Transporters across the state have warned of an indefinite strike from March 5 if the state government fails to address their demands in a week. The call has been given by the Maharashtra Transport Action Committee, representing truck, tempo, bus, and school bus operators. The Mumbai School Bus Association has also joined the agitation, raising concerns during state board and CBSE examinations. A major flashpoint remains the implementation of e-challans, which transporters allege are being issued without due process. Operators claim penalties are imposed without real-time alerts or clear photographic evidence. Concerns have also been raised over mandatory vehicle retro-fitments such as CCTVs and panic buttons, with stakeholders demanding technical scrutiny before enforcement. School bus operators have sought designated halting zones near schools, while goods transporters have pressed for marked loading and unloading areas. The facts >> The protest is to be held from March 5>> Seven-day deadline issued to state government>> Covers trucks, tempos, buses, and school buses>> Statewide participation expected Exam impact >> Mumbai School Bus Association joins the protest>> State board exams underway>> CBSE examinations ongoing>> Potential disruption to student transport E-challan issues alleged >> No real-time challan alerts to drivers>> Penalties issued without clear evidence>> Unclear or blurred photographic proof Retro-fitment review >> CCTVs and panic buttons>> Demand for technical evaluation Past assurance >> A similar strike was withdrawn in July last year>> The government promised the formation of a task force>> None of the demands have been met, according to Shahid Shaikh of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana>> Schools are yet to be formally informed Parking demands >> Designated halting spots near schools>> Separate loading-unloading zones for goods vehicles>> Review of sudden no-entry and no-parking rules
19 February,2026 08:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarFollowing a mid-day report of citizens complaining about loose and displaced parapets, amid increasing fears among citizens regarding the safety of the Metro Line 4 structure following the recent parapet collapse incident, Mulund BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha conducted a joint inspection of the Metro Line 4 stretch along LBS Road on Wednesday, accompanied by officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and BMC officials from T ward. The MLA has demanded a third-party audit of the corridor. On Wednesday, the joint inspection was carried out covering seven to eight locations along Metro Line 4 on the LBS Road stretch in Mulund. The MMRDA team was led by Chief Engineer Madhukar Kharat. It was accompanied by T ward officer Yogita Kolhe, the disaster management team, and local corporators Dr Hetal Gala Morvekar and Deepika Ghag. Mulund BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha (in Nehru jacket) inspects the site along with MMRDA and civic officials “Following Saturday’s parapet collapse incident, residents have been sending photographs highlighting visible alignment issues, gaps, and level differences in the parapet walls of the elevated corridor. Close to 500 similar images were forwarded to the T ward disaster management team and me by citizens,” said Kotecha. Structure safe Kotecha said officials acknowledged minor technical and finishing defects, particularly in parapet wall alignment, but maintained that the structure is safe and its stability has not been compromised. “But why were such defects not identified earlier by consultants and auditors during or immediately after installation, which in some cases took place eight to 12 months ago? Why didn’t consultants and auditors notice them after the casting?” asked Kotecha. Third party audit He further stated that Metro systems in developed cities across the world reflect high-quality standards. “The Maharashtra government has released full payments to contractors as per agreements. Therefore, a comprehensive third-party quality control and safety audit of the entire Metro Line 4 corridor must be conducted. Strict action should be taken against consultants and auditors found responsible for lapses, even if the structural safety remains uncompromised,” demanded Kotecha. GIS tagging of locations Kotecha urged the MMRDA to conduct GIS (Geographic Information System) tagging of the identified locations and issue a technical advisory with photographic documentation. “This will help in reducing fear in the minds of people,” MLA added.
