Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) has reported a landmark year of achievements in connectivity, passenger services, and safety across the Konkan region, reinforcing its role as a vital link in India’s railway network. The corporation recorded its highest-ever ticket checking revenue of Rs 27.59 crore in the last financial year, alongside a significant increase in passenger traffic. KRCL also launched the Dev Darshan Special Train, including six FTR (full tariff rate) services connecting Ranjangaon, Ayodhya, and Rameshwaram. Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha said, “This year’s achievements reflect our commitment to ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ through world-class rail infrastructure, in alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision.” Infrastructure and technology upgrades KRCL achieved a major milestone with the completion of the USBRL project, strengthening national connectivity. Bridges, tunnels, and signalling systems were upgraded to enhance safety and operational reliability across the region’s challenging terrain. Freight efficiency was boosted with an increase in RoRo carrying capacity from 50 MT to 57 MT. Operational efficiency at Madgaon station was improved with the extension of the Road-6 line for loco reversal. KRCL also introduced innovative solutions such as drone-based track monitoring, reducing maintenance downtime. Passenger-focused initiatives Over 1,400 special train services were operated last year, including Ganpati, Summer, Winter, FTR, and other special trains. Accessibility for Divyangjan was enhanced with ramps, Braille signage, and upgraded boards at key stations including Karmali, Thivim, Karwar, Murdeshwar, and Udupi. KRCL also improved station facilities with executive/AC lounges at 10 stations, awarded Rail Arcade contracts at Sawantwadi Road and Ratnagiri, and provided Digi Locker services at Ratnagiri, Thivim, and Udupi. Foot over bridges were constructed, and high-level platforms were developed at Kumta and Gokarna. Platform surfacing and shelter upgrades were completed at Surathkal, Udupi, and Mulki. Safety and sustainability The corporation generated 3.67 lakh kWh of solar power, saving Rs 45.94 lakh. Safety initiatives included installation of 2,700 metres of cattle fencing, expansion of CCTV surveillance at 10 stations, and successful registration of 92 theft cases with asset recovery of Rs 35.73 lakh. KRCL also rescued 90 runaway children last year. Community and cultural engagement During the Ganpati festival, KRCL introduced decorative stalls, Yatri Sahayak booths, free water, health assistance, and cultural programs by local artists. Railway awareness drives covered 730 school students. With a sustained focus on safety, efficiency, and passenger-centric service, KRCL said it remains committed to enhancing connectivity, elevating the travel experience, and contributing meaningfully to India’s growth journey.
03 April,2026 11:35 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentIn a harrowing incident, 46 passengers on a Goa-bound private bus endured a terrifying hour as the driver allegedly drove under the influence, two men ultimately losing their lives at Sukeli Khind in Raigad district of Maharashtra. At 3 am on Friday, the bus (MP 13 ZP 4545) overturned off the Mumbai-Goa Highway at the notorious Sukeli Khind near Nagothane, leaving two dead and 22 seriously injured. The incident did not start at the cliffside—it began at a driver-change point in Kharpada. The midnight SOS According to the survivors and relatives of the passengers at MGM Hospital, Kamothe, the ordeal began when a new driver, Hemant Patil (36), took the wheel. Passengers immediately noticed he was allegedly intoxicated and driving erratically. "My nephew, Krunal, called us terrified," said Vishal Mhatre, the relative of a passenger. "The passengers actually forced the bus to stop. They got off the bus in the middle of the night, desperate to find another vehicle. They even filed a formal complaint on the 'Lal Pari' app, begging for intervention. But with no alternative transport at 2 am, they were forced back into what became a death trap," added Mhatre. An hour after the passengers' pleas went unanswered, the bus reached the steep, winding slopes of the Sukeli Valley. Witnesses say the speeding vehicle flipped multiple times, ejecting passengers through shattered windows into the pitch-black ravine. Naeem Nizam Sheikh (33) of Kamothe and Neelam Vaibhav Vibhute (40) of Panvel were killed instantly. The medical toll At MGM Hospital, the scene was one of chaos and heartbreak. "We received 22 patients—16 males and six females," said Dr Kuldeep Salgotra, dean of MGM Hospital. "Twelve are in serious condition, and five are in the ICU with multiple traumas to the head, chest, and pelvis. One young man has lost his foot entirely; the damage is too severe for reattachment," Dr Salgotra added. Among the survivors is a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler, whose miracle escape stands in stark contrast to the driver, Patil, who is currently in a coma at a government hospital in Alibaug. The Maharashtra government touts its "Lal Pari" and transport apps as safety nets. Yet, here is a group of citizens who used the technology exactly as intended—to report a life-threatening situation in real-time. They did their part. They flagged the danger. They even staged a physical protest on the highway. The numbers 46: Total passengers on board 2: Lives lost (Naeem Sheikh & Neelam Vibhute) 22: Rushed to MGM Kamothe 1: Foot amputated (20-year-old survivor) 1.5: Age of the youngest survivor
