Central Railway (CR) executed a mega block on Sunday to undertake key infrastructure works for accommodating 15-coach local trains at Thane station. The Mumbai Division operated a mega block on the UP and DOWN slow lines between Mulund and Thane stations from 11 am to 4 pm. The block was aimed at platform extension and extensive yard remodelling at Thane to facilitate the operation of longer suburban trains. During the five-hour block, teams comprising officers, supervisors and staff from the Engineering, OHE, Signal and Telecommunication departments carried out multiple works simultaneously. Major works included removal and laying of switches and a culvert using crane machines, siding work and tamping, crossover laying and track shifting, dismantling of an existing crossover and laying of 80 metres of new track. Re-tensioning of contact wires, OHE maintenance, and shifting of point machines, signals and track circuits were also undertaken. Mumbai suburban trains diverted between Mulund and Thane during mega block To minimise disruption, suburban train services were diverted during the block period. DOWN Slow services departing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus between 10.04 am and 3.09 pm were diverted to the DOWN Fast line between Mulund and Thane and later re-diverted to the Slow line at Thane. Similarly, UP Slow services leaving Kalyan between 10.36 am and 3.24 pm were diverted to the UP Fast line between Thane and Mulund before rejoining the Slow corridor at Mulund. The yard remodelling at Thane is part of a larger plan to remodel 34 yards across Central Railway to increase the number of 15-coach suburban services. Thane is among the key stations undergoing major infrastructure upgrades under this initiative. Officials said the completion of the works will enable an increase in 15-coach local train services, enhance operational flexibility, and improve stabling and maintenance facilities. The mega block was carried out with all prescribed safety measures in place. Additional ticket-checking and security personnel were deployed, and frequent announcements were made to guide passengers and reduce inconvenience. Central Railway said the upgrade is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen suburban infrastructure and provide safer, more efficient services to commuters.
22 February,2026 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSanjay Raut on Sunday endorsed party legislator Aaditya Thackeray’s stand on the upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections 2026, saying that as the largest party in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Sena (UBT) has the first claim to the alliance’s lone winnable seat from Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported. In April, the Rajya Sabha terms of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, NCP (SP) MP Fauzia Khan, RPI (Athawale) chief Ramdas Athawale, BJP’s Bhagwat Karad, Congress’s Rajani Patil, and NCP’s Dhairysheel Patil will end. MVA can potentially send only one candidate to the Upper House of the Parliament due to its reduced strength in the assembly. As largest party in MVA, Shiv Sena (UBT) stakes first claim on Rajya Sabha seat: Aaditya Thackeray Earlier this week, Aaditya Thackeray appeared to stake his party’s claim to the MVA’s lone winnable seat, stating that, based on the current numbers in the Assembly, the Rajya Sabha seat “belongs” to his party and that “talks will definitely happen in that direction in the MVA.” Speaking to PTI, Raut said there was “no inconsistency” in the party’s stand and pointed out that the Sena (UBT) is the single largest party in the Opposition with 20 MLAs. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with what Aaditya Thackeray said. We are the single largest party with 20 MLAs. The Congress has 16, and the NCP (SP) has 10. Therefore, whoever gets elected to the Rajya Sabha will go as a candidate of the MVA. As the largest party, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has the first right,” he said. Clarifying his earlier remarks about Sharad Pawar, the Rajya Sabha MP said he had only stated that the senior leader had expressed a desire regarding the Rajya Sabha berth. “I said that as a senior leader, Sharad Pawar has expressed his wish. He is a senior leader of the MVA. We will sit together and take a collective decision. But it must first be accepted that, as the largest party, Shiv Sena (UBT) has the primary claim,” he said, noting that the NCP (SP) chief has not officially declared his candidature so far, reported PTI. The MVA leadership is competent to take an appropriate decision, he added, urging people not to feel undue “tension or pressure” over the evolving political situation in Maharashtra. Referring to Aaditya Thackeray’s assertion that one candidate each from Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) could be elected, Raut said the former minister is well-versed in legislative affairs. “Aaditya Thackeray understands politics and legislative functioning. Last time, Sharad Pawar and Priyanka Chaturvedi were elected. At that time, the situation was different, and we were together with higher numbers. Aaditya Thackeray will not make an incorrect statement,” he said, reported PTI. However, he indicated that the arithmetic remains crucial. Support of 37 MLAs needed to win RS seat “One MP will certainly be elected. Support of 37 MLAs is needed. This time, we appear to have 10 to 12 surplus votes. We will need to mobilise another 20-21 votes. If that happens, two candidates can be elected. But at this moment, since Shiv Sena (UBT) is the largest party, we are bound to assert our claim,” Raut added. The Election Commission is set to notify the polls for seven Rajya Sabha seats on February 26. Voting is scheduled for March 16. