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WR opens digital lounge and co-working space at Mumbai Central

Western Railway has opened a digital lounge and co-working space at Mumbai Central station (Main Line) as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise passenger amenities, officials said on Thursday. This is the first such facility introduced by Western Railway and aims to provide a convenient and comfortable workspace within the railway station for passengers, they said. Designed for business travellers and professionals Spread across 1,700 square feet, the digital lounge has been designed to meet the needs of business travellers, professionals and remote workers. It offers a quiet and functional environment for passengers who require office facilities, meeting spaces or a place to work while travelling, an official statement said. The initiative addresses the changing travel habits of passengers, many of whom now work on the move. Modern amenities on offer The Western Railway officials said that the digital lounge is equipped with a range of modern facilities, including-  - High-speed Wi-Fi and multiple charging points - Comfortable seating with chairs, tables and sofas - Dedicated conference and meeting rooms - Flexible spaces for meetings and video conferencing - Modular workstations for individual use - Self-service light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages - Upgraded toilet and washroom facilities Will generate non-fare revenue According to the officials, the project is expected to generate around Rs 3.20 crore in revenue over five years, contributing to Western Railway’s non-fare revenue initiatives. Officials said that the digital lounge reflects Indian Railways’ efforts to align with India’s growing digital economy and the increasing culture of flexible and remote working. Badlapur station revamp: New FOBs, elevated decks and other infrastructure works underway Meanwhile, in an another statement, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC)  said that it has made significant progress on infrastructure works at Badlapur railway station to enhance commuter safety, improve passenger amenities, and support the proposed 3rd and 4th railway lines between Kalyan and Badlapur Several key facilities have already been commissioned to improve passenger movement and control trespassing. These include a 330-metre-long home platform, opened in February 2024, a 6-metre-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at the Karjat end, opened in December 2022, connecting all platforms for east-west access and two new 12-metre-wide FOBs, opened in March and June 2025. Construction is ongoing for an elevated deck connecting both 12-metre-wide FOBs over platforms 1 and 2. A major portion of the deck was commissioned in March 2025, and the remaining section is now under construction following the removal of an old middle FOB, the official statement said. Recent milestone During a six-hour night block from 13-14 December 2025, MRVC successfully launched all 17 remaining girders, including major cross girders, for the elevated deck. The work involved 40 personnel, a 150-tonne crane, and two 15-tonne Faranas. Despite congested site conditions, the work was completed safely and efficiently, the official statement said.

18 December,2025 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani directed officials to establish Voter Assistance Centres near polling stations to help voters locate their names. Pic/BMC

BMC gears up for polls, Mumbai civic chief orders strict enforcement of MCC

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has began gearing up for the upcoming municipal elections and the Mumbai civic chief on Thursday orders strict enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in city. BMC Commissioner and District Election Officer Bhushan Gagrani directed election officers to personally inspect polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of the BMC Elections 2026. He also instructed the police, excise department and other agencies to take preventive measures for the effective implementation of the MCC, officials said. Joint meeting at BMC HQ The directions were issued during a joint meeting of municipal officials, election decision officers, police and excise department officials held at the BMC headquarters on December 18, 2025. The meeting was chaired by Gagrani, they said. According to an official statement, several senior officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Special Officer (Elections) Vijay Balamwar, and Deputy District Election Officer Vijaykumar Suryavanshi, were present, along with 23 election decision officers. Polling stations to be verified before finalisation Gagrani said that the State Election Commission (SEC) has laid down clear guidelines for polling station selection. As per these norms, there are around 10,111 polling stations across the BMC area, the statement said. He said facilities such as electricity, drinking water, toilets and ramps have been provided at these centres. Election officers have been asked to verify these facilities on site before preparing the final list of polling stations. Voter assistance centres to be set up Civic chief directed officials to establish Voter Assistance Centres near polling stations to help voters locate their names. He also asked for information boards to be installed at polling centres for voter guidance, the statement said. The process of appointing officers and staff for election duties has begun. All personnel involved in the election process will receive mandatory training covering voting procedures, election laws, the Model Code of Conduct, EVM handling, and responsibilities at polling stations. Gagrani stressed that training is compulsory and all instructions must be followed strictly to ensure a successful election. Strict vigil to enforce Model Code of Conduct To ensure the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the commissioner instructed the police, excise department and other agencies to work in close coordination, the official statement said. It said that special attention will be given to sensitive and highly sensitive areas to maintain law and order. Measures will include regular patrolling, vehicle checks, checkpoints and swift action against suspicious activities. Any violation of the Model Code of Conduct will invite immediate and strict action, Gagrani warned.