19 February,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn the wake of fresh allegations of illegal construction within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), officials from the SGNP and the Thane forest department conducted a site inspection. The matter has since been formally reported to the Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee, which has been tasked with verifying the claims and initiating appropriate action if violations are confirmed. Activists said they may approach the court if authorities fail to act On Tuesday, mid-day highlighted environmentalists’ claims that trees had been cleared and unauthorised sheds erected inside the Royal Palms township in Aarey Milk Colony. Activists warn that night-time construction and film shoots are causing noise, light, and traffic disturbance to wildlife. They also said they may approach the court if authorities fail to act. Voices A forest department officialThe Thane Forest Department territorial team and SGNP team have visited the site in Royal Palms, and we have informed the Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee to look into the same Questions raised >> Why wasn’t action taken despite earlier complaints?>> Has the ESZ Monitoring Committee failed to act?>> Why is the zonal master plan for the area still pending? What is banned in an Eco-Sensitive Zone >> Mining and excavation>> Polluting industrial activities>> Large construction projects>> Night shoots and high-intensity lighting>> Any activity disturbing wildlife habitat
19 February,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavA 41-year-old immigration staffer working with the Malaysian Consulate in Bandra West was allegedly cheated of Rs 78.85 lakh in a cryptocurrency investment scam that began on Instagram and moved to WhatsApp before funds were siphoned off through multiple bank accounts. Invested through website The complainant, a resident of Kanjurmarg, was added to a WhatsApp group named ‘EG Plan’ through Instagram on January 20, 2024. The group, which had around 50 members, was administered by individuals identifying themselves as Mayati Gupta and Arjun Singh. They shared stock market and IPO-related tips and encouraged members to invest in cryptocurrency through a website www.senxaxaa.com. The complainant registered on the website on April 1, 2024, and initially received R1.69 lakh as profit in his bank accounts. This secured his faith in the platform and prompted further investment. Many bank accounts used Between April 2024 and June 2024, the complainant transferred money through online banking and RTGS into 18 different beneficiary accounts of nationalised banks provided by the alleged administrators of the WhatsApp group. The total amount transferred was R78,85,000. Layered banking network Police found that the money was routed through multiple accounts bearing names of different entities, such as enterprises, construction firms, gem traders, catering services, and travel firms. They suspect the use of a layered banking network, possibly involving mule accounts, to disperse and obscure the funds. The complainant stated that when he attempted to withdraw the displayed profits on June 20, 2024, he was asked to deposit an additional R18 lakh as a processing fee. This is when he realised that he had been cheated. Stigma led to delay In his complaint, the man told the police that he was under severe mental stress and feared social embarrassment. “Because of that fear, I did not file a complaint anywhere at that time,” he said. He eventually contacted the national cybercrime helpline ‘1930’ on February 10, 2026, before lodging a formal complaint with the Cyber Police (eastern region). 20-month ordeal >> Fear of social defamation>> Mental stress and isolation>> Hesitation to report>> Impact on work How trust was built >> Confidence-building tactics used>> Added through social media (Instagram funnel)>> 50-member WhatsApp group creating “social proof”>> Other members posting profit claims>> Initial Rs 1.69 lakh real profit credited>> Professional-looking website dashboard>> Gradual increase in investment amount Red flags in crypto scams >> Guaranteed high returns >> Processing fee for withdraws >> Payments to unrelated trade entities >> No SEBI registration>> WhatsApp-based investment advice Cybercrime help >> Call ‘1930’ immediately after discovering online financial fraud>> Report complaint on official portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
19 February,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerEye on the prize A pet dog springs into the air to snatch a ball from its trainer at Juhu Beach Dosa legacy Cambata Building; (right) the café’s butter dosa. PICS COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA; RAMESHWARAM CAFE Fans of authentic South Indian fare can start building an appetite; we’ve learnt that Bengaluru’s iconic Rameshwaram Cafe is close to unveiling its first outpost in Mumbai, come March. For starters, we’re excited to see how the cult-favourite fares in the heritage Cambata Building aka Eros Cinema building in Churchgate. Don’t skip this, Mumbai! Participants skip at a session in Worli. PIC COURTESY/SKIP REVOLUTION Morning walkers on the Worli Promenade will be in for a skip-happy surprise this Sunday. A ‘skipathon’ pop-up by Skip Revolution will give Mumbaikars five minutes to skip rope and prove their mettle. “We hope the quick session motivates people to get serious about fitness,” shared co-founder Jagannath Shetkar. Those keen to hop on the challenge can log on to @skip_revolution_club. Age-old tunes Pravin Doshi rehearses for the show This club is not easy to get into,” quipped Kishore Parulekar, senior member of the Humming Birds. The 65-year-old will be among the performers taking stage at the Mysore Association Hall in King Circle, Matunga tomorrow for a musical evening. Titled Dil Chahta Hai, the event will see senior citizens from the age of 60 to 80 years, take the stage, putting on a musical performance. 80-year-old Pravin Doshi has been preparing for the last month, and shared, “At 80, when many believe life should slow down, singing gives me renewed energy and purpose.” Well, having met every Sunday since 2014, the group is certainly prepared. “It is a long wait if you want to sign up,” warned Parulekar, with a chuckle. Spellbound on stage A moment from the play Y, performed in Gibberish. PIC COURTESY/META Jury members at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) have been busy as bees this season. Announcing the Top 10 nominations for the March 2026 edition, festival producer Suraj Dhingra revealed that the festival received a record-breaking 422 submissions this year. The coveted list includes Atul Kumar’s (top) Ambaa, Purva Naresh’s (above) Chandni Raatein, and Parna Pethe’s Something Like Truth, alongside Kerala-based Remith Ramesh’s play Y, performed in Gibberish!