03 April,2026 10:34 PM IST | Navi Mumbai | Abhitash SinghCentral Railway (CR) on Thursday said it has enhanced passenger amenities and capacity by adding new trains, including Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express, and expanding AC suburban services. Major infrastructure works worth over Rs 16,000 crore are currently underway, while extensive preparations for the Nashik Kumbh Mela include 90 projects valued at Rs 1,455 crore. The network aims to be fully ready by March 2027, with faster and higher-capacity services. Central Railway’s CPRO, Dr Swapnil Nila, spoke about preparations and crowd management for the Nashik Kumbh Mela, stating that significant improvements have been made in passenger amenities. Nashik Kumbh Mela: CR introduces 7 new trains in 2025, adds 14 AC locals “In 2025 alone, seven new trains were introduced, including a Vande Bharat service between Nagpur and Pune, and two Amrit Bharat trains connecting Panvel to Alipurduar and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Saharsa,” he said. He added that, to enhance suburban travel, 12 projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore are currently underway. “On the Harbour Line, 14 new AC local trains have been added, taking the total number of AC locals across the network to 94,” Dr Nila said. For the upcoming Kumbh Mela, extensive preparations are in progress. “Around 90 projects worth Rs 1,455 crore are being implemented to upgrade facilities in Nashik and nearby towns,” he added.
03 April,2026 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the rapid infrastructure development of the financial capital, Maharashtra's Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha on Friday said that Mumbai will soon become a role model of economic development for the globe to follow.In an exclusive interview with ANI on Friday, Lodha spoke on the planned expansion of Mumbai, including Mumbai 2, Mumbai 3 and the development around Alibaug - also known as Mumbai 4.He said, "Be it the infrastructure investment in the field of irrigation, Atal Setu, Coastal Road, highways, or railway stations, the development is unbelievable in Mumbai and Maharashtra."He ensured that Mumbai would become a global economic hub and centre of learning.Lodha said, "Mumbai is not competing with states, but it's competition is with other developed nations. Mumbai will become a role model of development on the global platform in 10-15 years.""If you compare Maharashtra 15 years ago and now, you will see vast difference," he added.Among other things, the state minister also spoke on the policies implemented by the Maharashtra government, like 'MITRA' to facilitate communications between the government and external stakeholders.Speaking on similar lines, former vice-chairman of Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) and MD of Ashar Group, Ajay Ashar, said that Maharashtra has shown the way to the states and the country."In 15 years, Mumbai has seen a very robust (infrastructure) growth. We have seen so many high-rise buildings. There has been a complete policy change which the government has done and these changes have led to a very good growth, especially after COVID," Ashar said.He added that both residential and commercial development in Mumbai has been outstanding. "Rates in the last 10 years have been very stable, but in the last three years, the rates have started to rise as the cost of production has gone up. Also, the cost of permissions have gone up. High-end luxury market is booming at this time and the charm of Mumbai is still very much there."On MITRA and other schemes, Ashar said that there is a large-scale boost to the infrastructure of Mumbai. He mentioned projects like the ring road, the coastal road and others."The motto of the government is to reach from anywhere to anywhere in 45 minutes. In 5 years, Mumbai will be a different place," he said, adding that travelling in Mumbai will be better in the coming years.He also spoke on green corridors, like Deonar, and expressed hope that Mumbai's AQI will improve soon. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
03 April,2026 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | ANIThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast light rain in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, while warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and isolated hail across several parts of Maharashtra. According to a bulletin issued at 12.59 pm, light rain is very likely in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar on Friday. Light rain or thundershowers are also expected in Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. According to IMD Mumbai, the maximum temperature recorded on Friday was 32.2 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 32.8 degrees Celsius at Santacruz, with no rainfall reported at either station. Meanwhile, more intense weather activity has been predicted in other regions of the state. In north Maharashtra, Dhule and Nandurbar are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds reaching 50–60 kilometre per hour (kmph) and hail at isolated places. Similar conditions, though with slightly lower wind speeds of 30–60 kmph, are expected in Jalgaon, Nashik, Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Solapur, along with light to moderate rainfall in some areas. Across the Marathwada region, including Beed, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, Latur, and