Two key developments have expedited the improvement of suburban local trains on Western Railway from this week. The first being ‘Project Virar’ that began with a workforce of 200 where the station is being upgraded to merge with a new Virar-Dahanu rail corridor that segregates suburban and outstation trains and the second is the completion of dedicated freight corridor till New Kharbao near Bhiwandi, which will take off all goods trains from passenger lines. Under 'Project Virar', the station is getting changes done to existing and building new platforms. The new 3rd and 4th line corridor between Virar and Dahanu is expected to complete by 2027, not only leading to an increase of local trains but also cutting down crowds. A few weeks earlier, the new dedicated freight corridor work has also crossed Virar reached Bhiwandi, which means goods trains can now bypass Virar, taking off yet another load on existing tracks, paving the way towards faster adoption of “only-local trains” traffic. Elaborating on the Virar platform works, WR chief public relations Vineet Abhishek said Western Railway is undertaking important platform-related works in connection with the 3rd and 4th line project between the Virar – Dahanu Road section. As part of these works, widening of Platform No. 3A and the construction of a new Home Platform 5A at Virar station are being carried out. He said these works will enhance station capacity and support smoother operations for the increasing rail traffic in the future. Due to these works, local services of Western Railway are being modified with immediate effect till further notice train No. 92083 Dadar – Virar Local departing Dadar at 10:55 am will short terminate at Vasai Road station and train No. 92100 Virar – Dadar Local departing Virar at 12:10 pm will originate from Vasai Road at 12:20 pm. Additionally, no train services will be handled at Platform No. 3A of Virar station until further notice. The works on these platforms will enable seamless integration with the new lines that are under works. On the goods train front, the DFCCIL successfully conducted a trial run of a goods train hauled by a diesel locomotive from New Saphale (DFCCIL) on October 29. This will take off the burden from Virar-Vasai belt and make New Kharbao near Bhiwandi the integration point for freight trains, taking them off the WR main lines, creating more paths. At present, there are just two lines for up and down trains between Virar-Dahanu, four lines between Borivali-Virar and six lines between Malad and Khar. The Virar-Dahanu quadrupling project, under Mumbai Urban Transport Project at a cost of Rs 3,578 crore is at advanced stage with all land acquired and work on station buildings at Virar, Vaitarna, Saphale, Kelve Road, Dahanu Road and Umroli stations and simultaneously work on bridges is also currently on. WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING As part of the infrastructure upgrades under the Virar–Dahanu Road quadrupling project, significant redevelopment and track remodelling works are underway at Virar Station. Platform 3A – Widening and Upgrade • Platform 3A, currently serving as the terminating platform for Dahanu Road–Virar suburban services, is undergoing a major widening exercise.• Track removal (uprooting) has been completed to facilitate this.• Post-widening, Platform 3A will have a width of 10 meters, and a double-discharge face will be created on the west side.• The same track line will be extended and connected to the existing Platform 3 (currently the Churchgate–Virar terminus), enabling through movement from Churchgate to Dahanu.• This alignment will serve the proposed Churchgate–Dahanu Slow Line, enhancing operational flexibility and future train path creation. Platform 2 – Status Quo Maintained • Platform 2 will continue to function as a terminal platform for trains arriving from Churchgate side, without change to its configuration. New Platforms – South of Existing PF1 • Two additional platforms are being constructed south of the existing Platform 1 and one additional platform will be located on the east side of the mainline, directly opposite the existing Platform 1.• These platforms will support increased suburban train handling capacity and future reconfiguration of terminating and through services.
