 15, one person was killed, and four others were injured after a car rammed into a stationary trailer truck during the early hours of Tuesday on the Mumbai-Nashik highway near Kalwa. Out of the four injured, three people are critically injured, while one experienced minor injuries. As per the official statement from the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the accident was reported around 3:55 am near the Nayara petrol pump at Kharegaon Toll Naka on the Mumbai-bound carriageway in Thane. Preliminary information indicates that the driver of a Hyundai Aura car, identified as Deepak Patekar (26), lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a stationary Ashok Leyland trailer parked ahead. The impact was so severe that he was killed inside the mangled car. As soon as the accident was reported, rescue teams comprising personnel from the fire brigade, disaster management cell, Kalwa police, and traffic police rushed to the spot. Using specialised equipment, they extricated the driver who got trapped inside the car after the impact. The authorities then further shifted him to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival due to severe head injuries.
15 April,2026 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city and its suburbs are likely to experience mainly clear skies, with hot and humid conditions prevailing, and maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 36 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively, as per IMD. At the Colaba Observatory, the minimum temperature was recorded at 25.0 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the Santacruz Observatory also reported a slightly lower minimum temperature of 24.6 degrees Celsius. Mumbai AQI in 'Satisfactory' category According to the Sameer app, Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 87 at 8:00 am, which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category. At this level, minor breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals, while air quality remains acceptable for the general population. Among various locations, Chakala recorded the highest pollution level with an AQI of 115, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Other areas such as Ghatkopar (112), Mazgaon (103), and Worli (109) also indicated moderate air quality levels. Areas including Bandra-Kurla Complex (93), Borivali East (82), Chembur (89), Bandra East (93), Navy Nagar (97), Sewri (61), and Powai (70) remained within the satisfactory range. Meanwhile, Malad West recorded relatively cleaner air with an AQI of 60, also falling under the satisfactory category. No rainfall is expected in the immediate forecast, and wind patterns are likely to remain light. Overall, weather conditions are expected to stay stable with no major fluctuations, while air quality is likely to remain within the satisfactory to moderate range in the coming hours.
15 April,2026 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith tensions in the West Asia disrupting key shipping routes, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has stepped in with major relief measures for exporters, days after the India-flagged LPG vessel Green Asha successfully docked after navigating the volatile Strait of Hormuz. In a significant move aimed at easing financial stress, JNPA announced a 100 per cent waiver on ground rent and dwell time charges for up to 15 days for export containers stranded at port terminals due to the disruptions. Additionally, exporters handling perishable cargo will get an 80 per cent waiver on reefer plug-in charges. LPG vessel Green Asha docked at JNPA. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The development comes against the backdrop of rising global concern over the Strait of Hormuz — a critical oil and cargo route — which recently saw the successful but high-risk passage of Green Asha, underlining both opportunity and vulnerability in maritime trade. While attempts to reach the vessel’s captain and crew remained unsuccessful, officials indicated that further measures could be rolled out if disruptions persist. What are reefer charges The relief applies to containers affected during the recent period of instability, when cargo movement through the West Asia corridor slowed down, leading to delays and mounting costs for exporters. What move brings... >> 100% waiver on ground rent, dwell time>> 80% waiver on reefer plug-in charges>> Covers stranded export containers>> Mandatory benefits pass down to exporters Essential for exporters >> Shipping lines, freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers must ensure benefits of these waivers>> Trade stakeholders must coordinate with operators and shipping lines to avail relief, as port authorities monitor the situation Official Speak Gaurav Dayal, chairperson, JNPA ‘JNPA stands firmly with the EXIM community in navigating the challenges arising from the current geopolitical situation. Our priority is to mitigate the impact on exporters and ensure continuity of trade, while ensuring that no single industry or community bears an undue financial burden.’
