With 90 days to go before the onset of the monsoon, the BMC administration has sought a larger role from the newly elected representatives in its ongoing Rs 17,000 crore road concreting work. In an administrative review meeting conducted by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Wednesday, following the elections of Mumbai’s mayor and her deputy, the administration has been directed to keep elected representatives informed of the status of all ongoing road work and to take routine feedback back from them. “The feedback received from citizens can be easily communicated to the administration through elected representatives, adding an extra layer of quality checks,” an official said. The BMC has also said all work on all excavated roads will be completed before the monsoon season, to avoid exposing unfinished sections to the rain. According to the civic body, the incidence of potholes due to rain on concrete roads is minimal, resulting in significant savings in maintenance and upkeep costs. Top directives>> Ensure work started from October 1, 2025, is completed by the rainy season>> Complete all excavation work before the monsoon>> It is mandatory for engineers to be present at concreting work sites>> Quality work includes ensuring that all conditions are strictly met at every level Status of workPhase 1Number of roads: 700Completion: 77%Phase 2Number of roads: 1420Completion: 52%Combined length of roadsconcreted so far: 410 km Project detailsTotal cost: Rs 17,000 crTotal no of r ads: 2121Total length of roads: 696.85 kmTimeline of project: January 2023 to 2027Percentage of work completed: 63 per cent Top 4 wards where work has been completed R CentralCompleted: 131In progress: 44Pending: 10P NorthCompleted: 102In progress: 35Pending: 8 P SouthCompleted: 81In progress: 40Pending: 16 K WestCompleted: 78In progress: 54Pending: 15
13 February,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSThe political rift between Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) seems to be widening. On Thursday, MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande accused Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators of supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate in the Chandrapur mayoral election in exchange for money. Deshpande claimed that each Sena (UBT) corporator was allegedly offered R1 crore for their support. “Through my sources, I have learnt that Sena (UBT) corporators were offered remuneration for supporting the BJP mayoral candidate in the Chandrapur municipal corporation,” the MNS leader added. A Shiv Sena (UBT) leader from Chandrapur, however, has dismissed Deshpande’s accusations, calling them “baseless.” The leader challenged Deshpande to provide proof if his claims were genuine. Sandeep Deshpande, MNS leader. PIC/X/@SandeepDadarMNS Meanwhile, Deshpande also took a sharp swipe at senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of Parliament Sanjay Raut, who had earlier criticised the MNS for backing deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC). mid-day reported on February 7 about the tensions between the cousins’ factions following the civic elections, with workers from both parties accusing each other of helping rivals after the polls. A fragile alliance? The splitIn 2005, Raj Thackeray, protesting against the ‘coterie’ surrounding his cousin Uddhav, left the Shiv Sena, which was founded by his uncle Bal Thackeray in 1966, to float the MNS The reunionIn December last year, Raj and Uddhav reunited for the causes of Marathi and Maharashtra pride, contesting civic polls against the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena The reasonInitially, MNS supported the Shinde Sena in the Kalyan Dombivli and Nashik municipal corporations for electing the mayor. Later, likewise, Sena (UBT) supported the BJP in the Chandrapur civic body The takeawayThe renewed alliance is under strain, and post-poll alliances in general are becoming unpredictable in Maharashtra politics Mutual discontentAfter the election, MNS workers accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of not working for its party’s candidates. Both camps allege the other supported rivals, flouting alliance dharma Feb 11Day Chandrapur mayor was elected
13 February,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarFirst you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you,” a quote by American novelist F Scott Fitzgerald was relied upon by the Bombay High Court while refusing compensation to an intoxicated man who was injured in a railway accident. A single bench of Justice Jitendra Jain, in an order passed on Wednesday, a copy of which was made available on Thursday, said alcohol ruins everything. The court dismissed an appeal filed by a lab assistant with Bombay Hospital, challenging a 2014 order of the Railway Claims Tribunal denying him compensation for injuries suffered at a railway platform on March 10, 2001. It said the applicant was barred relief because the injury was due to an act committed in a state of intoxication. “Alcohol ruins everything. Physical and mental health, relationships, career disruption and has severe long-term lifestyle consequences,” the HC said in its order.
