Police have arrested two motorcycle thieves and recovered 58 stolen two-wheelers in Maharashtra’s Thane district, an official said. Following a surge in motorbike theft cases in the Bhiwandi area, police intensified surveillance and laid a trap, after which the duo was apprehended on Monday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav told PTI on Tuesday. Vehicles linked to multiple theft cases During the investigation, police recovered 58 motorcycles and scooters, valued at more than Rs 10 lakh, linked to 41 theft cases registered across multiple police stations in the district, he said. Police suspect that the accused, Ganesh alias Ganu Raju More (21) and Sahebali alias Chotu Sultanali Sheikh (19), were part of a larger network involved in vehicle thefts, and efforts are underway to trace other accomplices, the official added. Mumbai Police bust motorcycle theft racket, recover 46 stolen bikes worth Rs 12.85 lakh Earlier in January, the DN Nagar police cracked a well-organised motorcycle theft racket, arresting three accused and recovering as many as 46 stolen two-wheelers valued at approximately Rs 12.85 lakh. The arrests led to the detection of seven theft cases registered across multiple police stations in the city. According to the police sources, the case leading to the arrests was filed by Raju Balakrishna Pujari, 23, after his Honda Aviator scooter (MH02 BX 3352) was stolen around July-August 2025, from outside Jeevan Jyot Medical Centre on CD Barfiwala Road in Andheri West. Based on his complaint, DN Nagar police registered an offence under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to theft. CCTV analysis and tip-off lead to breakthrough During the investigation, police analysed CCTV footage from the crime scene and acted on inputs from a confidential informant, leading to the arrests of Janardan Vishwas Bane alias Nana, 36, Munna Kedar Mali, 52, and Ashfaak Ibrahim Mansuri, 34. The trio was arrested and sent to police custody. Police investigations revealed that Bane would steal motorcycles from areas including Juhu, Goregaon, Versova, and DN Nagar, with the help of Mali. The stolen vehicles were then taken to Mansuri’s workshop in Behram Baug, Oshiwara, where they were dismantled, and the parts were sold individually to avoid detection. In addition to the 46 motorcycles recovered, the police also seized multiple two-wheelers from Mansuri’s shop, leading to suspicions that the racket may be linked to several more thefts. (With PTI inputs)
01 April,2026 11:49 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department has forecast a partly cloudy sky over Mumbai, with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers in the city and suburbs towards evening or night. According to the IMD, the city recorded minimum temperatures of 25.5 degrees Celsius at Colaba and 25.6 degrees Celsius at Santacruz on Tuesday. No rainfall was reported at either observatory, with both stations logging 0.0 millimetres of precipitation, indicating largely dry conditions through the day. Yellow alert issued for multiple districts Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for several districts including Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Dhule, Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Kolhapur ghats, Kolhapur, Satara ghats, Sangli, Sholapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded, Akola and Amravati, predicting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kilometres per hour at isolated places. Orange alert warns of hailstorms, stronger winds An orange alert has been sounded for Nashik, its ghat areas, Ahmednagar, Pune, Pune ghats, Satara, Latur, Dharashiv and Yavatmal, where thunderstorms with lightning, hailstorms and stronger gusts of 50–60 kilometres per hour are likely at isolated locations. Cooling trend observed across Maharashtra Across Maharashtra, several regions recorded below-normal maximum temperatures on Wednesday, pointing to a mild cooling trend. Cities such as Ahmednagar (35.2 degrees Celsius), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (32.8 degrees Celsius), Beed (34.0 degrees Celsius), Jalgaon (35.6 degrees Celsius) and Parbhani (34.0 degrees Celsius) saw daytime temperatures dipping 2 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius below normal. Kolhapur (34.6 degrees Celsius), Satara (34.8 degrees Celsius) and Nashik (34.2 degrees Celsius) also reported below-average daytime heat. Malegaon hottest; interior regions stay near normal Among the warmer pockets, Malegaon recorded 38.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Dharashiv at 37.6 degrees Celsius and Sholapur at 37.2 degrees Celsius, though these too remained close to seasonal averages. Mumbai temperatures remain near normal In the Mumbai region, Colaba and Santacruz recorded maximum temperatures of 32.8 degrees Celsius and 33.1 degrees Celsius, respectively, remaining near normal, while minimum temperatures stayed slightly above average. High humidity persists along coast Coastal areas such as Dahanu and Ratnagiri continued to witness high humidity levels, with morning relative humidity at 76 per cent and 70 per cent respectively, while Harnai recorded 76 per cent humidity in the evening. Slightly warmer nights across state Night temperatures across the state ranged between 20 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, with places like Mahabaleshwar (20.4 degrees Celsius), Nashik (20.6 degrees Celsius) and Parbhani (22.7 degrees Celsius) experiencing slightly above-normal minimum temperatures. Overall, the IMD data suggests a marginal dip in daytime temperatures across Maharashtra, even as humid conditions persist along the coast and thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify in several districts.