19 February,2026 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayMumbai marks 100 years of motor buses this July, but a debate has erupted over what to do with the old non-AC double-decker buses. Once iconic on Mumbai’s streets, three retired buses have been parked under the JJ Flyover in Nagpada and repurposed as a café, library, and art gallery. They are now being described by residents as junk and a nuisance in an already congested area. Inside the double-decker, seen through a dusty window. Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar Placed as part of a 2021 beautification drive, the buses, formerly from Marol depot, had completed 15 years of service before being handed over to the BMC’s B Ward. Authorities spent Rs 69.23 lakh converting them into public exhibits, but the installations have largely failed. The buses remain locked, vandalised, and covered in dust, drawing criticism from locals and traders who say the buses block pedestrian paths, parking spaces, and emergency access. The BEST double-decker parked under JJ flyover. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Bus enthusiasts argue the authorities mishandled the project, repainting the buses in a shade they claim is unfaithful to their heritage. “If maintained properly, we are willing to buy them and run them on tourist circuits in South Mumbai,” said bus fan Shubham Padave. The row highlights a tension between preserving city heritage and ensuring practical urban management in congested areas. About the bus Buses locationPydhonie Junction – CafeteriaNear Minara Masjid – LibraryJJ Junction – Art Gallery Bus history Retired from Marol depotServed 15 years in public service Inside the bus, seen through a dusty window. Pic/Rajendra B Aklekar Contractor issue >> Bus enthusiasts allege poor restoration work>> Incorrect shade of red used on buses>> Design said to ignore Mumbai bus identity Fan appeal Shubham Padave: Offer to buy busesPlan to run them on tourist circuits Residents speak Ruhan Shaikh, Mohammed Ali Road“At first it was novel, now it’s just a red wall blocking parking and space.” Yusuf Khatib, Pydhonie“Heritage is fine, but locals can’t even walk freely; the buses block the street.” Rangraj Khatu, Nagpada“We respect old BEST buses, but a library or café under a flyover looks abandoned.” Atmaram Gholap, Mohammed Ali Road“If it were a moving museum, fine. Here, it blocks traffic, loading, and emergency vehicles.”
19 February,2026 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarResidents living near the Wadala RTO have raised concerns about a poorly maintained footpath and inadequate street lighting on Mukundrao Ambedkar Road. A woman resident said, “The footpath does not feel safe to use while alone, and the lack of light makes things scarier. There have been multiple chain-snatching incidents on this stretch. We work till 10 pm some days, and there aren’t many cabs plying at that time, so we always walk in groups if it gets too late.” Overgrown weeds and low-hanging branches along the footpath She added that though the footpath is fairly wide, flower beds on it haven’t been maintained and have started growing weeds. “The branches of overgrown trees also dangle low over the footpath.” Residents also flagged the presence of multiple abandoned vehicles lining the road, highlighting how they could be misused or lead to fire accidents and pointing to the irony of their proximity to the RTO. Pedestrians opt to walk on Mukundrao Ambedkar Road instead of using the footpath. PIC/MADHULIKA RAM KAVATTUR mid-day contacted the F North ward office of the BMC, but was told the stretch in question comes under the jurisdiction of MMRDA. The latter did not respond to queries by press time. Residents speak Reji Philips,‘The poorly lit stretch lies between the Wadala Depot monorail station and Lodha building. We have contacted the BMC numerous times about barely functioning street lights and the footpath that is barely walkable, but we haven’t received a response’ A taxi driver,‘The lights work, but they barely illuminate the road. We need lights which work properly and actually show us what is on the road, because that isn’t there, people feel unsafe walking and driving on the road’ Major problems >> Inadequate lighting>> Slanted Streetlight poles >> Lack of footpath maintenance>> Presence of abandoned vehicles
19 February,2026 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturWith thousands of construction sites active across Mumbai and road works peaking outside the monsoon months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is rolling out a citywide road-washing drive lasting about 150 days each year to reduce dust pollution and stabilise air quality levels. The civic body will deploy high-pressure water tankers and misting machines across all wards, focusing on areas with heavy construction activity where dust accumulation on roads and traffic movement significantly worsen particulate pollution. View of the sky over Chowpatty on Wednesday, with air quality in the satisfactory range Why the move now >> Construction season lasts from October to May>> Monsoon halt: July to September>> There are 2400+ active citywide construction sites>> 629 road projects are currently underway>> Dust from these sites settles on roads and gets resuspended by traffic, worsening local air quality A mist cannon sprays water at the Elphinstone bridge construction site in Prabhadevi, with the BMC stepping up dust-control measures earlier this month AQI snapshot >> AQI on Wednesday: 70 (Satisfactory)>> Green days in February: 2>> Major pollutant: Carbon monoxide from vehicles Tankers to be deployed >> 2000-litre>> 5000-litre>> 10,000-litre>> Each tanker is expected to make up to 125 trips daily, using high-pressure jets to remove dust from carriageways How the road-washing drive will work >> Duration: ~150 days annually>> Focus: Construction-heavy zones and polluted corridors Misting machines to supplement The BMC is in the process of procuring 28 misting machines.Unlike road washing, these machines spray fine droplets into the air so suspended dust particles settle Authorities speak Kiran Dighavkar, deputy municipal commissioner‘This is a mandate to safeguard the environment in the vicinity of construction sites. Roads are washed to remove dust from carriageways.’ A civic official, from SWM department‘We do this to keep AQI under control in non-monsoon months. At present, the BMC sprays water on roads around construction zones’