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the NCP, has 232 MLAs and can potentially win six seats. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA large human chain protest was organised on Sunday against alleged illegal constructions on Belapur Hill in Navi Mumbai by the ‘Save Belapur Hills Forum’ and the ‘NatConnect Foundation’, news agency PTI reported. The protesters demanded immediate government intervention to avert a potential tragedy similar to the 2023 Irshalwadi landslide in Raigad district, which had claimed 84 lives. Activists alleged that at least 30 unauthorised structures are continuing to expand on the landslide-prone slopes of the hill, PTI reported. “Information obtained from CIDCO under the RTI Act reveals that these illegal constructions occupy roughly 2.3 lakh sq ft of public land,” an activist claimed. The forum further alleged that large-scale tree felling carried out to facilitate these constructions has significantly weakened the soil stability of the hills, PTI reported. “We are not against any specific community or structure. Our primary concern is the safety of the devotees visiting these hill-top sites and the over 600 families living directly in the danger zone below the slopes,” said BN Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation. Kapil Kulkarni of the Save Belapur Hills Forum said that although assurances of action were given as early as 2015, the number of structures has only increased over the past decade. Mumbai civic body clears 65 illegal structures in Kandivali West The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), during the early hours of Friday, carried out a major eviction drive in the Mahavir Nagar area of Kandivali West. The civic authority removed 65 unauthorised constructions and hawkers to ease congestion and restore public spaces. According to officials, the eviction drive was undertaken by the civic body’s R-South administrative division under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 7) Sandhya Nandedkar and led by Assistant Commissioner (R-South Division) Aarti Golekar. The official statement also emphasised that several unauthorised structures had come up in the locality, along with illegal hawking activities, leading to obstruction of vehicular movement and inconvenience to pedestrians. In response, a coordinated campaign was launched by various departments under the R-South division. The drive resulted in the demolition of unauthorised constructions and the eviction of hawkers encroaching on public areas. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 06:14 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA massive fire broke out near South Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Sunday, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the air. According to officials, huge clouds of smoke were seen rising from the tetrapods and large concrete blocks along the seafront. Pic/ Ashish Raje Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed to the spot and began efforts to douse the blaze. Mumbai Traffic Police also reached the area to manage vehicular movement and prevent congestion. Firefighting operations are underway. Pic/ Ashish Raje As a precautionary measure, the entrance of the Coastal Road tunnel has been temporarily closed while firefighting operations continue, an official told Mid-Day. Further details are awaited as operations remain underway. Watch: Firefighting operations underway as fire breaks out near Mumbai's Coastal Road A massive fire broke out near South Mumbai’s Coastal Road on Sunday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Mumbai Fire Brigade teams rushed to the scene and began efforts to contain the blaze, officials confirmed.As reported by Mid-Day, the entrance of the Coastal Road… pic.twitter.com/FHlbRmcxFW — Mid Day (@mid_day) February 22, 2026
22 February,2026 05:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Friday announced the extension of Metro Line-12 with a new corridor, Metro 12A, along the busy Kalyan–Shilphata Road. The project, which has received administrative approval of Rs 8,414.53 crore, was announced by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde. The development is being viewed as a major boost to connectivity in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by MP Shrikant Shinde. Metro 12A to run parallel to Shilphata Road The extended corridor will connect Kalyan Phata to Taloja via Dahisar Mori, running parallel to the congested Kalyan-Shilphata Road. The 18.4-km revised corridor, of which 10.5 km is already under construction, will feature 12 elevated stations, including Manpada, Katai Naka, Desai Naka, Padle Gaon, Kalyan Phata, Gotheghar, Dahisar Mori, Rohinjan, and Khutare Village. Between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata, track and station-sharing has been proposed with Metro Line-14 (Kanjurmarg to Badlapur). The corridor will also integrate with the Nilje Depot and the proposed Thane Bullet Train Station. The project is expected to significantly decongest vehicular traffic on Shilphata Road while providing the first metro connectivity to Kalwa, Diva, and Mumbra regions. Double-decker elevated corridor approved In addition to the metro expansion, MMRDA has cleared a Rs 5,909.21 crore double-decker elevated corridor between Kalyan Phata (Shilphata Junction) and Rajnoli in Bhiwandi. The 19.4-km four-lane structure will have two levels: the lower deck for road traffic and the upper deck for metro operations, enabling seamless