15 April,2026 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghThe arrest of self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat has sparked a fresh political storm in the state, with sharp exchanges between the ruling alliance and the Opposition. Amid the controversy, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has urged political leaders to speak responsibly and avoid speculative remarks. Encounter fears raised Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Praniti Shinde raised concerns that Kharat could be killed in an encounter, as the names of ruling party leaders might emerge during the probe. Self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat. Pic/X/@genzdigest Oppn with Congress MP Sharad Pawar-led NCP MP Supriya Sule said Praniti Shinde is an experienced and knowledgeable leader, and if she has raised such concerns, it is likely based on some information. ‘Ruling party targeting allies’ Earlier, NCP MLA Rohit Pawar, grandnephew of Sharad Pawar, had alleged that the ruling party was deliberately bringing the Kharat issue to the forefront to damage the image of its allies’ leaders. BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. File Pic BJP hits back The BJP had earlier refuted Rohit Pawar’s allegations. Now, after Congress MP Praniti Shinde’s statement, senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule suggested that those with any inputs or evidence should share the details with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case, rather than making such sensational statements. “Public representatives should speak with responsibility,” Bawankule said, replying to the Congress MP’s comment. Oppn slams BJP over drug cases Shiv Sena UBT leader Ambadas Danve claimed that in the Mahayuti regime, drugs are freely available, and related cases too are rising. Following the death of two youth from drug overdoses at a concert in Goregaon, the Opposition came down heavily on the BJP, as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis heads the Home Department. BJP refutes charges BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule rejected the Opposition’s allegations, saying the reality is the opposite. He stated that under CM Fadnavis, stricter action is being taken against criminals, which is why more cases are now coming to light.
15 April,2026 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarRahul Ramugade, captain of the Mumbai wheelchair cricket team, cheered as the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) honoured icons by naming three gates after cricketers at Wankhede Stadium — Dilip Sardesai (Gate 3), Diana Edulji (Gate 5), and Eknath Solkar (Gate 6) — on Thursday, April 9. A stand has been named after cricketer-commentator Ravi Shastri. Said Ramugade, “Wankhede is not just a stadium; it is an emotion. It is moving that legends have been honoured through these dedications. While cheering this, I cannot help but think that even a small, dedicated stand for wheelchair cricketers and fans remains a distant dream. Currently, we do have wheelchair access to a part of the Vijay Merchant Stand at ground level. This stand, though, does not offer good visibility as it is very low. Whether we sit in our wheelchairs inside the stand or get up and occupy seats — which a few of us can actually do — visibility is substantially compromised by the LED boundary screens. The wheelchair seating platform height could be raised by three feet, and a ramp be constructed for access.” Wheelchair users in the Vijay Merchant Stand; (right) The cricket pitch from wheelchair users’ point of view. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Wheelchair cricketers said a washroom outside the stand is not easily accessible, and even if they manage to gain entry, the stalls inside do not accommodate wheelchairs. “We need washrooms for people with disabilities at Wankhede,” they said. Electric but inaccessible Siddharth Mhatre, a wheelchair user from Dadar, said, “My experience at Wankhede Stadium has always been filled with excitement, but it has also shown me two very different realities: electric atmosphere, accessibility challenges.” He had to request the MCA to arrange a portable ramp for the February 7, 2026, T20 World Cup match between India and USA to enter the corporate box. Ramugade, his friend, took the initiative and pushed for it. Though the ramp was eventually arranged, Mhatre was taken aback at how something so basic had not been put in place. “When proper accessibility is available, the entire experience changes. It gives us independence, comfort and the ability to fully enjoy the game without barriers,” he said. MCA willing to take ‘necessary steps’ Ajinkya Naik, MCA president, said, “Wankhede Stadium was built 50 years ago. It was refurbished in 2011. In the last three years, we have made conscious efforts to improve accessibility by creating easier access points and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in the office buildings at Wankhede Stadium and in select areas of the stadium. Going forward, depending on the demand, we will seek required permissions from the departments concerned and take necessary steps to further enhance accessibility.” Team’s achievement The Mumbai Wheelchair Cricket Team won the West Zone final of the National Wheelchair Cricket Championship 2026, defeating Maharashtra by 75 runs at Pune’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and qualified for the Mega Knockouts of the competition, to be held in Delhi from May 3 to May 10.