01 April,2026 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in a residential building in Diva in the early hours of Wednesday, but was swiftly brought under control with no injuries reported, officials said. According to the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the incident was reported at around 1:54 am by the Diva Beat Fire Station. The blaze occurred at Baburao Residency, located near Hanuman Temple, close to Diva Railway Station in Diva (West). The fire originated in the kitchen of Room No. 103 on the first floor of the ground-plus-four-storey building. The flat is owned by Dinesh Sawant and was occupied by tenant Sushil Mestri. Preliminary information suggests that a short circuit in the kitchen’s electrical board triggered the fire, which spread to the refrigerator. Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot with a rescue vehicle and managed to contain the blaze. No casualties or injuries were reported. Sion Hospital to conduct fresh safety audit after AC fire, gas leak incidents Following two safety incidents within a week, authorities at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, popularly known as Sion Hospital, have decided to conduct a fresh audit to assess safety systems and maintenance of electrical appliances to prevent future mishaps. “The fire on Tuesday was due to a blast in the split AC installed in the X-ray department. While generally the window AC compressor is the reason for such blasts, in an unusual incident, this time the split AC’s main body exploded inside the closed room. We are thinking checking electrical appliances as well as electrical points,” said Dr Pramod Ingale, dean, Sion Hospital. Civic hospitals typically undergo a mandatory fire audit once every five years. The last audit at Sion Hospital was conducted in August 2023. However, the recent back-to-back incidents have prompted the administration to initiate an additional review. The fire didn’t result in any injuries and repair work could take a month to complete. Official Speak Ashish Chitre, Assistant security officer, Sion HospitalAccidents cannot be avoided. However, we have ensured that the extinguishing systems are appropriately in place. Also, because there were fire extinguishers available at the hospital, we could prevent a major mishap, and the fire officials also reached within a few minutes. Visitor Speak Hemlata Moghe, A patient’s relativeThough the fire was confined to just one room, as the building is an enclosed structure, there was a lot of smoke, and we were afraid because of that. Because of the amount of smoke, relatives of patients admitted here thought it must be a huge fire. But the quick steps taken by the fire officials and also internal security staff helped clear out the smoke within a few minutes. There was inconvenience though, as patients are under recovery. Staff Speak Vijaya More, NurseIt was a regular OPD day when suddenly a noise was heard, and thick smoke started coming out from the X-ray department side. We immediately alerted the security and started informing patients to move out of the building.A Maharashtra Security Force officerSome patients and their relatives panicked, started screaming and running. We were able to evacuate them even before the fire brigade officials arrived. March 31Incident: FireLocation: OPD building, OPD 14, ground floor, X-ray departmentCause: Split AC blastInjuries: NoneMedical equipment damage: None March 24Incident: Gas LeakLocation: Gate No. 1Cause: Breaking of gas pipeline during ongoing development worksInjuries: NoneMedical equipment damage: None OPD building dynamicsOPDs: Ground to 3rd floorSurgical/non-surgical wards: 4th floor and above
01 April,2026 09:45 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentFamilies set to be displaced from the Elphinstone area continue to face mounting challenges in securing alternative housing, even as many say they are willing to compromise and pay extra for better accommodation. Residents allege that the rehabilitation process has been plagued by a lack of transparency, poor coordination, and inadequate infrastructure at the allotted sites. Voices Manish Shirodkar, allotted a seventh-floor flat in D-Abero through lottery system‘When flats were available at Mariano, D-Abero and Aquino buildings in Prabhadevi, chits were drawn for those willing to pay extra for larger homes. I was allotted a flat in D-Abero on the seventh floor, but the lift has not been working for six months now due to maintenance issues. Out of frustration, I accepted the flat, hoping the issue would be resolved by the time we moved in. The flat measures 454 sq ft, for which I will pay Rs 22,03,800 from my own pocket. I had also written to the MMRDA and MHADA expressing willingness to take a flat in Ghatkopar. But, when I requested a site visit, there was no response. It has been over three weeks since my request.’ Flats at Mariano were among those allotted to displaced Elphinstone families, many of whom say infrastructure issues and delays continue to persist Ashok Wagh, allotted a flat in D-Abero‘When I visited the building, I saw several flats lying vacant. I do not understand why only four were made available when MHADA knows that 10 families are still waiting. I paid R22,03,900 for my allotted flat a week ago, but I am yet to receive the letter or keys. While a third-floor flat is manageable on a daily basis, moving belongings or handling emergencies will still be difficult. The area is good, but we are too tired to keep fighting.’ Ravindra Jadhav‘I secured a flat in Aquino Building in the lottery held on March 2. But, two days later, I got a call from an MMRDA official stating that the flat had been listed by mistake and could not be given to me. I asked for this in writing, but got nothing. I submitted another application stating that I was ready to pay for the additional area and requested the allotment letter and keys, but got no response. A week ago, I sent a reminder, which is also unanswered.’ Virendra Kansara, among the two families who opted for relocation to Kandivli due to proximity to relatives‘Despite agreeing to relocate to Kandivali, we have not received the allotment letter or keys. When we follow up, we are only told it will be done. It has been over 20 days with no communication from either MHADA or MMRDA. What more do they expect from us?’ By the numbers 405 sqftStandard carpet area sanctioned for alternative housing. Authorities pay the difference if the allotted home is smaller, while beneficiaries pay extra if the flat is larger. 23Total number of families to be displaced 16Residential units 07Commercial units 03Families allotted homes in Priyadarshini Building 03Families relocated to faraway locations 11Families in unwanted locations 06Families still awaiting homes