travel from Shilphata to Bhiwandi. The corridor will integrate with Metro Line 5 (Thane–Bhiwandi–Kalyan), Metro Line 12, the extended 12A corridor, and the proposed Metro Line 14. It will also include eight entry-exit ramps, two railway overbridges, and major bridges over Desai Creek and the Ulhas River. Earlier, in MMRDA Budget 2026–27, Rs 4,897.19 crore was allocated for projects in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency. Shrikant Shinde recently reviewed the progress of key infrastructure works, including Metro Line-12, Palava Flyover, the Third Patri Bridge, the Waldhuni elevated corridor, and the Kalyan Ring Road. Officials have been directed to accelerate ongoing works to ensure timely completion and early public access. The Metro 12A expansion is expected to transform east-west connectivity across Kalyan, Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi, further strengthening regional mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
22 February,2026 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Bhaskar Jadhav said the opposition will boycott the customary tea party hosted by Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday ahead of Maharashtra Legislature’s Budget Session, news agency PTI reported. Fadnavis had personally written to senior leaders inviting them to the event, which is traditionally held on the eve of a legislature session, Jadhav said. “The ruling party is arrogant and shows little respect towards the opposition. As there is no respect, no decency and no regard for the Constitution, we have decided to decline the high tea invitation,” Jadhav told reporters. He also criticised the trade deal between India and the United States, claiming it would adversely impact cotton growers and fisherfolk in the state. However, the Fadnavis government has expressed no regret over the Union Government’s decision, and therefore it was decided to boycott the high tea invitation, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader added. Jadhav said another reason for declining the invite was the Maharashtra government’s “ambiguous stand” on the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane accident. Maharashtra opposition flags 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, farmer suicides, and Davos MoUs He also criticised the state government over the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, alleging that ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, Rs 1,500 per month was disbursed to women without verification and votes were “bought”, and later more than 50 lakh women were declared ineligible on trivial grounds. He further said that many women will now not receive the allowance as they have not completed e-KYC (know your customer). Meanwhile, Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said 22 farmers had died by suicide in Yavatmal, while 76 had ended their lives in the Marathwada region, alleging that the state government had taken no steps to address the issue. He also criticised the state government over the memoranda of understanding signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, pointing out that several of the companies were already based in Maharashtra and some lacked adequate capital, PTI reported. The opposition will demand a white paper on the matter, he said. Wadettiwar also questioned why, if such large investments were coming to Maharashtra, the government could not increase the Ladki Bahin scheme’s monthly stipend from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. 'Maharashtra has not received Rs 29,000 crore from Centre' “Since December, Maharashtra had sought Rs 29,000 crore from the Union government but had not yet received it,” he said, alleging that Gujarat was being given preferential treatment over Maharashtra. The Congress leader further claimed that nearly 600 acres of land near Nagpur, categorised as reserved forest land, had been leased to the Adani Group at Rs 1 lakh per acre, and alleged that the government had also permitted a mining project adjacent to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. “When the Maha Vikas Aghadi was in power, it had opposed the decision and did not grant permission,” he said. He also claimed that 1.57 lakh women and girls were missing in Maharashtra, PTI reported. Satej Patil, Leader of the Congress in the Legislative Council, said nearly 70 lakh youths had registered themselves as unemployed in the state. He also criticised the Rs 1.02 lakh crore Shaktipeeth Mahamarg project, stating that it was unnecessary and that nobody had demanded it, yet the state government was pushing it. Patil further alleged that a raid on Minister Narhari Zirwal’s office in Mantralaya could not have taken place without the CM's consent. “If Fadnavis seriously wished to improve the state’s image, he should have sought Zirwal’s resignation,” Patil said, adding that if the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Maharashtra is truly autonomous and free from pressure, opposition leaders would honour its officials. (With PTI inputs)