15 April,2026 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe Nandurbar Police, along with the forest department officials, on Monday night intercepted a tempo on NH53 in Bedkipada, Nandurbar District, detaining three individuals, including the driver, in suspected wildlife trafficking. Acting on prior intelligence, the officials intercepted the tempo on the Malegaon-Gujarat route, rescuing five foxes and around 240 birds. The accused had hidden cages of wildlife beneath a layer of vegetables to evade police checks. Rescued parakeets Assistant Conservator of Forest Roshan Buwa told mid-day that the department had received a tip-off about the alleged smuggling of live wild animals and birds to Gujarat. Acting on the directions of Deputy Conservator of Forest Santosh Saste, the forest department devised a plan. Officials said the rescued animals include five foxes and around 240 birds, primarily parakeets, along with other bird species. A rescued fox Official Speak A forest department official said that both the police and independent forest teams were tracking the movement following a tip-off. As the police established a blockade near the Bedkipada toll plaza, the forest team positioned itself further ahead. Birds which were rescued “The vehicle was eventually intercepted by Nandurbar Police. In a ‘Pushpa-style’ smuggling attempt, the accused had hidden cages of wildlife beneath a layer of vegetables to evade checks,” said the official. Investigation launched Authorities said the investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and more details regarding the accused and charges will emerge as the probe progresses. The forest department said it is conducting a parallel inquiry alongside the police as part of the joint operation to determine the extent of the trafficking network and any additional individuals involved.
15 April,2026 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavDoctors at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital have restored functional hand use of a toddler born with severe congenital thumb deformities. The complex two-stage reconstructive microsurgery has given her the gift of touch, grip, and independence. Varidhi Varunsingh Thakur, now 13 months old, was born without a left thumb and with a severely underdeveloped right thumb lacking sufficient bone and muscle and went through two surgeries. This condition significantly impaired her ability to develop essential motor skills such as grasping and pinching. The first surgery was performed in December 2025, and the second in February 2026. The challenges The biggest challenge was to handle her tiny body structures — the small blood vessels and the thin nerves, shared Dr Satbhai. Because of the extra small size, given her age, repairing these was very difficult and a risky affair. The child with her mother. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Also, another problem was the fact that both her thumbs were compromised — while one hand did not have it at all, the other was majorly underdeveloped. “So having to succeed in both surgeries was important; else it might have led to another major defect,” he added. Toe-to-hand transfer Soon, within six weeks, once the little girl began using her right thumb and showed no abnormalities, in the second stage, doctors performed an intricate microvascular toe-to-hand transfer to create a new thumb. The child playing with her brother “The procedure requires extraordinary precision. We transplanted the second toe from her left foot, reconnecting blood vessels, nerves, and tendons to give the new thumb life. Equally important, we ensured her foot would continue to function normally by realigning the toes and closing the wound in a way that she gains absolute normal functionality in her left donor foot,” said Dr Satbhai. Joint stabilisation Dr Nilesh G Satbhai, director, plastic, reconstructive microsurgery and hand Transplantation, and his team at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, carefully planned a two-stage surgical journey. The first step focused on joint stabilisation and the ability to touch other fingers. “We stabilised her fragile right thumb and transferred a muscle from her palm, allowing it to move and oppose the fingers. Within weeks, a small but powerful change emerged — the baby began to use her thumb,” said Dr Satbhai.