01 April,2026 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarJan William Langford, 76, a British national working as a broadcast engineer associated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the Indian Premier League (IPL), was found unconscious in his room at the Trident hotel on March 30. He had been staying there for a few days while on assignment for the ongoing tournament, police said. ‘No foul play suspected’ He was rushed to Bombay Hospital, where doctors declared him dead before admission. The body has been sent for post-mortem. Police said preliminary findings do not suggest any foul play. “Nothing suspicious has been found so far; the exact cause of death will be known after medical reports”, a police officer told mid-day. Probe underway Marine Drive police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and begun further inquiry. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Dr Pravin Mundhe confirmed the development, stating that the man was found unconscious in the hotel and later declared dead at the hospital. Police said the investigation is ongoing. March 30Day when the body was found
01 April,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerFive employees of a Dahisar workshop were rushed to Kandivali’s Shatabdi Hospital last Saturday after suffering severe respiratory distress, allegedly due to toxic fumes from a metal refinery operating in the same building. Though discharged within a day, workers say the exposure has left lasting effects. Authorities act, but late The fire department, responding to an RTI filed by Milan Dave, owner of Milan Exim, inspected the refiners setup, and recommended civic and pollution authorities to take action. “We have acknowledged the issue and issued a demolition notice to JSK Refinery. However, the matter is in court. The hearing is on April 2, after which we will proceed as per the court’s order,” said Sanjay Sambra, engineer, BMC R North ward. Workers of the Dahisar workshop who were hospitalised after allegedly inhaling toxic fumes from a refinery in the same building An MPCB official said, “We have issued proposed directions under the Air and Water Acts on March 13 and scheduled a personal hearing in the first week of April. Further action will follow.” Police have registered multiple complaints and an FIR in the matter. Refinery responds “I understand the concerns about my terrace operations and will try to resolve them as soon as possible. However, Milan Dave is raising these issues due to ulterior motives related to a terrace ownership dispute,” said JSK Refinery owner Prashant Prakash Soni. Owner Speak Milan Dave, owner of Milan Exim, a diamond polishing unit in Vadhwani Industrial Estate, said his workshop operates on the ground floor, while JSK Refinery runs on the first floor and an allegedly encroached terrace. “I have been concerned about this for months. Many of my workers, and even I, have suffered skin burns and respiratory issues due to these emissions. There is a power installation where the burning droplets fall and a metro station just 60 feet away. This is a grave health and fire hazard. I don’t understand how authorities have allowed this,” Dave said. He alleged that exhaust systems on the terrace release eye-and throat-irritating fumes along with acidic droplets throughout the day, putting nearly 210 workers at risk. Milan Dave’s timeline of complaints and action sought October 17: First letter to BMC flagging terrace encroachment and loss of access.December 3: Dahisar police accepted a written complaint after a 100 call.December 7: Police visited the site but took no action.December 26: Visit to Dahisar police station; complaint registration initially denied.December 29: Second letter to BMC (R North ward).January 1: Third letter to BMC.January 2: First complaint to Borivli fire office.January 23: Fourth letter to BMC; second complaint to fire office.January 24: First complaint to MPCB.January 28: Second complaint to MPCB.February 10: BMC issued demolition notice to JSK Refinery after repeated follow-ups.February 16: First non-cognisable complaint registered by police.February 16: RTI filed with fire department and MPCB.February 24: Second non-cognisable complaint registered.March 14: Letter sent to muliple authorities including MPCB.March 26: FIR registered by police.March 26: The fire department, in RTI response, inspected terrace setup and flagged it to BMC and the police. Workers recount ordeal Balram Pandey, 48, supervisor‘I was coughing and felt constant tightness in my chest with heavy breathing. Five of us were hospitalised for a day. I believe it was due to the toxic fumes from the terrace.’ Abhishek Rajput, 27, ratnakalakar‘We were first rushed to Bhagwati Hospital in Borivali and then shifted to Shatabdi by ambulance. We were discharged on Sunday, but we haven’t resumed work yet. We’re still recovering.’ Sameer Shaikh, 26, ratnakalakar‘We ignored the discomfort earlier, but this time it got serious. I was given oxygen support twice and kept under observation.’ Neeraj Goswami, 22, ratnakalakar‘We have seen these issues increase over the past one to two months, including burns from sparks and breathing problems due to toxic fumes. I’m still on medication and recovering.’