13 February,2026 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesThe Bombay High Court on Thursday expressed concerns over increasing encroachments on public roads in the city terming the situation “grim”, and remarked that in the future residents would be forced to ride bicycles and horses. A bench of Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Abhay Mantri wondered what would become of the city in the next two decades if squatting and illegal encroachments continued unchecked, and slammed the BMC, saying it seems to lack courage to remove them. “If a stop is not put to this [illegal structures], in the future people would be forced to use only bicycles or horses on roads which would be taken over by encroachers,” the court observed. The court made the remarks while hearing a plea filed by a Powai school over BMC’s inaction against encroachments in the institute’s vicinity. 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
13 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesThane, Dombivli, and Diva rank among the top three stations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region on Central Railway to have experienced an explosion in terms of passenger numbers in the past five years. Among key stations between Thane and Thakurli, the former recorded the highest increase in daily footfall — rising from 1.23 lakh passengers in 2021-22 to 2.65 lakh in 2024-25, an increase of over 1.42 lakh commuters. Thane railway station saw its daily passenger footfall increase from 1.23 lakh in 2021-22 to 2.65 lakh in 2024-25. Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar Passengers and commuter organisations have expressed concern and called for better public transport options in addition to increasing suburban services, with some attributing excessive crowding in local trains, inadequate safety measures, and negligence towards the safety of passengers for the rising number of accidents on the railway network. Five projects that will increase capacity 1 Platform extension to accommodate 15-coach trains at 34 stations on the CSMT-Kalyan fast corridorWhat will it lead to: A 25% increase in passenger-carrying capacityDeadline: Early 2026 2 Ongoing Kalyan yard remodellingWhat will it lead to: Segregation of rail traffic, improving local servicesDeadline: March 2027 3 Parel-Kurla 5th and 6th lineWhat will it lead to: A dedicated suburban train corridor between the Parel-Kalyan section and beyondDeadline: Work is slowly happening in a phase-wise manner at the zonal level 4 Kalyan-Kasara 3rd and 4th line and Kalyan-Karjat 3rd and 4th lineWhat will it lead to: A dedicated express train corridor beyond Kalyan, making space for suburban trains.Deadline: Phase 1, late 2026 5 Panvel-Karjat projectWhat will it lead to: New suburban corridor connectivityDeadline: 2026 Words of concern Advocate Sushma Dhakane, member, Karjat Grievance Redressal Committee’Additional local trips should be increased between sensitive places other than Kalwa-Mumbra during rush hours. There should be an effective mechanism in place to control passengers standing near the door during rush hour, and a focused campaign run for students and passengers’ Siddhesh Desai, vice-president, Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh‘Not a single politician is taking action regarding passenger issues. Why are there separate legislators for five lakh teachers but none for Mumbai’s 70 lakh railway passengers?’ Lata Argade, president, Federation of Suburban Passengers’ Association‘There is an urgent need to change daily office hours, complete the Kalwa-Airoli link project, build a Metro line from Kalyan to Thane and run shuttle services between Thane, Kasara, and Karjat’
13 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarOn Valentine’s Day tomorrow (February 14), Mumbai runner Kishore Sarangula is set to show some love for our Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who perished in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Going solo As a tribute to the fallen personnel, Sarangula on Saturday will run solo for 12 hours from 5 am to 5 pm. The Mahim resident will be running around Shivaji Park “to show people, youngsters, especially, that they may have plans to celebrate Valentine’s, but they need to take a few minutes off to show love for 40 of our brothers who perished in Pulwama,” said Sarangula. Runner Kishore Sarangula is stepping up for our bravehearts Sarangula, 56, said, “I also want to send a message that age is a number, and so are timings. The important thing is pushing through barriers and persevering towards goals, being more than you thought you could ever be.” About the venue, he said, “I will be taking rounds of the Maidan. The entire Shivaji Park is my running club and my family.” Talking about the 12-hour time of his run, he said, “I start at dawn and finish before sunset, because I want to run with the sun.” The poster announcing the run and motivation behind it In support Sarangula, a make-up artist by profession, said, “Anybody who is at the park, if they wish to, is welcome to run with me, even symbolically to show support.” “I will also be placing a tribute book near the Shivaji Park Gymkhana [SPG] for people who may not run but want to pen down a message for the CRPF in solidarity. Even a ‘Jai Hind’ is enough; keep it simple,” said Sarangula, who does not have a ‘support’ team on his run, but the SPG is with him. He has permission to use their washroom and drinking water facilities during that 12-hour run. A date which lives in infamy It has been seven years since the Pulwama attack. On February 14, 2019, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber attacked a convoy of Indian security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The incident occurred in the Lethapora village in the Pulwama district of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed along with the perpetrator, Adil Ahmad Dar, a local Kashmiri from the Pulwama district.