19 February,2026 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MSDo 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 19. Aries March 21 – April 20Working with changing situations, keeping yourself updated with technology keeps you leading the race.Cosmic tip: Consider a new outlook with several avenues that help life settle down. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Giving as much as required to work is possible when family relationships are jogging along peacefully. Cosmic tip: Work with evolving conditions and circumstances. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Drive carefully, especially at night. Planning a trip too many months in advance may fizzle out as something else advances.Cosmic tip: Live from the peace in your heart, moment by moment. Cancer June 22 – July 23Live through changes manifesting from karma. Married Cancereans can feel a difference in the relationship.Cosmic tip: Sleep with a clear conscience since you’ve not done anything wrong. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Those thinking of turning a hobby into a business should begin by taking small steps. A relative may be planning to visit after a long time. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Work through self-created blocks. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23It’s important to understand a client’s psyche before discussing marketing ideas. A positive karmic cycle begins.Cosmic tip: Listen to instincts if making an impulsive decision. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22A family holiday includes a family that enjoys adventure and also moments of quietly spending time together. Cosmic tip: Continue having a sense of loyalty to the present organisation. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A feeling of being in a time-warp ends with some situations emerging from talks with two people. Constantly have a mindful attitude.Cosmic tip: Initiate a discussion to bring closure to an ongoing matter. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Inner conflicts finally subside with the other person having a change of attitude that shows all is forgiven. A gift is a happy surprise.Cosmic tip: Self-study just for the joy of increasing knowledge. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20This karmic cycle highlights spiritual development, making you understand that true happiness lies within. Cosmic tip: Don’t overthink a fact that you’ve received your share of what was due. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A phone call brings good news. This karmic cycle favours property matters. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Believe that the Higher Power has your good at heart even if the situation seems dismal. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Pursue a self-set goal. Making regular investments is a must since income has increased. Eat home cooked nutritious food.Cosmic tip: Don’t create emotional distance; instead, be open to a conversation that resolves issues.
19 February,2026 03:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BosePankit Vijay Shah (39), the Chief Business Officer of Samco Mutual Fund, is believed to have fallen to his death from the passage area on the fourth floor of the Chadha Premises Co-operative Housing Society building in Andheri East on Tuesday. According to the Andheri police, who reviewed CCTV footage and spoke to two eyewitnesses, Shah fell while trying to retrieve a debit card that had landed on the overhanging eave of the third floor using a broom. The card was later found on the eave by investigators, while the broom was discovered near the body. Shah’s family had filed a missing person complaint one day before the incident, but the Andheri police have found no evidence of foul play so far. Authorities have registered an accidental death report and will record statements from Shah’s family members. Friends speak “A friend of ours has a tour and travel office on the fourth floor, where we would meet regularly. We often had meals and parties together.” “About ten minutes before the incident, we were having a smoke outside the building. We were all laughing and enjoying ourselves. Pankit then told us that he was going up and would be back soon, but the unexpected happened.” What witnesses said According to the police, upon seeing Shah trying to retrieve his card, a man named Rafique, who was in the opposite building, shouted at him not to lean outside the window. However, Shah did not heed his warning. The police also stated that a woman on the fourth floor of Chadha Society had cautioned Shah against retrieving the card in this manner. The Andheri police have recorded statements from both witnesses. Police speak “According to the preliminary investigation, it was an accidental death. We are also looking into why the family had registered a missing person complaint,” said DCP Datta Nalawade.
18 February,2026 11:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaIn yet another falling debris incident, a wooden casing of old cabling collapsed onto a passenger’s head on Wednesday at the crowded Churchgate railway station on Wednesday night. The incident took place around 9:45 PM as the commuter was about to board a local train. According to Western Railway officials, immediate assistance and first aid were offered, but the passenger declined help, refused to share his identity, and did not file any complaint. Railway authorities said a maintenance block would be taken during the night to remove the entire damaged casing and prevent further mishaps.
18 February,2026 11:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