01 April,2026 09:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaA Rosette pattern analysis of the leopard killed by poachers in the Yeoor range of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) revealed that the big cat was L-30, an adult male that had been frequenting the Yeoor forest between 2024 and 2025. The analysis was carried out by SGNP authorities, in collaboration with researchers using the park’s leopard database. Meanwhile, the forest department has widened its investigation to examine whether two men, who confessed to their crime after being arrested in Palghar on March 29, are also linked to the death of a radio-collared leopard that was found dead on February 3 in SGNP’s Nagla range. Deputy Director of SGNP (North) Pradip Patil told mid-day that the forest department has launched a search operation for three suspects believed to be directly involved in the killing of L-30. Patil confirmed that the arrested accused were not the main hunters but were allegedly involved in preserving the animal’s skin. Authorities, in coordination with the police, are now attempting to track down the absconding trio, with efforts underway to apprehend them within the next few days. NGO Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) also played a crucial role in gathering the information on this case. Snare claim under scanner While the accused have claimed that the leopard was caught using a snare, officials investigating the case told mid-day there are no visible marks on the recovered skin to support this claim. This discrepancy has raised questions about the exact method used to kill the animal. “Until the main accused are in custody, we cannot carry out key procedures, such as spot panchnama, to establish where and how the animal was killed,” an official said. How was it identified? Patil said, “A team of researchers, including biologist Nikit Surve from the Wildlife Conservation Society, India, compared the rosette patterns visible on the seized leopard skin with a database of nearly 100-150 individual leopards from SGNP. Within less than an hour, they were able to confirm the animal’s identity.” Officials said that the rosette patterns on both the left and right sides of the body were matched with the database. Opportunistic hunting? Initial inputs suggest the killing may not have been targeted. Patil told mid-day that the leopard may have been accidentally trapped in a snare set for other animals, such as wild boar, near a perennial water source. The exact location, believed to be in Varthapada, is being verified using coordinates collected by field staff. Missing parts A major concern for investigators is the absence of key body parts, including claws, teeth and paws. These items are often in high demand in the illegal wildlife trade, and their absence suggests they may have already been sold. Officials said that until these parts are recovered, the case will remain incomplete. Anti-snaring drive The department has decided to conduct an anti-snaring operation along with the police and NGOs. The drive will involve use of metal detectors and is expected to continue for four to five days. Officials recalled a similar op carried out around Film City, where snares were recovered after a leopard was found trapped. Focus on local offenders The forest department is also examining whether individuals in the area have a history of hunting or access to firearms, which could provide leads in the case. With multiple angles under investigation, officials say the coming days will be crucial in cracking the case and tracing the missing accused. The male leopard Preliminary findings suggest that L-30 may have been killed two to three months ago. The animal was last recorded by camera traps in 2024. With the help of biologists and researchers, the forest department team matched the rosette patterns on the seized leopard skin with camera trap data of individual leopards from SGNP, confirming it belonged to L-30. Expert Speak Kedar Gore, Wildlife Conservationist, the Corbett Foundation ‘Good job by the forest team in Palghar. A thorough investigation into this matter may lead to more information about this network. I suspect this isn’t a one-off case; it could be a part of an organised crime. The fact that the skin belongs to a leopard from SGNP is not surprising. Poachers will always target areas with a high density of leopards. This also points to the need for more intensive patrolling and surveillance by the forest department. It is important to know how the leopard was killed, as this will reveal the modus operandi. This needs a good understanding of leopard behaviour as well. So, either the culprits are familiar with this area or may have been provided information by a local or an insider’