22 February,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has called for an in-depth investigation into the January 28 plane crash that claimed the life of senior Maharashtra politician Ajit Pawar, raising concerns about the functioning of VSR and possible lapses surrounding the incident. In a conversation with ANI, Pawar alleged that the airline was not operating efficiently and could pose risks to high-profile passengers. Describing the crash as a tragic loss for both his family and the state, he demanded a comprehensive probe into all aspects of the incident, including developments a day prior to the crash. "We have received information that VSR was not functioning properly. When VIPs travel with such services, their safety cannot be compromised. The events of January 28 were deeply unfortunate. There must be a thorough investigation into VSR’s role, and a criminal angle should also be explored, including what transpired on January 27," he said. Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives when the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Sources, however, told ANI that aviation accidents are investigated under strict international protocols laid down by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and ICAO norms. They described such probes as technical, transparent and driven entirely by evidence, urging that the process be left to authorised agencies. The sources also criticised attempts to politicise the tragedy, stating that conclusions should be based on verified findings rather than speculation. They maintained that accountability would be ensured once the investigation is complete. Opposition raises questions Following the crash, leaders from the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress have raised questions over the circumstances of the accident, with some suggesting the possibility of foul play. Earlier, Rohit Pawar had sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging them to oversee the investigation. Addressing a press conference, he said the incident could involve either a political or commercial conspiracy and stressed the need to determine the exact cause. He also alleged that if any entity was shielding VSR, it could point to a larger nexus involving influential individuals, including officials linked to the DGCA. Pawar further said he would write to the Prime Minister seeking support for a transparent probe and demanded the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He also raised questions about the aircraft’s black box data, claiming there may have been multiple explosions. Additionally, he pointed to the presence of extra fuel containers stored separately, suggesting they could have contributed to the fire, and called for these aspects to be thoroughly investigated. (With inputs from ANI)
22 February,2026 02:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA brief smoke scare was reported at Churchgate railway station around 11 am on platform number 1 on Sunday, officials said. According to the Deputy Station Superintendent (Commercial), smoke was noticed emanating from a display-cum-warmer used to keep samosas and vegetable puffs at a stall operated by Seema Pandey. Preliminary information suggests that no fire broke out and the smoke may have been caused due to overheating of the crust of the food items kept inside the warmer. As a precautionary measure, a fire extinguisher available at the stall was used to douse the smoke. A joint inspection along with the electrical staff is currently being carried out to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. No injuries were reported, and normal operations at the station continued without disruption.
22 February,2026 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAIMIM leader Waris Pathan on Saturday said there was nothing objectionable if the family of senior Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar demanded an investigation into the plane crash that led to his death. Speaking to ANI, Pathan said that given Ajit Pawar’s stature, seeking a probe was justified. He also noted that NCP leader Rohit Pawar has raised several questions regarding the incident, which, he said, should be addressed. Ajit Pawar, along with four others, died on January 28 when the aircraft carrying them crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Sources told ANI that investigations into aviation accidents are conducted strictly under established protocols of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and international ICAO norms. These inquiries are technical in nature, transparent, and based entirely on evidence. They emphasised that the probe should be left to authorised agencies and described attempts to politicise the incident as unfortunate. According to them, conclusions should be drawn only after a thorough, evidence-based investigation. Following Pawar’s death, leaders from the NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress have raised concerns over the circumstances of the crash, with some hinting at the possibility of foul play. Earlier in the day, Rohit Pawar called for the direct involvement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the investigation. Addressing a press conference, he said the incident could involve either a political or commercial angle and stressed the need to determine the exact cause. He also alleged that if any entity, including the VSR company, was being shielded, it could point towards a larger conspiracy, claiming that influential individuals and even DGCA-linked officials might be involved. Sharad Pawar suffers from mild dehydration, hospitalised in Pune Meanwhile, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Sunday after suffering from mild dehydration, doctors said. The condition of the 85-year-old Rajya Sabha member was stable, they said. "He has been admitted to the Ruby Hall Clinic for mild dehydration and requires intravenous fluids. His condition is stable. He will remain in the hospital for two days and is expected to be discharged thereafter," Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist and chairman and managing trustee of the hospital, said in a statement. Dr Grant and Dr Abhijit Lodha, consultant physician at the hospital, were supervising his treatment. Earlier, the former Union minister was admitted to the same hospital on February 9 following a chest infection and was discharged on February 14. (With inputs from ANI)