07 December,2025 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAs the much-resisted skywalk on MG Road in Borivli East approaches completion, it has already sparked mixed reactions among residents and daily commuters. The absence of visible provisions for escalators has raised concerns about whether the facility will truly serve its purpose. Many regular pedestrians who navigate the busy stretch daily, dodging hawkers and vehicular traffic, opine that the absence of escalators would be the biggest discouragement. “Whom does the skywalk cater to, is my first question as a commuter. As a two way road, it was wide enough for people to walk. There was no need to build a skywalk. If it was for ease of commuting, why is there no provision for escalators?” said Girija O, a resident. “The authorities should have rather used the space to construct wider footpaths instead. Those walking would have been much happier with that, considering that they can walk safely without having to climb so many stairs,” said Prajyot Padyar, another resident. Others are concerned that like so many other skywalks, this one too will meet the same fate of turning into a hotspot for anti-social elements. Many fear that without strict monitoring and regular police patrolling, the skywalk could become yet another neglected structure that fails to deliver the safety it promises. “We just hope that this skywalk does not become another home to drug addicts, drunkards, and homeless people. It is a lot of steps to climb before one can use the bridge, and if the environment is hostile, we’ll have even fewer reasons to do it,” said Shubham Karanje, a resident.
07 December,2025 07:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarAs the countdown begins for operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) now expected to start from December 25, a crucial infrastructure gap looms large in Ulwe. Though the area is rapidly developing with an expanding population nearing 1.5-2 lakh, there is not a single authorised petrol pump in Ulwe, leaving residents dependent on risky and illegal alternatives. Sanjay Yadav, Kuldeep Tiwari and Samarth Solanki More than three years ago, the city-planning agency CIDCO had itself identified the need for fuel stations, but not a single pump has materialised. “We are running to Belapur or Kharghar just to fill petrol. When airport taxis and commuters begin rolling in, our daily journeys will become a nightmare without a nearby pump” says Sunny Pandey, a sales professional and resident of Sector-24. Illegal sales mostly in bottles or cans have mushroomed. Some black-market sellers are reportedly charging as high as '125-130 per litre, compared to '103 to 104 at regular pumps. Residents say it is not just costlier, it’s dangerous. “This isn’t just a matter of convenience,” warned Samarth Solanki, social activist and resident of Sector-18. “It’s a ticking time bomb as storing petrol in kirana shops or homes invites tragedy,” he added. Sunny Pandey, resident of Sector-24 There is a chilling precedent to his fear. In a recent tragic incident, a family of four, lost their lives in a cylinder blast triggered by illegal petrol storage and handling in Ulwe. “They were forced into black sales and it destroyed a home,” recalls Sanjay Yadav, a local resident and civic-watchdog. Activist Kuldeep Tiwari laments that with NMIA and rising traffic poised to transform Ulwe into a major commuter hub, the absence of an authorised fuel station is not just inconvenient it’s irresponsible. Despite several attempts, CIDCO officials could not be reached for comment.
07 December,2025 07:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Amarjeet SinghWith a total of 117 flights from Mumbai, and 46 from Pune, cancelled till Saturday following the IndiGo debacle, passengers left in the lurch are turning angry, especially with baggage delays and mix-ups. Passengers are now angry at the airline for the delay that is happening with baggage claim as well, with the crew facing the difficulty of sorting out thousands of bags according to flight schedules. An IndiGo ground staffer, requesting anonymity told Sunday mid-day, “At first the bags were sorted out as they were taken out of the flights, but in the last few days as the number of cancellations has grown, it has become a complete mess. The ground staff are also helping the crew, even facing some physically abusive passengers. We understand their anger and urgency, and hope that they realise that we do not control the flights completely, and are doing the best we can.” “After having over a year of time for IndiGo to prepare, it is shocking how the failure has happened to this extent,” said KVJ Rao, a former pilot. Passengers who have had their flights cancelled and are looking at flights from other airlines are seeing high fares with some routes costing over '70,000 one way. Air India and Air India Express had faced backlash since December 4 with many passengers trying to book flights for routes like Mumbai to Pune, seeing fares as high as '60,000. Owing to this, an Air India spokesperson said, “Air India & Air India Express clarify that, since December 4, economy class airfares on non-stop domestic flights have been proactively capped to prevent the demand-and-supply mechanism being applied.” Two passengers at Mumbai airport whose Bengaluru flight was cancelled, said, “We are looking at alternatives like going by road in a cab which is costing us around '70,000. While expensive, it is still cheaper than going by flight at this point.” Passengers Speak Rahul MehtaWho was to travel to Delhi on December 5, after learning that his flight had been cancelled, said, “I am here at the airport again only to collect my bags; they have been saying that we will get it soon, and keep extending the time saying 1 hour, 2 hours, but we are seeing no result.” Vedant RammaniPune student studying in Rajasthan, shared his ordeal: “Our semester exams ended on December 3. All students who had booked IndiGo flights were stuck in hostels. I was supposed to fly on Friday night, but I too got a cancellation message. Alternate options are priced extremely high. Our parents are worried, too.”