Dharashiv, thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds of up to 50–60 kmph and isolated hail have been forecast. In Vidarbha, districts such as Akola, Amravati, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal are expected to experience thunderstorm activity with lightning and gusty winds of 30–50 kmph at isolated places. IMD flags lightning, wind damage risks, issues safety, and farm advisories IMD has indicated that weather conditions are likely to turn mainly dry across most districts from Sunday onwards. The department has warned of possible impacts, including cloud-to-ground lightning, falling of weak trees or structures due to strong winds, localised power disruptions, and damage to standing crops, plantations, and horticulture due to hail and gusty winds. Minor damage to kutcha houses is also possible. IMD has appealed to residents to avoid open fields during thunderstorms, refrain from taking shelter under trees, unplug electrical appliances, and stay away from water bodies and conductive objects. Farmers have been urged to harvest matured crops at the earliest and store them safely, provide support to young plants, avoid irrigation and spraying, and ensure proper drainage in fields. Livestock should be kept indoors during adverse weather conditions, the weather bureau said. The ongoing spell of pre-monsoon activity is expected to bring some relief from rising temperatures in parts of the state.
03 April,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGovernment employees in Maharashtra's Konkan division will undergo training in areas like AI, data analytics, blockchain and communication skills to enhance their efficiency and adaptability in governance, officials have said, reported news agency PTI. The training sessions will be held as part of a weeklong programme being implemented in association with the Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat, a release said on Thursday, reported PTI. The initiative, jointly organised by the Government of India and the Maharashtra government, aims to bring dynamism in administrative functioning and connect government employees with modern technologies, it added. Maharashtra govt transfers 25 IAS officers Meanwhile, in a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Maharashtra Government on Thursday transferred 25 IAS officers including several municipal commissioners and district collectors. Municipal Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar G Sreekanth was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Jal Jeevan Mission in Navi Mumbai, while district collector Deelip Swami was posted as Managing Director of Maharashtra State Seeds Corporation in Akola. Latur Collector Varsha Thakur Ghuge was appointed as Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Mumbai. Deepak Singla, currently Additional Commissioner in Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will take over as Commissioner of MGNREGS in Nagpur, while Kolhapur Municipal Commissioner K Manjulekshmi has been posted as Additional Municipal Commissioner, PMRDA. Project Director RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) Rajendra Bharud was appointed as Kolhapur Municipal Commissioner, while Animal Husbandry Commissioner Pravinkumar Deore was posted as Collector of Buldhana. Bharat Bastewad, Commissioner of MGNREGS, Nagpur, was transferred as Collector of Latur, and Varsha Ladda of Maharashtra Council of Agriculture Education and Research, Pune was appointed as Municipal Commissioner of Amravati. Kolhapur Collector Amol Yedge was posted as Municipal Commissioner of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, while Vijay Rathod, joint CEO, MIDC, was appointed Collector of Kolhapur. Chandrapur Collector Vinay Gowda G C was transferred as Collector of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Buldhana collector Kiran Patil was posted as Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, Pune. Solapur Collector Kumar Ashirwad was transferred as Collector of Nagpur, while Vasumana Pant was posted as Collector of Chandrapur. Gondia collector Prajit Nair was appointed Additional Municipal Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation, while CEO of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Zilla Parishad Ankit was posted as Additional Municipal Commissioner of Nagpur. CEO of Kolhapur Zilla Parishad Karthikeyan S was appointed Collector of Solapur, and Amravati Zilla Parishad CEO Sanjita Mohapatra will serve as Municipal Commissioner of Sangli Miraj Kupwad City Municipal Corporation. CEO of Jalna Zilla Parishad Minnu P M was posted as Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, while Sangli Miraj Kupwad commissioner Satyam Gandhi was appointed CEO of Zilla Parishad, Amravati. Jasmine, Assistant Collector of Rajapur sub division was posted as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Kolhapur, and Anjali Sharma was appointed Municipal Commissioner of Jalna. Krishnakant Kanwaria, assistant collector Shahada sub division, Nandurbar has been posted as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Jalna. (With inputs from PTI)