18 December,2025 08:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ameet Satam said that the main objective of the seat-sharing arrangement is to ensure a corruption-free civic administration in Mumbai. File Pic

Mahayuti has reached consensus on 150 of 227 seats in Mumbai: Satam

The ruling Mahayuti alliance has reached a consensus on 150 out of 227 seats in Mumbai for the January 15 BMC Election 2026, BJP leader Ameet Satam said on Thursday, reported the PTI. Addressing a press conference, Satam, who is also the BJP’s Mumbai chief, said discussions on the remaining 77 seats are ongoing and are expected to be completed within the next two to three days. Satam said the final call on the remaining seats will be taken with the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. “We have arrived at a consensus on 150 seats. Talks on the remaining seats are progressing well and will conclude soon,” he said. The press conference was also attended by Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant. Aim is corruption-free civic administration Ameet Satam said that the main objective of the seat-sharing arrangement is to ensure a corruption-free civic administration in Mumbai. “It is not about how many seats each party contests. The Mahayuti will contest all 227 seats and win more than 150 seats, ensuring the election of a Mahayuti mayor,” he said, according to the PTI. He added that the BJP, Shiv Sena and RPI are united and committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Mumbai’s residents. Attack on Opposition Taking a swipe at the opposition, Satam alleged that parties which ruled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for 25 years were involved in corruption and had “sold” the city. He said attempts to change Mumbai’s character for electoral gain would be strongly opposed and defeated. No alliance with Nawab Malik’s NCP Satam also ruled out any association with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Nawab Malik, citing serious allegations against him. Alliance will remain united: Samant Uday Samant echoed Satam’s remarks, confirming that consensus has been reached on 150 seats, with talks continuing on the rest. “More than the number of seats, it is important that the Mahayuti moves forward in unity. If there are differences on some seats, the decision will be taken by Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde,” Samant said, the news agency reported. He asserted that the alliance would not break over seat-sharing or any other issue. (with PTI inputs)

18 December,2025 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Congress MLC Pragnya Satav joins BJP. Filepic

BMC elections 2026: Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP ahead of civic polls

Ahead of BMC elections 2026, the Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Pradnya Satav joined the BJP on Thursday. The former Congress leader made this move hours after submitting her resignation from the Upper House of the Maharashtra legislature. While talking to the media on Thursday, Pradnya said, "My late husband, Rajeev, had certain plans for the development of Hingoli district. I want to fulfil those plans by working with the BJP," as reported by news agency PTI.  Reacting to Pradnya’s resignation from the Congress, the party accused the BJP of not respecting democracy and breaking parties with money and posts. As reported by news agency PTI, MLC Pradnya Satav joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan and Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Pradnya Satav, who is the wife of the late Rajiv Satav, a congressman and close confidant of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, hails from the Hingoli district in the state's Marathwada region. She was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 2021. Satav’s switch in the midst of local body elections is being seen as a setback to the Congress and can hamper their performance in the upcoming elections as well.  Pradnya Satav had served as Maharashtra Congress Vice President After her husband's death, Satav served as vice president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. She was re-nominated to the legislative council in July last year, and her term was to end in 2030. Earlier on Thursday, Satav submitted her resignation as an MLC to the legislature secretariat after speaking to Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, sources said. Besides her, former MLA from Solapur district Dilip Mane also joined the BJP, reported PTI.  The development came ahead of the January 15 elections for 29 municipal corporations in the state. Senior Congress leader Nana Patole told the media in Nagpur that the BJP has become arrogant due to power and no longer respects democratic norms. Nana Patole emphasised, "Only time will tell what inducements she (Satav) got. The BJP has started a new dimension: 'money from power, and power from money', as cited by news agency PTI.  “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talked of a Congress-free India, but he has included the Congress in the BJP. If we come to power, this BJP will become empty in no time,” Nana Patole further added. (With inputs from PTI)