01 April,2026 08:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavFollowing two safety incidents within a week, authorities at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, popularly known as Sion Hospital, have decided to conduct a fresh audit to assess safety systems and maintenance of electrical appliances to prevent future mishaps. “The fire on Tuesday was due to a blast in the split AC installed in the X-ray department. While generally the window AC compressor is the reason for such blasts, in an unusual incident, this time the split AC’s main body exploded inside the closed room. We are thinking checking electrical appliances as well as electrical points,” said Dr Pramod Ingale, dean, Sion Hospital. Clean up operation after the incident. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR Civic hospitals typically undergo a mandatory fire audit once every five years. The last audit at Sion Hospital was conducted in August 2023. However, the recent back-to-back incidents have prompted the administration to initiate an additional review. The fire didn’t result in any injuries and repair work could take a month to complete. Official Speak Ashish Chitre, Assistant security officer, Sion HospitalAccidents cannot be avoided. However, we have ensured that the extinguishing systems are appropriately in place. Also, because there were fire extinguishers available at the hospital, we could prevent a major mishap, and the fire officials also reached within a few minutes. Visitor Speak Hemlata Moghe, A patient’s relativeThough the fire was confined to just one room, as the building is an enclosed structure, there was a lot of smoke, and we were afraid because of that. Because of the amount of smoke, relatives of patients admitted here thought it must be a huge fire. But the quick steps taken by the fire officials and also internal security staff helped clear out the smoke within a few minutes. There was inconvenience though, as patients are under recovery. Staff Speak Vijaya More, NurseIt was a regular OPD day when suddenly a noise was heard, and thick smoke started coming out from the X-ray department side. We immediately alerted the security and started informing patients to move out of the building.A Maharashtra Security Force officerSome patients and their relatives panicked, started screaming and running. We were able to evacuate them even before the fire brigade officials arrived. March 31Incident: FireLocation: OPD building, OPD 14, ground floor, X-ray departmentCause: Split AC blastInjuries: NoneMedical equipment damage: None March 24Incident: Gas LeakLocation: Gate No. 1Cause: Breaking of gas pipeline during ongoing development worksInjuries: NoneMedical equipment damage: None OPD building dynamicsOPDs: Ground to 3rd floorSurgical/non-surgical wards: 4th floor and above
01 April,2026 08:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarIn a move to enhance commuter well-being, Central Railway Mumbai has set up 10 more dedicated Emergency Medical Rooms (EMR) at key suburban stations to save lives within the golden hour. These facilities aim to provide immediate medical aid during emergencies, reducing response times on crowded platforms. Activist Samir Zaveri, who has been fighting for this, said, “This is excellent progress. Currently, only four stations on the Central Railway Mumbai Suburban section have operational emergency medical rooms. An additional 10 more stations will soon start these facilities to save more lives and generate Central Railway an annual license fee revenue of around Rs 40 lakh.” HC directive The Bombay High Court has directed railway authorities in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Zaveri to establish emergency medical rooms at every suburban station across Mumbai. Official Speak Officials said they were working on setting up Emergency Medical Rooms (EMR) at 44 stations in addition to the existing ones to help injured commuters within the golden