22 February,2026 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn an inspiring feat of grit and determination, 22-year-old Pramod Pawde from Kuini, a small hamlet in the district of Nanded in Maharashtra scaled the state’s highest peak, Kalsubai, in just two hours and 48 minutes recently in January. What makes his achievement extraordinary is that Pawde accomplished the climb using a prosthetic leg. Kalsubai, standing at 5,400 feet above sea level in the Sahyadri mountain range, is considered one of the most challenging and popular treks in Maharashtra. Thousands of trekking enthusiasts attempt the climb every year, navigating steep rocky patches and uneven terrain. “Completing the trek in under three hours is an impressive timing, even for seasoned climbers sometimes. For someone who uses a prosthetic leg, it’s a speechless achievement. Good support of fellow trekkers, apt planning, good exercise and highest level of determination - a combination of this can make anything possible and Pawde is a living example of that,” said Babloo Tarawale, who conducts several treks across Maharashtra. Pawde started his trek around 2 am and completed it around 4.45 am. “It was one of the most beautiful sunrises that I had ever seen!” said Pawde. However, there were times when Pawde felt like giving up. "But fellow trekkers kept motivating me. The biggest hurdle was the uneven pathway. Kalsubai climbing starts at night only and that's the risk which demotivates many,” shared the youngster. Challenges of climbing Kalsubai >> It’s a night Trek >> There are no proper steps>> There is an uneven terrain which made walking with a prosthetic difficult >> One needs to carry water and food as there is barely anything available in top adding to the weight and pressure on legs How did Pramod lose his leg? In 2018, Pawde collapsed while playing cricket. “The doctors noticed a lump just below my knee. After an X-ray they learnt that it’s not just a lump, but a tumour. It was Bone Sarcoma (bone cancer) and my treatment at Tata Hospital in Mumbai began in January 2019.” While several NGOs and donors helped him get through his treatment at Tata Hospital, it was former health minister Tanaji Sawant that made funds available for his prosthetic leg.
22 February,2026 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarVeteran politician and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune on Sunday after experiencing mild dehydration, doctors confirmed. The 85-year-old Rajya Sabha MP is currently stable and under medical supervision. According to a statement issued by Ruby Hall Clinic, Pawar is receiving intravenous fluids as part of his treatment and is expected to remain hospitalised for the next two days. Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist and chairman as well as managing trustee of the hospital, said Pawar’s condition is not serious and he is likely to be discharged after a short period of observation. His treatment is being overseen by Dr Grant along with consultant physician Dr Abhijit Lodha. This is the second time in recent weeks that Pawar has been admitted to the same hospital. Earlier, he was hospitalised on February 9 due to a chest infection and was discharged on February 14 after recovery. Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar visited Sharad Pawar at Pune Hospital Earlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, along with son Parth Pawar, visited the Ruby Hall Clinic on February 9 when Sharad Pawar was admitted. Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth enquired about the well-being of the former Maharashtra Chief Minister. Sunetra Pawar’s late husband, Ajit, was Sharad Pawar’s nephew. Sharad Pawar was brought to the hospital by his wife, Pratibha Pawar; daughter, Supriya Sule; son-in-law, Sadanand Sule; and grandson, Rohit Pawar. While the doctors and hospital staff have been focusing on getting Sharad Pawar the best medical aid, Ruby Hall Clinic has further urged the party workers and well-wishers to avoid gathering within the hospital premises to ensure that routine patient care is not disrupted. 'Will fulfil Ajit Pawar’s unfinished dreams:' Moments after assuming office, Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar makes emotional pledge Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar shared her first reaction after assuming office. In an emotional post on social media platform X, she vowed to carry forward the unfinished dreams of her late husband, former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, and work with dedication for the welfare of the state. In a heartfelt statement released shortly after taking charge at Mantralaya, Pawar wrote, “While assuming the responsibility of deputy CM of Maharashtra today, I am also filled with a sense of trust, duty, and sacrifice. The passion for development that Ajitdada pursued throughout his life for the people of Maharashtra will be my guiding light. Drawing strength from his work style, decisiveness, and close bond with the people, I will move forward. My priority will be to fulfil his unfinished dreams and deliver justice to the expectations of farmers, women, youth, and common citizens. No one can take Dada’s place, but I will sincerely strive to preserve his ideals and build a more capable Maharashtra. In this difficult time, the love, support, and trust given by the people is my strength.”
22 February,2026 12:00 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