13 February,2026 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharThe Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on Thursday said it has inked an agreement with the US-based Columbia University to establish a centre of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for manufacturing. This is a joint research and translation centre aimed at building robust, scalable and human-centric AI systems for real-world manufacturing, IIT Bombay said in a statement. The Ministry of Education has initiated four different AI centres so far. “The Columbia-IIT Bombay Centre of AI for Manufacturing is a significant step in strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem through advanced, human-centric AI. By building open and interoperable industrial AI infrastructure, this initiative will support industry modernisation, empower MSMEs, nurture startups, and develop future-ready talent,” IIT Bombay director, Prof Shireesh Kedare said. This partnership reflects our commitment to nation building, positioning India as a global leader in AI-driven manufacturing innovation, he added. 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
13 February,2026 08:56 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesFive residents of Jay Krupa Tower in Byculla were injured when a lift in one wing malfunctioned and crashed between 8 pm and 9 pm on Wednesday. Four women sustained serious injuries and were admitted to three hospitals, while a male resident with minor muscle strain was discharged the same night. First-person accounts Jay Krupa CHS in Ghodapdeo, Byculla East, where a lift in the A wing malfunctioned and crashed on Wednesday night, injuring five residents between 8 pm and 9 pm. Pic/Satej Shinde The great escape Yash Belvekar, a resident, was inside the lift when it plunged “I don’t know if it was luck or instinct, but I sat down immediately,” said Yash Belvekar, who lives on the eighth floor and was returning from work. “There was a loud noise and the lift paused for a few seconds. I sensed something was wrong. When it began descending rapidly, I moved near the door and got down on my knees.” Residents wait in the lobby as one lift travels to the 20th floor. Five people enter the second lift, which does not stop on the fourth floor. Between the fourth and fifth floors, a mechanical failure snaps the tension belt, sending cabin into a free fall. Illustrations/Uday Mohite One unfortunate last minute decision Jay Krupa CHS in Ghodapdeo, Byculla East, where a lift in the A wing malfunctioned and crashed. Pic/Satej Shinde “The lift that malfunctioned has never stopped on the fourth floor. We use it when the other lift is delayed,” said Kalpita Pawar. “On Wednesday, I was returning from my in-laws’ home. Since the other lift was taking time, I took this one and planned to walk down from the fifth floor. I wish I had waited.” Pawar has fractures in both legs, with surgery required for her left leg, along with multiple bruises. Neighbours pull the injured residents out of the damaged cabin. Four women are rushed to hospitals for treatment, while the male resident, treated for minor muscle strain, is discharged the same night An evening walk that led to injury Injured residents Kalpita Pawar and Usha Gupta (speaking to a visitor) are at the hospital. Pawar suffered fractures in both legs, while Gupta sustained a leg fracture. Pic/Ritika Gondhalekar “My cholesterol had increased, and I was advised to walk 45 minutes daily,” said Usha Gupta. “I had started early dinners and evening walks. I never imagined it would end in a fracture.” The two other injured residents, 50-year-old Jamuna Prasad Shivhare and Shilpa More, are stable and recovering. Society response Rani Pasalkar, chairperson of Jay Krupa CHS “We have regularly maintained both the lifts in the building and never faced such an incident before this. We have sought a detailed report from the maintenance company and are yet to decide on filing a formal complaint.” If you are stuck Security guard points to the lift in the A wing of Jay Krupa Tower in Byculla that malfunctioned and crashed on Wednesday night, injuring five residents. Pics/Satej Shinde >> Press the alarm or emergency button and state how many people are inside and if anyone is unwell.