07 December,2025 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Archana DahiwalDivine service An idol of Goddess Lakshmi in a shop at Lalbaug market on Margashirsha Thursday, when Lakshmi Puja is conducted Bowl a guava googly The humble peru or guava is enjoying its last days now, with the season spinning towards its end. A Bandra resident known just as “Dee Kay” is enjoying the fruits of his labour or of the season, with guava amongst several fruit trees in his terrace garden at home. Said Dee Kay, “Each guava is bigger than a cricket ball! I planted this in a pot a couple of years ago and it has pride of place in my terrace garden.” Dee Kay said he kept some for himself and distributed the guavas among those he knows who like them. Whether you enjoy it plain or with with salt and chilli powder, the fruit which shares its name with a South American country, grown in a humble pot on a terrace garden in Mumbai, has you saying “Guava wah wah”. As for cricket balls? Lob that guava across the terrace garden and call it a guava googly. The collab we didn’t need PIC/INSTAGRAM@ANUVJAIN Singer-songwriter Anuv Jain recently faced backlash after a widely circulated video of his on-stage collaboration with global music star Jacob Collier in Mumbai drew criticism for its lack of chemistry and allegedly off-key delivery. The performance evoked sharp reactions from musicians and listeners alike, with some calling it “embarrassing” and saying Jain is overrated and technically underwhelming as a live performer. While fans continue to defend his emotionally-driven, minimalist style, the controversy has fuelled a wider conversation about musical standards and the rise of social-media-led indie pop. Music artist Chaar Diwaari wrote, “I don’t blame him meri bhi personally fatt jati Jacob ke samne tbh [Even I would be scared in front of Jacob (Collier)].” Flutronic added, “I feel embarrassed.” Musician Shreya Jain commented, “Why?” Meanwhile, Mayur Jumani weighed in with, “The only mistake was thinking this pairing made sense.” It’s 10 years for Rahane’s double treat Ajinkya Rahane after scoring a century during the Colombo Test between India and Sri Lanka in August 2015. PIC/GETTY IMAGES If you suddenly asked India and Mumbai batting stalwart Ajinkya Rahane where he was exactly 10 years ago today, he’d probably come up with a pleasant ‘No idea… why?’ response. We can tell you that Rahane was lapping up the accolades for the role he played in India’s 337-run win over South Africa at the Kotla in New Delhi. He scored a hundred in each innings of the Test, joining greats like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and then teammate Virat Kohli in a distinguished group of Indians to accomplish such a feat. Quite naturally, Rahane took home the Player of the Match award as India ended the series 3-0. This feat, and Rahane’s overall ability, reminds us what India are missing in their current ranks. As for South Africa, they were thoroughly defeated, but their batsmen showed they could stick around and scrap away even in tough Indian conditions. ESPNcricinfo tells us that SA battled for more than eight hours before India dismissed them for 143 in the last session of Day Five. Their current skipper Temba Bavuma hung on for nearly three hours the previous day for his 117-ball 34 as opener. He won’t probably forget the December 3-7, 2015 Test easily. On the other side of a love story Milan Vohra Milan Vohra, the Bengaluru based-author who primarily writes romantic novels has ended up collecting the stories of broken hearts along the way, in Heartbreak Unfiltered – Things Nobody Told You About Love, Loss and Letting Go. “People often shared their real life stories one-on-one with me, on flights, on trains. Not just about a glossy love but all the highs and lows. I knew I must write about the other side of love,” Vohra says. “I researched heartbreak for 10 years, struck by how no one is spared this experience. I spoke to experts and tracked the full relationship journey, especially what came after that heartbreak. It often led to such inspiring changes in the person. People usually suffer silently from heartbreak, unable to move on. Heartbreak Unfiltered gives you an understanding and do-able way to work through it,” she adds. So if you want to know why heartbreak is so hard for you to get over, pick up this read. Mon ami, Miami was a roaring success! A little birdie tells us that Indian art just had a major moment of pride at the Miami Art Week. Not only did the Rajiv Menon Contemporary gallery sell out its entire booth in under 24 hours, but collectors were queuing up to catch a glimpse of the exhibit, The Missing Figure. Comprising work by three artists, Ahsan Javaid, Ammama Malik, and Sid Pattni, the exhibit confronts migration, colonial memory, and gender politics with an unapologetic edge. “The response was instant; every piece was placed before the second day even opened,” says gallery founder Rajiv Menon. Visitors at Miami Art Week gather to appreciate Rajiv Menon Contemporary gallery’s exhibit “This is a cultural watershed moment: Indian artists didn’t just ‘show up’ at Miami — they dominated it. We haven’t seen this level of momentum for talent from the subcontinent at a major American art fair in years. Miami Art Week is one of the most influential art-market events in the world. A sell-out at a fair of this scale is more than commercial success — it’s cultural validation, visibility, and a signal that South Asian artists are shaping the international conversation.”