03 April,2026 07:52 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra’s largest auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2,500, will be constructed in Thane’s Ghodbunder-Waghbil area, state Transport Minister and Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik announced on Friday. The project, named Tirtharupa Nirupankar Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Natyagriha, has received state government approval with a budget allocation of Rs 138 crore and is expected to be completed within three years. Massive Capacity and Modern Design Features According to Sarnaik, the auditorium will have a total seating capacity of 2,500, including 1,600 seats in the main hall and 450 seats in each of the two balconies. A dedicated section of 12 seats will be reserved for persons with disabilities. The facility will also include separate lifts and specialised sanitation infrastructure to ensure accessibility for differently-abled individuals. Larger Stage Than Iconic City Theatre The auditorium’s stage will be designed to be 12 metres taller than that of Gadkari Rangayatan, one of Thane’s well-known cultural venues. This enhanced stage height is expected to support large-scale theatrical productions and complex stage setups. Officials believe the advanced infrastructure will position the venue as a premier destination for cultural performances and events in the state. Open Plaza to Host Cultural Activities The project will be developed over an area of 7,300 square metres, with nearly 60 per cent of the space kept open. Plans include a 2,000-square-metre plaza capable of accommodating around 2,000 people. This open space will be used for public events such as live performances, street plays and cultural programmes, adding a community-oriented dimension to the project. Parking and Revenue Facilities Planned To support large crowds, the auditorium complex will feature a three-storey parking facility with space for 650 cars and 300 two-wheelers. Additionally, two large banquet halls, each with a capacity of 1,000 people, will be constructed to generate revenue and support events such as conferences and social functions. Consultation with Theatre Community Sarnaik said that before the commencement of construction, the government will hold consultations with theatre producers, directors and artists to incorporate professional inputs into the project’s design and functionality. Boost to Cultural Infrastructure in Thane The proposed auditorium is expected to significantly enhance Thane’s cultural infrastructure, providing a modern platform for performing arts and large-scale events. Authorities believe the project will not only benefit artists and organisers but also contribute to the city’s cultural and economic growth.
03 April,2026 07:26 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination on April 6 for the upcoming by-election to the Baramati Assembly constituency in Pune district, according to party sources, reported news agency PTI. The bypoll is scheduled to be held on April 23 and has drawn significant political attention due to its high-profile nature. Bypoll Triggered by Ajit Pawar’s Death The by-election was necessitated following the death of senior leader Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati and was an eight-time MLA from the constituency. He passed away in a plane crash earlier this year, creating a vacancy in the Assembly seat. Sunetra Pawar, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, has been chosen as the party’s candidate for the crucial contest. Nomination to Follow Public Meeting Sources indicated that Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination papers after addressing a public meeting in Baramati. The event is expected to be attended by senior leaders, signalling the importance of the seat for the ruling alliance, reported PTI. Fadnavis and Shinde Likely to Be Present Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are expected to be present during the nomination process, underscoring the political significance of the by-election, reported PTI. Baramati Remains Key Political Stronghold Baramati has long been considered a stronghold of the Pawar family. In previous elections, Ajit Pawar secured the seat with large margins, including a victory by over 1.65 lakh votes in 2019 and more than one lakh votes in the 2024 Assembly election. The constituency continues to hold strategic importance in Maharashtra politics. Opposition Strategy Takes Shape While the faction led by Sharad Pawar has announced that it will not contest the bypoll, its ally, the Congress, has indicated that it will field a candidate to ensure a contest. This sets the stage for a politically significant electoral battle despite the absence of one major faction. Another Bypoll in Rahuri Constituency Alongside Baramati, the Rahuri Assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district will also go to polls on April 23. The by-election there was necessitated following the death of BJP legislator Shivaji Kardile. Focus on Leadership Continuity Sunetra Pawar, who recently assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister and was elected president of the Nationalist Congress Party, is expected to carry forward the political legacy in Baramati. The bypoll will be closely watched as it could influence the political dynamics in the region ahead of future electoral contests. (With inputs from PTI)