>> Call building security or emergency services if the intercom fails.>> Do not force open the doors or jump inside the cabin.>> Stay calm and wait for assistance. Expert view “Regular maintenance, functional checks and verification by the Public Works Department are crucial, especially in high-rises. If properly maintained, a belt snapping is unlikely. Societies often sign contracts but fail to verify reports with the PWD, which is a serious lapse,” Mumbai Fire Brigade chief Ravindra Ambulgekar 8 pm to 9 pmApprox time of the accident
13 February,2026 08:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarMake it large Young boys bat it out under a towering cutout of India cricketer Shreyas Iyer at Five Gardens in Wadala New splash of colour in Bandra The graffiti features Zenitsu from the Demon Slayer series ANIME fans have a new attraction in the city. Zenitsu from the popular and highest grossing anime series Demon Slayer has found a new home on Carter Road, opposite the Oceanic building. Graffiti artist Raj Pathare aka Mooz, who painted the mural, shared with this diarist, “I’m a big anime fan. I was undergoing a creative block and wanted to get painting again. What makes the graffiti special is the lighting effects that I created using bright colours and gradients.” With one character ticked off his list, Pathare revealed he will head out today to create a new one, which he intends to be another fan-favourite anime character. For old times’ sake Senior citizens perform the medley onstage WHO would’ve thought you could one day hear If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium and Bollywood hit Chura Liya on the same stage? Thirty- seven underprivileged seniors from the Ananda Yaan initiative of the Rotary Club of Bombay gave audiences just that, at a performance at YB Chavan auditorium on Wednesday. An official from the group revealed to us that the seniors were all trained by the Shankar Mahadevan Academy. That should explain the pitch- perfect performance. Those keen to follow upcoming events can log on to @rc1929. Naga tunes for Mayer Abdon Mech performs at the John Mayer concert on Wednesday. PICS COURTESY/ABDON MECH, JOHN MAYER ON INSTAGRAM While teary-eyed fans were in a majority at John Mayer’s India debut at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse on Wednesday, it was two dreams coming true at once for Naga artiste Abdon Mech. The 29-year-old from Thahekhu Village, Dimapur opened the much-awaited concert for his childhood idol. “I woke up today, and that’s when I realised last night wasn’t a dream. I grew up listening to his music in my bedroom; that’s how I picked up the guitar,” Mech told this diarist. John Mayer The musician had pulled all strings, including rallying his close-knit fan community in Nagaland on social media, to bring attention to his ambitious request. Taking stage in a slick look with an embroidered jacket bearing Naga pride, you wouldn’t guess the call-up came just four days before the show. “It was short notice, but I was confident. Thankfully, Mumbai’s audience came through in support,” he revealed. Kandivli engineers crack the formula What has four wheels, a nose and takes Kandivli to national glory? The Formula (Student category) car built by students of Thakur College of Engineering and Technology from the western suburb. The car bagged an overall second rank at the recently concluded Formula Bharat series in Coimbatore. The car built by students of Thakur College of Engineering and Technology “Nearly 30 students and faculty members waited with bated breath as the car underwent multiple qualifiers before the final 22-km run,” said assistant professor and the group’s mentor Pankaj Rawool. Godspeed to these young builders.