18 December,2025 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election selects members to govern Greater Mumbai, India’s largest city. Representational Pic

FAQs on the upcoming BMC and Maharashtra Municipal Elections 2026

The State Election Commission (SEC) has announced elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), on January 15, 2026. Polling will be held from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and counting of votes will take place on January 16, 2026. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force on December 15, 2025, across all municipal corporation areas. Political parties have already begun preparations, with criticism, praise, and rivalry heating up ahead of the elections. Below are answers to frequently asked questions: What is the BMC election? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election selects members to govern Greater Mumbai, India’s largest city. When is the BMC election? Polling: January 15, 2026 (7:30 am – 5:30 pm)Counting: January 16, 2026 How many voters from Mumbai will be voting for the BMC Elections? There will be a total of 1,03,44,315 voters spread across all 227 wards of Mumbai. Who is eligible to vote and how to register? Eligible voters must be Indian citizens, at least 18 years old, and ordinary residents of the concerned area. Only names on the Voter List (Electoral Roll) are eligible to vote. Voters can find details on polling booths, candidates, election dates, and EVM procedures. How to check voter registration status? Check your name on the Electoral Roll at: https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in How many corporations will be contested? Elections will be held for 29 municipal corporations. How do I use an EVM? EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) and VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) will be used. [Click here for a guide on using EVM/VVPAT.] What identification should I carry? Accepted photo IDs include: EPIC (Voter ID), Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Government Service ID, Bank/Post Office Passbook with photo, MNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance Smart Card, Pension document with photo, or official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs. Photo voter slips alone are not valid. What is the voting process? Elections are conducted by a hierarchy of officials, including: Election Officer and Returning Officer Presiding Officer, Assistant Presiding Officer, Polling Officers Supporting staff: Assistant Election Officers, Election Supervisors, Inspectors, Clerks Duties include finalising ward boundaries based on census data, publishing authenticated ward-wise electoral rolls, and overseeing the election process from polling to result declaration. Which parties are contesting the BMC elections 2026? The elections are expected to be a contest between: Mahayuti (ruling alliance): BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Ajit Pawar-led NCP Maha Vikas Aghadi (opposition): Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray), Sharad Pawar-led NCP–SP What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)? The MCC is a set of guidelines by the Election Commission to regulate party and candidate conduct during elections. It came into effect with the election announcement. No policy decisions can be made in these areas during this period, except for natural disasters or emergency relief.

18 December,2025 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Manikrao Kokate's resignation was confirmed on Thursday by NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. File Pic/X

Maharashtra Minister Manikrao Kokate resigns days after being convicted

Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Manikrao Kokate has resigned from the state cabinet following a court verdict that upheld his conviction and two-year prison sentence in a cheating and forgery case. The resignation was confirmed on Thursday by NCP president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In a statement, Ajit Pawar said Kokate’s resignation letter has been forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action, reported the PTI. Maharashtra Governor accepts request to allot Kokate’s portfolio to Pawar Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday accepted the request to allot state minister Manikrao Kokate’s portfolio to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The decision comes after Kokate’s conviction by the sessions court in Nashik. Kokate, a cabinet minister in the Mahayuti government, was recently convicted and sentenced to two years in prison in a housing quota irregularities case. After the conviction was upheld by a sessions court, pressure mounted on the state government to remove him from ministerial responsibilities. Manikrao Kokate, an MLA from Sinnar in Nashik district, had previously held important portfolios, including the agriculture ministry, before being shifted to the sports ministry after an earlier controversy. Party stresses supremacy of law Ajit Pawar said the resignation followed the court verdict and underlined that the rule of law is above individuals. “Kokate tendered his resignation to me, which has been accepted in principle, in keeping with the party’s long-standing belief that laws and rules are paramount,” Pawar said, according to the PTI. He added that public life must be guided by constitutional morality, institutional integrity and respect for the judiciary. NCP says have faith in judiciary The NCP president said that the party has full faith in the legal process and remains committed to maintaining law and order, while protecting democratic values and public trust, as per the PTI. Court verdict in 1995 case On Tuesday, the Nashik district and sessions court upheld the order of a judicial magistrate, confirming Kokate’s two-year imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000 in a 1995 cheating and forgery case related to a government housing scheme. After rejecting his appeal, the court also issued an arrest warrant against Kokate on Wednesday. (with PTI inputs)

