Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday to finalise details of the manifesto and campaign strategy ahead of BMC Election 2026, reported the PTI. The two leaders met at Raj Thackeray’s residence, ‘Shivtirth’. The meeting follows a recent visit by Raj to Matoshri, the residence of Uddhav Thackeray. Both interactions are seen as a step towards closer collaboration between the two parties for the upcoming elections, according to the PTI. Sources said that the discussions also covered plans to counter rebellion by party workers. Several municipal wards have witnessed multiple aspirants rebelling against official candidates, making coordination crucial for both parties. Joint rallies planned Both parties are expected to hold joint rallies across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). According to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray, sons of Uddhav and Raj respectively, are finalising the election manifesto, as per the PTI. The proposed rallies include Mumbai: 3 rallies, Kalyan-Dombivli: 2 rallies, Thane, Mira-Bhayander, and Nashik: 1 rally each. Elections will be held for 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra, including the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, on January 15, with votes to be counted the following day. Keep differences aside and work unitedly: Raj Thackeray to MNS cadre Earlier this week, Raj Thackeray had on Monday asked party workers and office-bearers to set aside their differences and work unitedly with Shiv Sena (UBT) to ensure the alliance’s victory in the BMC Election 2026. Addressing party workers at Rangasharda auditorium, Raj Thackeray had said that the elections were crucial to "save Mumbai". Raj Thackeray warned that some people harboured ambitions to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra and said such attempts must be defeated. Quoting him, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar said, "The dream of breaking Mumbai must be destroyed. Mumbai belongs to the Marathi manoos and Maharashtra. This election is extremely important for the Marathi manoos. No fight is bigger than Maharashtra," according to the PTI. Alliance dharma must be followed Raj Thackeray stressed the need to follow alliance dharma, noting that every seat was important in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. "Keep differences aside to save Mumbai. Party workers and local functionaries must campaign for Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) candidates. This support will be reciprocated by Shiv Sena (UBT)," he said. He added that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) would also be part of the alliance. (with PTI inputs)
01 January,2026 08:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe newly constructed Sagari-2-2 police station, located near Dana Pani beach in Erangal, Malad West, is ready and is expected to become operational from January 26, according to police sources. The aesthetically designed police station has drawn attention for its bungalow-like appearance. According to Sagari police sources, while the building is fully ready, operations were delayed due to the absence of a water connection. With the issue expected to be resolved shortly, authorities are planning to inaugurate the police station on January 26. Background & jurisdiction The Sagari-2-2 police station was originally established in 2013 under the second phase of the coastal police modernisation project. It initially functioned from a rented premises near the crematorium in Gorai, and is currently operating from a flat in police quarters at Yogi Nagar, Borivli West. The station’s jurisdiction stretches along the coastline from Bandra West to Gorai. Around 26 police personnel, including a senior police inspector, API, PSI, and male and female staff, are deployed.
01 January,2026 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Bombay High Court (HC) on Thursday flagged the irony of a society that projects the ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family)’ to the world while families at home remain embroiled in bitter inheritance disputes, news agency PTI reported. Observing that protracted property feuds are “classic examples” of the disconnect between ancient values and contemporary realities, the court expressed a “solemn and optimistic hope” that such family litigation would be curtailed in the larger interest of society. A bench of Justice MS Sonak and Justice Advait Sethna made the remarks while dismissing a petition filed by a daughter seeking a letter of administration in respect of her late mother’s Will, which bequeathed a family property in suburban Bandra to her and two of her brothers, PTI reported. Two other brothers, who were excluded from the mother’s Will but had earlier been named as executors in their father’s Will, raised doubts over the genuineness of the mother’s Will, alleging that it was executed under undue influence and collusion. Refusing to issue the letter of administration, the court said it found suspicious and doubtful circumstances surrounding the mother’s Will. “The appellant (daughter), despite being the propounder of the Will, has not satisfied the conscience of this Court in dispelling the same, despite there being a legal obligation to do so,” the HC said. While dismissing the plea, the bench noted that although the phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is frequently invoked in contemporary times, cases such as the present one highlight stark contradictions—family disputes over property that show no end in sight and culminate in prolonged litigation, PTI reported. “This