07 December,2025 06:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Choose wisely if you have multiple options which seem good. This is a positive time for investments and finances.Health tip: Take care of your cardiovascular system without overdoing it. Seniors need to take a little extra care of themselves - be careful while walking, as you could have a fall. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Doing what is right without expectations would be the best in the long term. Singles who have met someone new should proceed with caution.Health tip: A small health issue can get much worse if you do not take care of it promptly. Choose to relax at home rather than socializing mindlessly which could tire you out. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Face any challenges with clarity, and focus on your goals. Make conservative financial choices – do not make any risky investments.Health tip: Look at improving your lifestyle in general. Those who suffer from migraines need to take a little extra care of themselves. CancerJune 21 – July 22Think before you speak, and make sure you have all the information you need. Be very careful while investing any large sums of money.Health tip: Be careful if you eat out or order food in, especially while travelling. Those with a chronic health issue should take a little extra care of themselves. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Be clear in financial matters, and make informed decisions. Pay attention to advice from family, even if you don’t like it.Health tip: Keep healthy options in your fridge if you like to snack regularly. This is a positive time for those who want to conceive a child. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Handle any legal situation in a prompt and decisive manner. This is a positive time for professionals who are self-employed.Health tip: Avoid eating food you know does not suit you. Take a little extra care of your throat if you are prone to getting coughs. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22Pursue what inspires you the most, and don’t give in to any feelings of doubt. Avoid making impulse purchases, especially whenever you shop online.Health tip: Make sure you have all the information you need before making any lifestyle changes. Seniors must make sure they drink enough water. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Those with a boss who is challenging to work with need to handle situations calmly. Make time for family and friends no matter how busy you are.Health tip: Those with sensitive digestive systems should commit to eating food that suits them. Make sure you get enough restful sleep. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21An impulsive choice may be taking the easy way out. Think very carefully before you speak your mind in a blunt manner — you can say what you need to diplomatically.Health tip: Those with heart and circulatory system issues need to take a little extra care of themselves. Be careful while working out as you could pull a muscle. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Spend some time with yourself and listen to your inner voice if there is a situation you would like to handle differently. Be very clear about your goals.Health tip: Those prone to headaches should take extra care of themselves — avoid casual scrolling on your devices. Make small but consistent lifestyle changes. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Any nostalgia over the past should be used to learn from it. This is a positive time for professionals who are self-employed.Health tip: Any digestion related issue could worsen very quickly if you do not take care of it promptly. Those who ride a motorcycle or bike must wear their helmet. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Be willing to work hard for your goals, and do not allow yourself to get distracted. Those on a tight budget need to avoid unnecessary expenses.Health tip: Work through any feelings of boredom rather than giving into it. Maintain a disciplined lifestyle as far as possible.