18 December,2025 06:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. File Pic

Two Mumbai residents arrested with gold worth Rs 8 crore in Kerala

Two Mumbai residents were arrested with over 8 kg of gold worth around Rs 8 crore during a check in Kerala’s Palakkad, reported the PTI. The arrested persons have been identified as Sankith Ajay Jain (28) and Hidesh Shivram Selanki (23). The excise officials, while briefing about the incident, highlighted that the duo were intercepted during an inspection of a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus from Coimbatore bound for Kottarakkara at the Walayar check post, as reported by news agency PTI.  A search of their baggage revealed gold ornaments weighing 8.69 kg, wrapped in polythene. During the interrogation, the accused claimed that they had travelled from Mumbai to deliver the ornaments to a jewellery shop in Thrissur. However, the excise officials found that the duo were travelling without valid documents. While the accused were later handed over to the enforcement wing of the state GST department for further action. Further investigation is still underway.  Hydroponic weed and gold worth over Rs 11 crore seized at Mumbai Airport In a different operation, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–3, seized hydroponic weed and gold worth over Rs 11 crore in multiple cases this week. During the three-day operation, customs officers seized 8.467 kg of hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. Furthermore, they also recovered 2.270 kg of 24-carat gold dust, along with 230 grams of 24-carat gold jewellery, from different passengers at Mumbai Airport.  In one case, based on spot checks and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling, a Bangladesh national travelling from Male to Dubai via Mumbai was apprehended while allegedly handing over four oval-shaped packets of 24-carat gold dust concealed in wax, weighing 1,460 grams and valued at Rs 1.86 crore, to a staff member of a ground handling agency (BWFS). The passenger was travelling on IndiGo flights 6E-1132 (Tuesday) and 6E-1451 (Wednesday). Both the passenger and the BWFS staff member were arrested under Section 104 of the Customs Act, 1962, customs officers said. Hydroponic weed seizure In a separate case, based on specific intelligence, customs officers recovered 8.467 kg of suspected hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. The contraband is estimated to be worth Rs 8.467 crore in the illicit market. The passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, officers said. (With inputs from PTI)

18 December,2025 06:27 PM IST | Palakkad | mid-day online correspondent
The Central Railway said that it has intensified ticket-checking drive. Pic/Central Railway