is a tendency that ought to be curtailed in the larger societal interest. We conclude with this solemn and optimistic hope,” it said. Family dispute over dual wills at heart of inheritance battle in Bombay HC The court described the matter as yet another “family saga” involving disputes over two Wills executed by deceased parents. According to the record, the appellant’s parents, who married in 1933, had six children—five sons and a daughter. The father died in 1976, leaving behind a Will appointing his wife and two sons as executors and trustees of the property. The mother died in 1987, leaving a Will that bequeathed the property to the daughter and two other sons, excluding the remaining two. Those excluded sons contended that the mother’s Will was cryptic and did not explain their exclusion. The daughter, however, maintained that the Will was executed without fraud, collusion or undue influence and that there were no suspicious circumstances. In its judgment, the high court also noted that the daughter had never opposed the grant of probate in respect of her father’s Will. (With PTI inputs)
01 January,2026 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Cabinet on Wednesday approved the six-lane greenfield Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot Corridor. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis welcoming the move, thanked PM Modi for the decision, reported the IANS. CM Fadnavis described the project as a major step in improving transport, logistics, and regional economic growth. In a post on X, CM Fadnavis expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Cabinet for approving the 374-km corridor at a cost of Rs 19,142 crore. He said the project, part of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, would enhance fast and safe connectivity across the state. Heartfelt gratitude to Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji and the Union Cabinet for approving the 374-km Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot six-lane Greenfield Corridor (₹19,142 crore). A major boost to fast, safe connectivity under the #PMGatishakti National Master Plan.@narendramodi#Maharashtra… pic.twitter.com/8icX54YXLk — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 31, 2025 Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of the 374-km-long six-lane access-controlled greenfield Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot highway in Maharashtra. The project will be implemented on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis at a total capital cost of Rs 19,142 crore. According to an official release, the corridor will connect key cities including Nashik, Ahilyanagar and Solapur, and is aimed at accelerating integrated transport infrastructure development in line with the PM Gati Shakti framework. The project Length: 374 km Type: Six-lane, access-controlled, greenfield highway Implementation: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model Design Speed: Up to 100 kmph (average operating speed 60 kmph) Connectivity: Links Nashik-Ahilyanagar-Solapur-Akkalkot The corridor will also connect to major highways and expressways, including: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (Vadhvan Bandar interchange) Agra-Mumbai Corridor (NH-60, Adegaon, Nashik) Samruddhi Expressway (Pangri, Nashik) Integration with existing infra Work is already underway on a four-lane Chennai-Hasapur route (approx. 700 km). Once integrated with the Nashik-Akkalkot corridor, travel distance will reduce by 201 km and travel time by approximately 17 hours, cutting journey time nearly 45 per cent from 31 hours to 17 hours. Building next-gen infrastructure for growth! The Cabinet has approved the 6-lane Nashik–Solapur–Akkalkot greenfield corridor in Maharashtra. Aligned with PM GatiShakti, this transformative project will cut travel time significantly, strengthen west-to-east connectivity, boost… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 31, 2025 The corridor will also improve logistics efficiency for key industrial nodes, including Kopparthi and Orvakallu, and support the development of the Pune-Nashik Expressway. Economic benefits Officials estimate the project will generate the following -- Direct employment: 251.06 lakh man-days Indirect employment: 313.83 lakh man-days Additional economic activity along the corridor is expected to create further job opportunities. Regional Impact The corridor is projected to significantly benefit the districts of Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Dharashiv and Solapur. (with IANS inputs)
01 January,2026 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA list of 73 candidates who have filed their nominations for Uthalasar ward under the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) was on Thursday released ahead of the Maharashtra local body elections scheduled this month. According to the list, most of those who filed their nominations were declared valid, including representatives from major parties and several independent candidates. Only one candidate's nomination was declared invalid. The candidate was identified as Narendra Pandurang Kadam from the Bharatiya Kisan Kamgar Party. He had filed his nomination for ward 12/D, officials said. The validated candidates are eligible to contest the elections, ensuring transparent and fair voting. BMC Election 2026: Over 2,500 nominations filed till Dec 30; 2,231 valid, 167 invalid Meanwhile, after the scrutiny of the 2,516 nominations received by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation up to December 30 (Tuesday) for the upcoming BMC Election 2026, the