07 December,2025 03:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday urged citizens not to be misled by misinformation regarding Thane’s cluster redevelopment scheme. He assured that all eligible residents registered up to 2022 will receive homes under the initiative, according to the PTI. Speaking at the ‘bhoomi poojan’ ceremony and the inauguration of several civic projects, Eknath Shinde said that certain vested interests were attempting to create confusion about the scheme. “Do not fall prey to false propaganda. Keep your focus on official information. Our only concern is the convenience and welfare of the citizens. Those who registered for redevelopment until 2022 will certainly receive homes under the cluster scheme. The initiative provides better planning, enhanced amenities, and integrated infrastructure, making it a major step for long-term urban renewal,” he said, reported the PTI. Shinde also highlighted other ongoing projects, including the metro rail network, internal metro lines, road expansion, tunnel connectivity, and the upcoming coastal road, which he said were transforming Thane. “These initiatives aim to make Thane a seamless extension of Mumbai and improve daily convenience for residents. The coastal road will address long-standing traffic congestion once and for all,” the Deputy Chief Minister added, the news agency reported. Meanwhile, last week, Shinde praised the development works undertaken in Ambernath area of Thane district in Maharashtra and pledged metro connectivity to the town should his party secure victory in the civic polls. While speaking at an election rally in Ambernath town late on Saturday night, Eknath Shinde stated that he is the true Shiv Sainik of Balasaheb Thackeray, one who stands by and fulfils every assurance he makes. He commended the development efforts in Ambernath, which falls under the constituency of his son, Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde. Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde highlighted significant development initiatives and vowed to bring metro connectivity as well as a Thane-model cluster scheme to the town. “If the people so desire, they can ensure that our rivals lose their deposits in the Ambernath Municipal Council elections,” he declared, according to the PTI. Reflecting on his modest upbringing and experiences of hardship, Shinde said that the sacrifices made by his mother and wife motivated him to launch the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to women from economically disadvantaged families, as per the PTI. He added that the scheme has received immense affection from women across Maharashtra. (with PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 11:13 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday criticised the state government for failing to appoint a Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly even after more than a year. He said the LoPs for both Houses must be announced during the upcoming Maharashtra Winter Session, reported the PTI. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of what he described as a “mess” in the state’s electoral rolls. He said the opposition should request the court to postpone local body elections until the voter lists are corrected. “Why is the government afraid of appointing the LoP despite having such a huge majority? We have been demanding this for a long time,” he said, according to the PTI. Thackeray added that if the government fails to appoint a Leader of the Opposition, it would be the first time in history that an Assembly session takes place without one. Calling the LoP a constitutional position, he argued that if the post remains vacant, the two deputy chief ministers’ posts — held by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar — should also be scrapped because they are “not constitutional”. The Shiv Sena (UBT), which has 20 MLAs — the highest among the opposition — has nominated senior MLA Bhaskar Jadhav for the LoP post in the Assembly. In the Legislative Council, Congress has put forward Satej Patil after the term of the previous LoP, Ambadas Danve (Shiv Sena UBT), ended in August, as per the ANI. Although the Supreme Court has directed that local body elections be held by January 31, Uddhav Thackeray said the flawed voter rolls were compromising the integrity of the polls. He also mocked the internal rivalry within the Mahayuti alliance during the first phase of local body elections, calling it “greed for power”. Uddhav Thackeray said that the “only hope for the people” was the Shiv Sena (UBT). The Maharashtra Legislature's upcoming winter session in Nagpur will be held for a week, with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) finalising the schedule. According to officials, the BAC, which met earlier in the day, decided that the session will take place from December 8 to December 14. The week-long session is expected to take up key legislative business, departmental reviews and discussions on pressing state issues. The session will see both Houses—the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)—conducting sittings focused on critical financial business, legislative discussions, and a review of government performance amid a politically charged environment. (with PTI inputs)
06 December,2025 10:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out on Saturday evening in a godown located in Nagpada area of central Mumbai, civic officials said, adding that no injuries were reported in the incident. They said that the blaze was reported at the Lakdawala Bazaar in Nagpada near Raj Oil Mill. The incident was reported at around 7:40 pm, officials said. According to preliminary reports, the fire was confined to a ground plus one-floor godown. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) responded quickly and rushed to the spot to launch a firefighting operation. Teams from the police, BEST electricity supply staff, ward officials, and a 108 ambulance team were also dispatched to the spot. The fire was brought under control without causing any casualties, and authorities are assessing the damage. "No injuries were reported in the blaze," said an official. Further details were awaited.