CR recovers Rs 164.91 crore from ticketless travellers in 27.51 lakh cases

Central Railway on Thursday said that it has stepped up action against unauthorised and ticketless travel, recovering penalties worth Rs 164.91 crore from 27.51 lakh passengers during the financial year 2025-26 (April to November), an official statement said. The railway said that the intensified ticket-checking drive is part of its commitment to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel for genuine passengers. During FY 2025-26, Central Railway’s ticket-checking teams caught 27.51 lakh passengers travelling without valid tickets or proper travel authority. This marks an increase of nearly 10 per cent compared to 25.08 lakh cases recorded during the same period in FY 2024-25, the statement said. The penalty amount collected also witnessed a sharp rise. Central Railway recovered Rs 164.91 crore this year, up from Rs 138.44 crore last year -- an increase of over 19 per cent. Sharp increase in November 2025 In November 2025 alone, ticket-checking staff apprehended 3.74 lakh passengers, compared to 2.98 lakh in November 2024 -- an increase of more than 25 per cent. During the month, penalties worth Rs 23.63 crore were collected, a significant rise from Rs 14.08 crore in November 2024, reflecting an increase of almost 68 per cent. Division-wise penalty collection According to the Central Railway, for FY 2025-26 (April to November), the penalty amounts collected across divisions are as follows: - Bhusaval Division: Rs 59.25 crore from 6.94 lakh cases - Mumbai Division: Rs 48.79 crore from 11.34 lakh cases - Pune Division: Rs 18.40 crore from 3.05 lakh cases - Nagpur Division: Rs 18.13 crore from 2.92 lakh cases - Solapur Division: Rs 7.50 crore from 1.60 lakh cases - Headquarters: Rs 12.82 crore from 1.66 lakh cases Multi-level ticket checking strategy Central Railway follows a multi-pronged approach to curb ticketless travel. This includes station checks, ambush checks, fortress checks, intensive checks and mega ticket-checking drives. These checks are carried out on Mail and Express trains, passenger trains, special trains, and suburban services in the Mumbai and Pune divisions. Appeal to passengers Central Railway has urged passengers to travel only with valid tickets purchased from authorised sources such as booking counters, ATVMs, the IRCTC website, or the UTS mobile app. Passengers have also been warned against using fraudulent or fake tickets, stating that such offences are punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, with fines and imprisonment of up to seven years, or both.

18 December,2025 05:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. File Pic

MU's health tech innovation secures design registration in UK

Research in health technology at the University of Mumbai has received international recognition, with an innovative health monitoring device design being granted legal protection in the United Kingdom.  As per Mumbai University, the portable device has been registered under the UK Registered Designs framework, ensuring protection of its unique visual and structural features and preventing unauthorised imitation. The university further informed that the device has been developed by a seven-member multidisciplinary research team from the University of Mumbai, led by Dr Srivaramangai Ramanujam, Head of the Department of Information Technology. All members of the team contributed equally to the conception, design, and development of the innovation. The design falls under International Design Classification Class 24, which covers medical and laboratory equipment, strengthening its commercial and industrial potential. The device aims at improving patient monitoring According to the researchers, the Health Monitoring Device has been conceptualised at the intersection of healthcare technology, medical devices, and applied engineering. It is aimed at improving patient monitoring, diagnostics, and healthcare delivery through a compact and user-friendly solution suitable for hospitals, clinics, and home-care settings. It is designed to continuously and accurately monitor vital health parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and blood pressure. By enabling real-time tracking of patient data, it can help doctors and healthcare professionals detect health changes early and provide timely medical intervention.  Moreover, the technology is also aligned with the growing demand for digital health and telemedicine, allowing secure transmission of patient data for remote monitoring and consultations. Researchers further said that it would be particularly beneficial for elderly patients, those with chronic illnesses, and individuals requiring continuous or critical care, as per the release issued by Mumbai University. Commenting on the achievement, Dr Ramanujam said, “The recognition reflects the University of Mumbai’s commitment to translational research with real-world impact.”  She further added that the design registration opens avenues for technology transfer, industrial adoption, and future commercialisation. The research team also includes Dr Neelam Sharma, Abhijeet Sudhakar, Dr Ravi Shankar Pandey, Dr Upendra Kumar, Dr Rajeev Ranjan Rai, and Dr Nitish Pathak. Following the UK design registration, the team will focus on prototype validation, clinical or field trials, and securing patent protection for the functional aspects of the technology. Furthermore, efforts are also underway to explore licensing opportunities with healthcare technology companies and expand protection through international patent and design filings.