hour. What EMRs are equipped with? These EMRs are equipped with basic life-support equipment, oxygen supply, stretchers, and medicines, staffed by qualified doctors and trained paramedical personnel round the clock. A portable lab, medical store, and ambulance facility are also available. Locations TitwalaEast side circulating area, near booking office KurlaEast side circulating area, near Nehru Nagar side Karjat Platform No. 1, entry/exit point (Lonavla end) KalwaWest side circulating area Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT)Below SCLR bridge, on the left side towards LTT-Tilak Nagar railway station route MankhurdPlatform No. 1, Panvel end MumbraEast side circulating area ThanePlatform No. 2, Kalyan end, near deluxe toilet GhatkoparCSMT end, east side, near RPF office ChemburNear Station Master/booking office
01 April,2026 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAshwini Bhide, 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service officer, has been predominantly known for her zealous work on Mumbai's first underground Metro, the 33.5-km Aqua Line 3, while spearheading the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRCL) as its managing director in two stints — since its inception in 2015 until 2020 and from July 2022 to date. She also headed the iconic Coastal Road project as additional municipal commissioner before returning as MD of the MMRCL. Bhide continues to resolve issues on the Aqua Line 3, like last mile connectivity, lack of mobile signals underground and other challenges like service readiness, integration with buses and local transport. In January 2020, she and a few other IAS officers were transferred by the newly formed coalition government led by Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Though the transfer was tagged as routine, Bhide had been in a public spat with MLA Aaditya Thackeray over setting up a Metro car shed in Aarey Milk Colony. AMC stint After this, she was posted as additional municipal commissioner for four years and nine months from May 2020 to January 2025, where she was in charge of the iconic Coastal Road project, among other things. But from July 2022, she was again given additional charge as the MD of MMRCL. As additional municipal commissioner, along with Coastal Road, she also headed various departments and was also the head of BMC’s COVID-19 war room. Her biggest controversy There was a clash between development and environmental politics, with Bhide, as project head, pushing for a Metro car shed at Aarey, citing cost, feasibility, and urgency. Aaditya Thackeray, however, termed Aarey a vital green lung that needed protection. The issue escalated with activists expressing outrage, the initiation of court cases, and political implications. Bhide stated that Aarey was legally not a forest and that the Metro itself was an environmentally friendly project. Work was stopped by the Uddhav Thackeray government, and the shed was planned to be shifted to Kanjurmarg. However, by 2022, the new government under Eknath Shinde reversed the decision. All this, though, heavily delayed the project. Metro challenges overcome The Aqua Line 3 has been one of the most challenging projects that Bhide has been dealing with. She has said that “the most difficult challenge was dealing with people.” The line, being fully underground, passes through hard basalt rock, and 17 tunnel boring machines had to be pressed into service. The project passes through highly congested areas like Kalbadevi and Girgaon, so large numbers of families had to be relocated and rehabilitated, amid stiff public opposition. The team had to secure multiple clearances and approvals from various agencies, which added to delays and complexities. Tunnelling under the Mithi River and passing under heritage buildings on Dr DN Road was yet another challenge that required careful management and strict monitoring. During construction, the planned tunnel alignment of the metro passed deep under the Zoroastrian fire temples, and it became a cause for concern for the Parsi community, leading to a controversy and a court case. The Metro team led by Bhide, then backed by scientific studies, assured the court that there would not be any structural damage and that there would be strict monitoring. The work was completed with utmost caution, with no damage following court orders.