Mumbai civic body has found 2,231 nomination papers to be valid, while 167 nominations have been declared invalid. Of the total nominations received, 2,122 were filed on Tuesday alone. The polls in Mumbai will be held on January 15. Around 16 pc nominations declared invalid Effectively, approximately 16 per cent of the 2,516 nominations filed until December 30 have been found invalid. The reasons for invalid nominations include errors in the nomination forms, as well as lack of supporting information or required documentation submitted by the candidates. Scrutiny conducted as per SEC schedule The scrutiny of nominations was conducted by the civic body on December 31 (Wednesday) from 11.00 am onwards, as per the schedule announced by the State Election Commission (SEC). Withdrawal and symbol allocation dates The deadline for withdrawal of nominations is Friday, January 2, 2026, between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, before the 23 Returning Officers appointed by the SEC. The allocation of election symbols will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11.00 am onwards. The final list of contesting candidates will also be published on the same day. BMC Election 2026 schedule Nomination scrutiny: 31 December Withdrawal of nominations: 2 January Final list of candidates: 3 January Polling: 15 January Counting of votes: 16 January
01 January,2026 07:42 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentCandidates contesting the BMC Elections 2026 must maintain a daily record of their election expenses from the day they submit their nomination papers, officials said on Thursday. Assistant Commissioner (Assessment and Collection) Gajanan Bellale was speaking at a meeting of the Election Expenditure Monitoring Team held at the BMC headquarters. To ensure strict control over election spending, ward-wise Election Expenditure Monitoring Teams have been formed across Mumbai. Account officers and accountants from these teams attended the meeting, which reviewed procedures to check election-related expenses, public meetings, rallies and campaign activities, and to prevent any irregularities, an official statement said. Strict monitoring of campaign spending Bellale said that officials must closely examine candidates’ expenditure statements and ensure that spending limits are not violated. All activities related to election expenditure monitoring must be recorded in prescribed formats. The meeting also reviewed the functioning of expenditure observers, accounting teams, flying squads and video surveillance teams in Mumbai. Action against illegal and suspicious transactions Officials were instructed to keep a close watch on campaign-related expenses, monitor suspicious financial transactions and take immediate action to stop illegal expenditure during the election period. All departments were directed to work in coordination to ensure a transparent and fair election process. Election Commission guidelines to be followed As per the State Election Commission’s order dated February 15, 2024, candidates contesting local body elections are required to submit detailed accounts of their election expenses. According to these guidelines, all election-related expenses must be made through a separate bank account. Mandatory submission of expense details Candidates must submit details of funds received, including personal funds, party funds, donations, gifts and loans, in Form No. 1. Details of expenses incurred must be submitted in Form No. 2. These documents, along with an affidavit in Form No. 3, must be submitted within 30 days of the declaration of election results. Acknowledgement and record-keeping After submission of expense accounts, candidates must be issued an acknowledgement as per Form No. 4. Both candidates and concerned offices must preserve all documents and receipts carefully. Rate list prepared for campaign materials A standard rate list has also been prepared based on prevailing local rates for commonly used campaign materials and publicity items. Candidates must follow this rate list while calculating their election expenses.
01 January,2026 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fatal accident occurred early on New Year’s Day when a wet-lease Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus collided with a private truck at Aarey Colony in Mumbai, leaving the truck driver dead and the bus conductor and driver injured. The incident took place around 6.20 am near Gate No 5 of Aarey Colony. The bus, attached to Vikhroli Depot and operating on route A-478 Sr 33 was en route to Borivali Station. According to officials, the private truck, coming from the opposite direction, lost control on the rain-soaked road. The truck’s tyre reportedly slipped, causing the vehicle to veer towards the bus and hit its front-right portion near the driver’s cabin. BEST driver's condition stable after head and leg injuries; conductor recovering from minor wounds BEST bus driver Mohammad Rafiq Shaikh (48) sustained a head injury on the left side due to the front windshield breaking, along with injuries to his right leg and knee. The conductor, Ravindra Pandurang Shembadkar (56), has suffered minor injuries to his left hand and left leg. The private truck driver, Cheharaj Thakur (30), a resident of Gujarat, sustained severe injuries and died during treatment. All the three—the bus driver, conductor, and truck driver—were immediately rushed to Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari East. The BEST driver underwent a CT scan and is reported to be fully conscious and stable, while the conductor is recovering from minor injuries.