15 April,2026 08:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarWork on two key Metro corridors linking Mumbai’s western and eastern suburbs via Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and the airport has been accelerated, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) pushing parallel progress on track installation and station systems, even as civil structures are still being completed. The move is aimed at cutting execution timelines and avoiding last-mile delays on Metro Lines 2B and 7A, both of which are critical for cross-city connectivity and airport access. At a glance >> Corridors: Metro Line 2B (Yellow), Metro Line 7A (Red)>> Key link: BKC, airport connectivity>> Work focus: Track laying, station systems, signage>> Target: Faster execution, reduced last-mile delays Track and systems work Contract CA-286 covers>> Design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of ballastless tracks>> Applicable to Line 2B (elevated) and Line 7A (underground) BKC pocket track Planned between IL&FS and MTNL stations Purpose:>> Better train management>> Reduced congestion during peak hours What’s happening now Parallel execution strategy>> Track work and station systems being executed simultaneously>> Aim is to align completion timelines with pending civil works>> Focus on avoiding delays after viaduct readiness Key features >> Ballastless tracks for durability and low maintenance>> Four crossovers for operational flexibility>> Design speed: up to 95 kmph>> 25 kV AC overhead electrification>> CBTC-based signalling for automated operations Corridor details Metro Line 2B (Yellow) DN Nagar to Mandale>> Length: ~23.5 km (elevated)>> Connects: Andheri, Bandra, BKC, Kurla, Chembur, Mankhurd>> Interchanges with:Line 1 (Blue)Line 3 (Aqua) Line 7 (Red)Line 4 (Green)>> Role: Major east-west connector across congested stretches Metro Line 7A (Red) Andheri to CSMI Airport >> Length: 2.138 km>> Mix of elevated and underground sections>> Connects Western Express Highway corridor to the airport>> Interchange with Aqua Line 3 at the airport>> Design speed: 95 kmph (operational ~80 kmph) Stations and navigation systems Contract CA-306 floated for 13 elevated stations on Line 2BStations include:>> ESIC Nagar, Prem Nagar, Indira Nagar>> Nanavati Hospital, Khira Nagar, Saraswat Nagar>> Bandra, ITO, IL&FS, MTNL>> SG Barve Marg, Kurla East, Eastern Express Highway Wayfinding features >> Standardised colour-coded signage>> Illuminated high-visibility boards>> Glow-in-the-dark emergency markers>> Braille-enabled navigation>> Weather-resistant materials for long-term use Voices Jaideep Kane, Infra enthusiast‘I think they are expanding Line 2B to Chembur, and it will be very useful when the Monorail starts operating. And for 7A, it is a perfect airport connection for all’ Arindam Mahapatra, Commuter‘With the tenders out for track laying at this stage, MMRDA should plan accordingly about completing the girder launching in the remaining areas at Kurla and BKC so that by the time girder launching is completed, track installation can start immediately and provide some relief to office goers heading to BKC’ Yash Mhadgut, Infra enthusiast‘It’s great that tracks are being laid for Line 7A and Line 2B, as both lines are crucial for interchanges. Line 7A will allow direct transfer from Red Line to Aqua Line, and Line 2B will connect the western suburbs, BKC and the eastern suburbs directly. Navi Mumbai connection will become easier via Line 2B through Mankhurd station’
15 April,2026 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarVan Rani — the mini-train attraction at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) with a project cost of over Rs 43 crore — continues to struggle with delayed repairs and maintenance. As of Tuesday, exactly one month after its formal inauguration, the mini-train service remains partially operational with one of the two trains serving visitors while the other one remains out of service due to pending part replacements. The closed model red Van Rani broke down on March 23, with park officials expecting it to be back on track by April 9. A delay in supply of parts from the vendor — Khodal Corporation JV — has now shifted the tentative resumption date to April 20. Vendor Speak Khodal Corporation JV‘Issues [with Van Rani], including the breaking system, design, and the motor, will be resolved by us shortly. The reason for the delay in supplying the parts is that the train we have provided [to SGNP] was specifically customised. So its parts are also specially made on order’ Official Speak Kiran Patil, deputy director (south), SGNP‘We are still awaiting a part’s arrival from the vendor, post which, the closed model train should be back with necessary upgrades. We expect it to resume service by Monday [April 20]’
15 April,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaCloud Control The horizon across Bandra Reclamation darkens under overcast skies A revolution continues A moment from a behind-the-scenes footage of the documentary. Pics Courtesy/Begumpura productions It was appropriate to announce it today,” shared filmmaker Somnath Waghmare (right). The documentary filmmaker and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) scholar will begin work on his next project, Blue Revolution. Announced on the birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the film is Waghmare’s first project that explores the scope of the Ambedkarite Revolution beyond Maharashtra. “I have been documenting the conversations across my journeys across India for the last three years — from Babasaheb’s presence at the 2026 Kochi Biennale to villages in Mangaon, the cities of London, and conversations at TISS,” the filmmaker