01 April,2026 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAt a time when Mumbai is battling chronic infrastructure stress, governance gaps, and rising citizen expectations, the appointment of 1995-batch IAS officer Ashwini Bhide as BMC commissioner comes as a strong, calibrated move, placing experience and administrative depth at the centre of civic leadership. No-nonsense attitude IAS cadre, Mantralaya officials, and colleagues describe her track record and personality as one suited to stepping into complex, often politically sensitive assignments. She is known for cutting through delays and driving delivery. With a blunt, no-frills style, Bhide has built a reputation for making decisions others tend to defer. In a system often criticised for paralysis, she has been among the few officers willing to move files, and move them fast. Colleagues say she consistently cuts through bureaucratic inertia to ensure time-bound implementation of projects. Strong backing Bhide also brings strong political backing, having worked closely in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) as additional chief secretary, giving her a clear understanding of what Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expects and aims to deliver. Ashwini Bhide worked with MMRDA during the first phase of the Mumbai Monorail project. FILE PIC/ASHISH RAJE But at the same time, the BMC is a different arena altogether and will be her real test. Balancing contractors, corporators. and citizens’ expectations, while ensuring actual delivery on the ground, will be the challenge that will define her tenure at Asia’s richest civic body. An unusual journey to the top From Sangli to Mumbai, Ashwini Bhide’s journey is marked by determination and unconventional choices. After completing a postgraduate degree in literature, she began preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. At a time when medicine and engineering were the preferred paths, she chose civil services and cracked the UPSC in 1995, securing the top rank among women. Her husband, Satish Bhide, an IAS officer, took voluntary retirement in 2012. He was among a group of key bureaucrats, including Subrato Ratho, who also opted for VRS, and former BMC chief Ajoy Mehta (now retired), who played a crucial role at a time when the power sector was frequently in the news, and disruptions were impacting government functioning. The group was instrumental in addressing the crisis in Maharashtra in the late-2000s and stabilising the situation. Also, her son Malhar Bhide, co-founder of Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup ‘Origin Bio’, was invited in February 2026 to a CEO roundtable with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction focused on AI-led innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and other sectors, underlining India’s expanding global AI footprint. Key portfolios handled Bhide is not new to the system she now leads. With nearly three decades in the bureaucracy, she has operated at the heart of Maharashtra’s power structure, across the Governor’s office, the Chief Minister’s Office, the BMC, and as managing director of Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Few officers bring this combination of policy insight and ground-level execution experience to the table. Key projects overseen Bhide has been associated with some of Mumbai’s most ambitious and complex urban infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Road project as additional municipal commissioner of the BMC and Mumbai Metro Line 3 as managing director of MMRCL. Her work also spans the Eastern Freeway, the elevated road to the international airport, multiple flyovers on key arterial roads, and rail overbridges such as the Milan ROB, along with the first phase of the Mumbai Monorail with MMRDA.
01 April,2026 08:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