13 February,2026 08:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayDo 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 February 13. Aries March 21 – April 20Having learnt several truths about life is why now there’s acceptance of just living in the moment, one day at a time.Cosmic tip: Keep replies to the point and polite in every way. TaurusApril 21 – May 20There may be differences of opinion in a business partnership, or long-term goals. Consciously clear the path of old karmas.Cosmic tip: Continue being dedicated towards your career. GeminiMay 21 – June 21A subconscious emotional withdrawal could be a sign of losing interest in one facet of life, so be aware of it. Cosmic tip: Be cautious with language, using words that aptly describe inner thoughts. Cancer June 22 – July 23Making an island of yourself isn’t a good idea as positive social interaction is important for mental health. Cosmic tip: Don’t ignore an important discussion that can have positive outcomes in a relationship. Leo July 24 - Aug 23To invest in land is an idea being considered by some.Cosmic tip: Don’t misunderstand what seems to be an ultimatum couched in polite language. What is the person actually trying to convey? Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Maintaining a calm and a quiet mind, not getting agitated over every small thing helps concentrate on the work to be completed.Cosmic tip: Be aware that every action has a reaction. That’s karma. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Increasing present knowledge on a regular basis keeps you ahead in the competition. A short period of retreating into your shell ends. Cosmic tip: Work towards becoming the best in your field. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Constantly introspect about where you went wrong, or willfully ignored karma. Today is good for all aspects of financial decisions. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Aim to keep this rapport strong and loving. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Positive karmas of the past help life move forward. A new friend is made.Cosmic tip: Listen to good advice from someone you are close to, as it’s given with your welfare in mind. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Considering a slight change in career draws in newer and fresher energy. Being healthy is a daily routine you pursue. Life is good in general.Cosmic tip: Discuss future plans with your spouse/partner. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A business/career decision needs peaceful and calm contemplation before making an important decision. Property disputes are sorted out amicably. Cosmic tip: Be kind and loving even if irritated at someone else. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Some decide to get involved in social work either actively or just donate something whenever possible.Cosmic tip: Be aware of a gradual change within that speaks lovingly to your soul. Be kind to yourself.
13 February,2026 03:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseA massive fire broke out inside the Naval Dockyard near Gateway of India in south Mumbai on Thursday night. According to preliminary information, the blaze started at around 10.15 pm at waste stockyards within the Naval Dockyard premises. "The blaze was quickly brought under control by Naval fire tenders, who responded swiftly to the incident," a Naval spokesperson said. Officials confirmed that there were no casualties and no injuries have been reported. Sources said that the waste stockyards are located diagonally opposite the Gateway of India in Colaba, one of the city’s prominent landmarks. Following the incident, the Indian Navy officials quickly reached at the site and have launched a firefighting operation. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. An official statement issued by a Naval spokesperson said, "A fire broke out in one of the waste stockyards at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai late evening on Feb 12, 2026. Fire was brought under control in swift action by Naval fire tenders. No casualty has been reported. The cause of the fire is being investigated." View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) Fire breaks out on moving Thane Municipal Transport bus; passengers evacuated In an another incident on Wednesday, a fire broke out on a moving Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) bus on Wednesday afternoon, civic officials said, adding that the passengers on board the bus were evacuated and no injuries were reported in the incident. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the incident was reported at around 1:06 pm. The information regarding the blaze was received from the Rabodi Traffic Police Office, officials said. The fire took place near the Rabodi Traffic Police post, opposite the new Kalwa bridge on Saket Road in Rabodi, Thane (West), they said. The bus was travelling from CIDCO Bus Depot towards Kalher via Saket Road when its silencer overheated, leading to a minor fire. "At the time of the incident the driver and conductor of the bus were present in the vehicle along with around 20-25 passengers on board at the time of the incident," an official said. With the help of traffic police officers, the driver and the conductor, all passengers were safely evacuated from the bus. No one was injured in the incident. Personnel from the Thane Disaster Management Cell arrived at the scene with one pick-up vehicle. Fire brigade teams also reached the spot with one jeep and one fire engine. The fire was completely extinguished with the joint efforts of the bus staff, disaster management officials and fire brigade personnel. Authorities said the situation was later brought fully under control.
13 February,2026 12:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