06 December,2025 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentTensions rose in Malwani area of suburban Mumbai on Saturday during the inauguration of the new KEM Hospital at Gate No. 7, as workers from the Congress and BJP parties gathered at the venue and began shouting slogans following a face-off, sources said. The situation remained tense throughout the morning, prompting the Malwani Police to deploy extra security to prevent any escalation, they said. Despite the political face-off, the inauguration proceeded without any untoward incident, police officials said. Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, and former Maharashtra Minister and sitting MLA Aslam Shaikh jointly cut the ribbon and officially opened the hospital. Local residents, speaking on condition of anonymity said that they were not concerned about which political party conducted the opening. “What matters is that the hospital has finally been inaugurated safely,” one of the resident said. The new facility is expected to serve thousands of patients in the Malwani area, improving access to healthcare for the local community, the resident said.
06 December,2025 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanThe Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has successfully driven the installation of 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps in just 30 days. The milestone was recognised as a new world record by the Guinness World Records (GWR) on Friday, an official statement said. The achievement positions Maharashtra as the fastest-deploying solar agriculture state in India and second only to China globally in the scale and speed of solar pump deployment by a single administrative region, it said. MSEDCL’s accomplishment reflects their commitment to accelerating India’s clean energy transition, improving farmer livelihoods, and supporting sustainable irrigation through the effective implementation of the PM-KUSUM (Component B) and Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana (MTSKPY) schemes. MSEDCL’s strategic approach to record deployment Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s operational excellence and farmer-centric model were key to achieving this historic milestone: Structured planning and prioritisation: Installation efforts focused on drought-prone zones to maximise irrigation impact and sustainability. Vendor accountability: Transparent empanelment and strict service-level agreements ensured grievances were resolved within three days, with automatic escalation mechanisms for unresolved issues. Rapid, large-scale deployment: Multiple installation teams deployed simultaneously across districts, supported by pre-positioned pump inventory and digital tracking systems. Farmer-centric execution: Pumps were sized based on landholding (3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms), with hands-on support for installation, usage, and maintenance. Policy synergy: Future connections are being given by off-grid solar pumps to ensure a reliable and daytime power supply to farmers. Through these initiatives, MSEDCL has established a scalable and replicable model for solar irrigation deployment, demonstrating how strong systems, real-time monitoring, and farmer-first execution can drive transformative outcomes. With over 7.47 lakh solar pumps installed to date and a target of 10.45 lakh pumps, MSEDCL is spearheading one of the largest renewable energy transitions in India’s agricultural sector, creating a model that can be replicated across states and internationally. A giant leap in Maharashtra’s energy transition Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his transformative PM-KUSUM initiative, Maharashtra has accelerated the shift toward clean, farmer-centric irrigation. In one month, we have installed more than 45,911 solar pumps across the state, making Maharashtra the No. 1 state in India for solar agriculture." This achievement also ensures irrigation security, improves productivity and farmer incomes and reduces the dependence on conventional energy sources. Also, the state government is committed to expanding this momentum and building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous future for every farmer in Maharashtra. Congratulations to State Discom (Mahavitaran), he said. Lokesh Chandra Chairman and Managing Director, MSEDCL, said, "This success has been possible due to efficient scheme design, transparent vendor empanelment, and strict service-level compliance. Every vendor is mandated to resolve farmer grievances within three days, failing which the matter escalates to MSEDCL for action. The State has also adopted a policy to release new agricultural connections through off-grid solar pumps, shifting fully to solar-based solutions." He further added, "Our pump-sizing policy: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger holdings. This ensures equitable distribution and maximum benefits to small and marginal farmers." A replicable model for India and the World Through its structured planning, transparent pump allocation, strong vendor ecosystem, ecological safeguards, and farmer-first execution, Maharashtra has created a national model for clean energy in agriculture which can be replicated by the global south. The Government of Maharashtra and MSEDCL remain committed to expanding solar irrigation, strengthening farmer resilience, and accelerating India’s clean energy transition.
06 December,2025 06:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