01 January,2026 06:01 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWestern Railway’s (WR’s) new timetable for long-distance mail, express, and MEMU (mainline electric multiple unit)/DEMU (diesel electric multiple unit) trains came into effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026, marking a transformative moment for Mumbai’s railway infrastructure and connectivity. The changes introduced reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the metropolis's ever-growing transportation needs while significantly improving punctuality and passenger convenience The Mumbai Central Division has emerged as a major beneficiary of these reforms, with substantial improvements across multiple operational parameters. The division has successfully accelerated 29 trains, collectively saving passengers 157 minutes every day. This acceleration is split between eight departing trains saving 72 minutes and 20 arriving trains saving 85 minutes, demonstrating a concerted effort to optimise travel times in both directions. Terminal changes at Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus reflect pragmatic infrastructure management. Due to platform blocking for construction work, trains 12925/12926 and 12903/12904 have been rerouted from Mumbai Central to Bandra Terminus. Similarly, train 22209/22210 now terminates at Nizamuddin instead of New Delhi, streamlining operations. Officials said these adjustments, while necessitated by infrastructure development, have been implemented with minimal disruption to passengers. The punctuality drive has resulted in careful schedule adjustments. Twenty-nine trains have undergone postponement at originating or terminating stations to improve on-time performance, including 15 upward and 14 downward trains, with adjustments ranging from 2 to 15 minutes. Notably, train 22949 from Bandra Terminus to Delhi has been postponed by 145 minutes, allowing for more realistic scheduling and improved reliability. Conversely, preponement measures have been applied to numerous services. Seven upward trains now depart earlier, with timings adjusted between 2 to 5 minutes, while nine downward trains leave ahead of their previous schedules, with adjustments spanning 5 to 30 minutes. Officials said these changes reflect data-driven scheduling based on actual operational patterns and passenger demand. New halts, faster services and operational upgrades enhance Mumbai’s rail connectivity Additional halts have been strategically provided to enhance connectivity. The Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express (20901/20902) now stops at Valsad, Navsari, and Anand stations, improving accessibility for passengers in these important commercial centres. The Bandra Terminus–Surat Intercity Express (12935/12936) has added a halt at Umargam station, serving the industrial corridor more effectively. The Mumbai Division has also implemented 46 trains with adjusted timings specifically to accommodate new services and suburban network changes. The Railways said this intricate choreography of train movements demonstrates the complexity of managing one of the world’s busiest railway networks while continuously improving service quality. Freight and passenger train segregation has been better managed through the utilisation of the sixth line at various stations, allowing for smoother operations and reduced conflicts between different types of rail traffic. This infrastructure optimisation is crucial for maintaining punctuality in a network that handles millions of passengers daily. Speed improvements are particularly noteworthy. Key services like the 19020 Haridwar–Bandra Terminus Express have been speeded up by 24 minutes, while the 22901 Bandra Terminus–Udaipur service has gained 10 minutes. Officials said even incremental improvements of 1–5 minutes across multiple services add up to significant time savings for regular commuters. The extension of services has expanded Mumbai’s connectivity footprint. Train 59040 from Vapi to Virar has been extended to Mumbai Central, providing better integration with the suburban network. The 12465/12466 Indore–Jodhpur Express now extends to Bhagat Ki Kothi, 14707/14708 Dadar–Lalgarh to Hanumanagarh, and 12490/12489 Dadar–Bikaner to Shriganganagar, offering passengers more destination options. From an operational perspective, officials said meticulous planning went into managing platform assignments, crossing points, and avoiding conflicts between trains. Adjustments made for the new JU–HDP 20495 service alone required modifications to 21 other train schedules, showcasing the intricate interdependencies in railway operations. Looking ahead, these improvements position Mumbai’s railway network for sustained growth and enhanced passenger satisfaction. The focus on punctuality, combined with strategic speed improvements and expanded connectivity, addresses the core challenges faced by daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike. As WR continues to modernise its infrastructure and operations, Mumbai stands to benefit from world-class railway services that match the city’s status as India’s financial capital. According to the Railways, the success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by passenger satisfaction and sustained punctuality improvements. Early indicators suggest that the careful planning and comprehensive approach adopted by WR is likely to deliver meaningful benefits to millions of passengers who depend on these services daily.