told us. Waiting for flamingos (From left) Illustrated panels of the first arrival of flamingos this season; types of flamingos in Mumbai. Pics Courtesy/@shaipen.art April is almost past us, and the slow arrival of our city’s annual visitors — the flamingos — is beginning to draw attention. Back in January, this newspaper (Late but flamingo; January 10) stated how the delayed arrival of the pink visitors was a cause for concern. However, with the season’s first spotting, illustrator Priti Thale put her art to remind us of what is at stake. Priti Thale “Having lived in Kurul, Alibaug, I have always been drawn to the mangroves and wetlands. Naturally, I was concerned to read about reports citing that the numbers have been low. So, I decided to create illustrations that highlight it for readers. Even in Alibaug, I have observed that the numbers of the shorebirds has been reducing. It is nothing like the peak of lockdown,” shared Thale. Benegal readies for an EP-ic Uday Benegal performs with Indus Creed as the opening act for Def Leppard in March. Pic/Sachin Kalbag It has been a busy 2026 for Uday Benegal. After the rapturous opening for Def Leppard with his fellow crewmates in March, the Goa-based rocker has been quietly preparing for a new project. As we learn, Benegal will release his first solo EP, Human Be, later this year. “The EP has been evolving over the last year. I have been travelling to Mumbai frequently for recording sessions,” he revealed. What pushed him into the EP zone? A new burst of creativity, admitted the vocalist. “I have been through a dry spell of almost seven years. But early last year, the ideas began to take shape,” he shared. With singer-songwriter Aria Nanji taking on the reins as producer and collaborator, Benegal’s new project will also feature the talents of Sharad Rao and Zion Mathew. “Our first single will come out tomorrow (April 16). It is a wonderful composition, and is definitely worth the wait,” he concluded. Karma is an autowallah A view of Habib Shaikh’s auto HIS failing water bottle business miraculously turned around one day, during his usual rounds. Habib Shaikh (right) decided to help an abandoned boy near Lokhandwala. The next day, he observed that his water bottles had sold out in less than an hour. The karma from this one good deed made him want to help more people using the aid of Mumbai’s much-loved autorickshaw. A stockpile of snacks inside the auto. Pics Courtesy/@habibshaikh_official Visuals of his neon-lit auto, stocked with free snacks and beverages has taken the Internet by storm. A chat with Shaikh revealed that his generosity also extends towards stray animals who he regularly feeds and helps rehabilitate with the help of one of his regulars. Shaikh’s unwavering kindness might just make Mumbaikar’s slow down and take a look.
15 April,2026 07:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayA brief power outage at the Padgha electricity substation on Tuesday evening disrupted operations at the Pise and Panjrapur water purification plants, leading to a temporary suspension of water supply across parts of the city. According to officials, the power supply was cut between 5:45 pm and 6:15 pm, affecting the functioning of both plants. As a result, the water supply under Mumbai Phase 1 and Phase 2 from these facilities was halted. Civic authorities said that until the Master Balancing Reservoir (MBR) levels return to normal, a 20 to 25 per cent cut in water supply is being implemented until 9 pm. Supply is expected to normalise thereafter. However, the impact of the disruption appears to have extended into Wednesday morning, with residents in Girgaon reporting no water supply at their usual time. The area typically receives water between 4:30 am and 4:45 am, but taps remained dry, causing inconvenience to households. Residents expressed concern over the delay, especially during peak morning hours, as many depend on the early supply for daily chores. Authorities are likely to restore normal supply once reservoir levels stabilise, though some areas may continue to experience delays in the interim. Khar Danda Koliwada residents battle daily water crisis amid rising temperatures As the temperatures spike, the residents of Mumbai's Khar Danda Koliwada are reeling under a severe water crisis that has disrupted daily life and raised serious concerns about basic civic infrastructure. What was once an intermittent issue has now become a persistent problem for locals. Residents across the locality identify water scarcity as their most urgent concern. While some infrastructure upgrades, including pipeline improvements, are underway, many remain sceptical about whether these efforts will ensure a stable and reliable supply. Low pressure identified as key issue Local civic representatives have acknowledged the gravity of the crisis. According to BMC corporator Chintamani Nivate, low water pressure is a primary factor affecting supply in areas such as Gazdhar Bandh and Khar Danda. “Even if water is supplied for a few hours, insufficient pressure prevents it from reaching several households,” he said, adding that similar issues are being reported across Mumbai. Water crisis emerges as top civic concern While issues such as cleanliness and infrastructure persist, water scarcity has emerged as the defining civic challenge in the area. Residents are increasingly demanding a consistent supply, better pressure management, and stronger accountability from authorities. With expectations mounting, local representatives have assured that focused efforts will be made to address the crisis.
15 April,2026 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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