18 December,2025 05:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis said that work on the long-pending Metro Line 14, which will connect Kanjurmarg to Badlapur, is expected to begin within the next four months. File Pic

Rs 2 lakh crore infra projects underway in MMR: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has said that infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 2 lakh crore are currently underway across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). He said that Ambarnath and Badlapur in Thane district will see major benefits from upcoming Mumbai Metro and railway projects. The chief minister was addressing a public meeting in Ambarnath on Wednesday night while campaigning for the Ambarnath Municipal Council elections. Metro Line 14 work to begin soon CM Fadnavis said that work on the long-pending Metro Line 14, which will connect Kanjurmarg to Badlapur, is expected to begin within the next four months. He said that Metro Lines 5, 12 and 14 will significantly improve connectivity in the region, reduce travel time and support overall development in Ambarnath and Badlapur, according to the PTI. Vision for Mumbai Metropolitan Region "I want to develop the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and I also have specific dreams for Ambarnath city," CM Fadnavis said. He appealed to voters to support BJP candidates, stating that public support would help fulfil these development plan, as per the PTI. Describing Ambarnath as the 'gateway to Mumbai', the chief minister said that his visit was focused on presenting the BJP’s development agenda and not on criticising political opponents. Improved local train services Highlighting railway infrastructure, CM Fadnavis said that once the third and fourth railway lines between Kalyan and Badlapur are completed, local trains will run every 10 minutes, improving suburban rail services. He also said the state government has demanded 238 new local train rakes to convert all ordinary local services into air-conditioned trains. “Soon, all local trains will be air-conditioned, and there will be no increase in fares,” he assured, the news agency reported. BJP candidate for municipal council Referring to civic leadership, CM Fadnavis said the BJP has nominated a young and educated woman for the post of President of the Ambarnath Municipal Council. “She is a chartered accountant who will ensure transparent accounting and accountability,” he said, adding that the development goals of BJP candidates matched his own vision. BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, and several other party leaders were present at the event. (with PTI inputs)

18 December,2025 04:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The jumbo block will be operated to carry out essential maintenance work, an official statement said. File Pic

WR to operate jumbo block between Vasai Road and Bhayandar on Dec 19-20

Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Thursday said that it will operate a jumbo block between Vasai Road and Bhayandar stations on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, 19-20 December 2025. The jumbo block will be operated to carry out essential maintenance work, an official statement said. The block will be in place for 5 hours and 15 minutes on both the Up and Down Fast lines, affecting train services during late-night and early-morning hours, it said. Block timings  According to a press release issued by Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the Up Fast line will remain blocked from 11.30 pm to 3.00 am. The Down Fast line will be blocked from 1.15 am to 4.45 am between Vasai Road and Bhayandar stations. During the jumbo block, all Fast line trains will be diverted and operated on the Slow lines between Virar and Bhayandar or Borivali stations. Western Railway said the block is necessary for the maintenance of tracks, signalling systems and overhead equipment, which is essential for the safety and reliability of train operations. Passengers advised to plan their travel Passengers travelling late at night and early morning are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and expect possible delays due to the diversion of fast trains, the official statement said. Commuters create ruckus at Byculla after AC local skips Dadar halt Meanwhile, in a different incident on Wednesday, during the morning rush hour an AC fast local train on the Central Railway line failed to open its doors at Dadar station, forcing commuters to alight at the next stop, Byculla, around 6.4 km away.  The incident involved the 10:42 am Badlapur–CSMT AC local, which halted at Dadar as scheduled but departed without opening its automatic doors. Several commuters who intended to disembark at Dadar were left stranded inside the train, causing widespread frustration. The Badlapur-CSMT train arrived at Dadar, and there were lots of commuters inside the train who wanted to disembark at Dadar. The train halted as usual, but the doors did not open, and the train departed. The next station was Byculla, and people missed their schedules. Mukesh Makhija, one of the commuters travelling in the fast AC local train, emphasised, “The Badlapur–CSMT train arrived at Dadar, and there were lots of commuters inside who wanted to get down. The train halted as usual, but the doors did not open, and it left the station,” said AC local commuter Mukesh Makhija. “The next stop was Byculla, and many people missed their schedules.” Angered by the inconvenience, commuters created a ruckus at Byculla station and confronted the railway authorities about the incident. According to passengers, they approached the motorman to seek an explanation. 

18 December,2025 04:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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