01 January,2026 05:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police on Thursday said that it penalised over 13,700 traffic violators during its special drink-and-drive checks on New Year’s eve. According to the police, Mumbai Traffic Police carried out a law enforcement drive across the city on December 31, 2025. The operation aimed to ensure strict compliance with traffic rules and improve road safety during the festive period. Traffic police had set up checkpoints at major junctions, entry points and crowded areas across Mumbai. Drivers were checked using breath analysers to identify cases of drunk driving, police said. As part of the drive, cases were registered against 211 vehicle owners or drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol, it said. Over 13,000 e-challans issued In addition to drunk driving cases, action was taken against various traffic violations. A total of 13,752 e-challans were issued for offences such as riding without a helmet, jumping traffic signals, using mobile phones while driving, driving in the wrong direction, driving without a valid licence, triple-seat riding, not wearing seat belts and over-speeding and other traffic violations. Fines cross Rs 1.31 crore The total fine amount collected through these e-challans was Rs 1,31,14,850, officials said. The Mumbai Traffic Police appealed to citizens to strictly follow traffic rules, avoid driving after consuming alcohol and prioritise road safety. Officials said public cooperation is essential to make Mumbai’s roads safer for everyone. Over 17,000 cops deployed across Mumbai To ensure safety during New Year celebrations in Mumbai, the police had deployed more than 17,000 personnel across the city, officials said. The deployment includes 14,200 police constables, 2,790 police officers, 38 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 10 Additional Commissioners of Police and Mumbai Traffic Police personnel were deployed as part of the security arrangement. Additional forces from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Riot Control Police, Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and Home Guards have been stationed at various locations. Heavy police presence was on Wednesday night seen at major spots of the city such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Juhu Beach and Bandstand in Bandra west. Special security arrangements have been put in place to maintain law and order, officials said.
01 January,2026 05:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai civic body has set up 10,231 polling stations across the city for the upcoming BMC Election 2026 scheduled for January 15, officials said on Thursday. A total of 1,03,44,315 voters will exercise their right to vote in this election, they said. The polling stations for the upcoming elections have been designated at schools, colleges, government and semi-government buildings, cooperative housing societies, and private buildings. They have been planned after considering the population, number of voters and geographical conditions of each ward. Each polling station has been equipped with special facilities for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and women, along with amenities such as drinking water, restrooms and ramps. ‘Voter assistance centres’ will be set up near polling stations to help voters find their names on the electoral roll. Polling stations at govt and semi-govt buildings Of the 10,231 polling stations, 4,386 are located in government and semi-government buildings. This includes 2,387 polling stations in enclosed spaces, 880 in semi-enclosed spaces, and 1,119 in open spaces. Polling stations at cooperative housing societies A total of 702 polling stations have been arranged in cooperative housing societies. Of these, 181 polling stations will be in enclosed spaces, 312 in semi-enclosed spaces, and 209 in open spaces. In addition, a total of 5,143 polling stations will be set up in private buildings for upcoming elections. This includes 2,710 polling stations in enclosed spaces, 1,378 in semi-enclosed spaces, and 1,055 in open spaces.
01 January,2026 05:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSWith the Maharashtra civic polls 2026 scheduled on January 15, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced a special postal voting facility for its officers and employees appointed on election duty, ensuring that they are not deprived of their right to vote. As per a statement issued by TMC, a large number of employees working within the civic body limits are registered as voters in other civic areas such as Mumbai, Dombivli, Kalyan, Badlapur, Nerul, and Panvel, where they reside. As these employees have been deployed for election-related duties, the civic administration has made arrangements for them to cast their votes through postal ballots. Maharashtra civic polls 2026: Easing the voting process for officials on duty The facility has been introduced in view of the simultaneous conduct of municipal corporation elections across the state, which would otherwise prevent many staff members from voting at their registered locations. Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Tayade has been appointed as the nodal officer to oversee the implementation of the postal voting process. TMC said that under the arrangement, employees must fill out the prescribed postal ballot application form and submit it along with proof of their inclusion in the voter list of the concerned municipal corporation and a copy of their election duty appointment order. Once verified, the postal ballot will be sent directly to the employee’s residential address. Also, the TMC administration has appealed to all officers and employees on election duty to avail themselves of the postal voting facility and ensure that their democratic right to vote is not lost due to official responsibilities. The initiative is expected to make voting more accessible and convenient for civic staff participating in the election process. TMC installs 330 CCTV cameras to ensure transparent elections Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra civic polls 2026, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has installed an extensive CCTV surveillance network to ensure transparency and security throughout the election process. According to a statement issued by the Thane civic body, a total of 330 CCTV cameras have been installed and made operational across key election-related locations within the civic limit. The surveillance camera installed in Thane will keep a check on election returning officers’ offices, strong rooms, EVM commissioning centres, election material distribution centres, sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations, counting centres, main strong rooms, and check posts.
01 January,2026 04:41 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