03 April,2026 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has issued property tax bills for the financial year 2026–27, making them accessible to taxpayers from April 1 via SMS along with a direct payment link. The initiative is intended to simplify the payment process and improve tax compliance across the city. Bills Issued Digitally and in Print Civic officials said taxpayers can access their property tax bills through a link shared via SMS, enabling them to view and pay their dues online. In addition to the digital rollout, printed copies of the bills are also being distributed. The corporation has also hosted the bills on its official website, allowing property owners to complete payments through multiple digital modes at their convenience. Rebates for Early Payment To encourage timely payments, the civic body has introduced a graded rebate structure. Taxpayers who clear their full property tax dues for FY 2026–27, including any arrears, within the stipulated period will be eligible for concessions on the general tax component for the second half of the year. A 10 per cent rebate will be offered for payments made on or before June 15, 2026. Those paying between June 16 and June 30 will receive a 4 per cent rebate, while payments made between July 1 and July 31 will attract a 3 per cent concession. A 2 per cent rebate will be applicable for payments made between August 1 and August 31, 2026. Officials clarified that these rebates will apply only to the general tax component of the second half-year. Multiple Payment Options Available Collection centres have been set up at all ward offices as well as at the Citizen Facilitation Centre at the municipal headquarters. These centres will operate on working days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Taxpayers can make payments using credit cards, debit cards, cheques, demand drafts, or cash at these centres. Digital payment options such as Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, and Paytm are also available. Additionally, payments can be made through a WhatsApp chatbot service introduced by the civic body. Civic Body Urges Timely Compliance Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao acknowledged citizens’ cooperation in the previous financial year and urged property owners to pay their dues within the prescribed timeline to support civic services and infrastructure development.
03 April,2026 06:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentConstruction on the 21-kilometre tunnel, part of India’s first bullet train corridor, has reached a key milestone, with five kilometres fully excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). With excavation now complete in this section, work has progressed to the next stages of tunnel development, focusing on structural strengthening and long-term durability. Inside the tunnel, a drainage system is being installed using a drainage casting gantry to ensure that seepage water is efficiently collected and channelled through a dedicated network. Waterproofing gantries are also being deployed to install specialised membranes, creating a protective barrier against water ingress. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train tunnel lining work advances as structural framework takes shape Reinforcement bar cages are being placed along the tunnel profile, forming the steel framework required for the final concrete lining. This is followed by the lining gantry, which casts the permanent concrete layer, providing structural strength and a smooth internal finish. In addition, dedicated equipment rooms are being constructed to house critical systems required for tunnel operations and maintenance. With work progressing steadily across stages, the underground stretch of India’s first bullet train project is moving closer to completion.
03 April,2026 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentShiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader and Leader of Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Kishori Pednekar, has moved a proposal to make the recitation of ‘Manache Shlok’ — composed by 17th-century saint Samarth Ramdas Swami — mandatory in all civic-run schools, according to an NDTV Marathi report. The notice of motion, tabled by the former mayor, seeks to introduce moral and value-based education through the daily chanting of these verses, traditionally regarded as guiding principles for mental discipline, ethics, and character building. Pednekar highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the shlokas, noting that Samarth Ramdas Swami was the spiritual guru of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and that the verses had a formative influence on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar during his childhood. Manache Shlok is a collection of devotional and philosophical verses widely recited in Maharashtra for self-improvement and mental strength. Defending the proposal amid criticism, Pednekar said the move is aimed at positively shaping young minds and instilling discipline and values. She asserted that such teachings should not be viewed through a religious lens, adding that the concept of God is universal and not confined to any one faith. Heated debate expected in BMC meeting on April 9 However, the proposal has sparked controversy. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has strongly opposed the move, arguing that civic schools should prioritise constitutional education over religious or culturally specific content. The party has also raised concerns that introducing such practices in a diverse, multi-religious city like Mumbai could lead to divisions. The issue is expected to be discussed at the BMC general body meeting on April 9, where it is likely to trigger heated debates between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition parties. The development comes amid ongoing debates over civic education policies in Mumbai’s civic schools, which cater to students from varied social and religious backgrounds. The proposal has already generated discussion across political and educational circles.
03 April,2026 05:37 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
