A political row on Friday broke out on the issue of illegal Bangladeshi's in Mumbai, with Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde questioning the previous leadership in the city civic body and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray reacting to it. The exchange comes amid recent civic action and statements regarding the identification and deportation of foreign nationals living illegally in Mumbai. Tawde questioned why the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had failed to act earlier against alleged illegal Bangladeshi residents, despite BJP leader Kirit Somaiya having submitted evidence and information to the authorities. She said that necessary steps must be taken to verify documents and ensure that those staying illegally in the city face action as per the law. Responding to it, Aaditya Thackeray said he welcomed the move to deport illegal Bangladeshi nationals. However, he questioned how they were allowed to enter the country in the first place. In a post on his social media handle X, Aaditya Thackeray stated that if infiltration had taken place, it pointed to a failure of both the central and state governments, which are led by the BJP. He said the responsibility for border security and preventing illegal entry lies with the Government of India and the state administration. How illegal migrants entered Mumbai He argued that if large numbers of illegal migrants had entered Mumbai, it reflected a serious lapse in governance. The issue has added to ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) in Maharashtra. While both sides appear to agree on deporting illegal residents, they differ sharply on who should be held accountable for their alleged presence in Mumbai. He further wrote that while the newly elected Mumbai mayor appeared focused on the issue of alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators, pressing civic problems in the city were being ignored. He listed concerns such as dug-up roads, uncollected garbage, poor condition of footpaths, encroachment on open spaces by developers, and polluted air and water. नवनिर्वाचित महापौरांना आता एकच प्रश्न सतावतोय बांगलादेशी घुसखोरांचा! चांगलं आहे पण मुंबईतील नागरी प्रश्नांकडे मात्र त्यांचे दुर्लक्ष होतेय; खोदून ठेवलेले रस्ते, न उचलला जाणारा कचरा, पादचारी मार्गांची दुरवस्था, मोकळ्या जागांवरील बांधकाम व्यावसायिकांचे अतिक्रमण, प्रदूषित पाणी आणि… — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) February 13, 2026 Questions on border security Thackeray argued that issues related to illegal immigration fall under the jurisdiction of the Union and State Home Ministries, not the municipal corporation. He questioned how alleged Bangladeshi nationals could have entered India illegally and travelled across BJP-ruled states to reach Mumbai. He also asked how they had managed to stay in the country for several years despite the BJP being in power at the Centre for over a decade. Mayor orders seizure of 237 fake birth certificates Mumbai Mayor, Ritu Tawde, on Friday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) health department to seize 237 fake birth certificates issued to illegal residents within one month, officials said. They said that she also announced that the city will carry out strict checks on birth certificates held by hawkers, especially those believed to be illegal foreign residents. Tawde held a press conference following the meeting, in which she revealed that action will be taken against those involved in issuing fake documents. In an official statement, the Mumbai civic body said that the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Public Health, Sharad Ughade, said that all 237 certificates have been cancelled on the official portal. However, Tawde said criminal cases will be filed against the doctors and health officials who issued these fake certificates. So far, eight people have been charged, and action against the remaining officials will begin from Monday, the statement said. She also demanded a fresh investigation into cases where birth certificates were issued after a delay of 21 days. Two medical officers have already been suspended, and further action is expected against others. The mayor stated that all documents issued after January 1, 2016 will be thoroughly reviewed, officials said.
13 February,2026 09:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday announced the introduction of 12 additional air-conditioned (AC) local services and 3 new non-AC trains on its Mumbai suburban network from February 19. "The new services will start from February 19, 2026, bringing the total number of local trains on the Western Railway network to 1,414," an official said. The move aims to improve commuter comfort and reduce overcrowding, especially on popular routes where AC services have become increasingly sought after. Out of the 12 new AC services, 11 will replace existing non-AC trains, while one will be an entirely new AC service. With this change, the total number of AC local trains will rise from 121 to 133. In addition, the number of AC services operating on weekends will see a major boost. On Saturdays and Sundays, AC trains will increase from 77 to 106, providing greater comfort and capacity for weekend travellers. Non-AC services increased Along with the AC upgrades, Western Railway will introduce three additional non-AC services. These services aim to maintain affordable travel options for commuters who rely on non-AC trains. A slow local service currently running between Bhayandar and Bandra will now operate from Virar, improving connectivity for passengers travelling from the outer suburbs. Improved commuting Western Railway said the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to provide safer, efficient, and passenger-friendly services across Mumbai’s suburban network, often referred to as the city’s lifeline. The full schedule and details of the new services Western Railway to operate four-hour jumbo block on Sunday Western Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will carry out a four-hour jumbo block on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The Western Railway said that it will operate the block to undertake maintenance work on tracks, signalling systems and overhead equipment. The block will be in place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on the UP Fast line and the 5th line between Ram Mandir and Borivali stations. According to a press release issued by Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, several train services will be diverted during the block period. All UP Fast line trains will run on the UP Slow (6th) line between Borivali and Andheri. Meanwhile, all 5th line trains will operate on the Down Fast line between Andheri and Borivali. Some services to remain cancelled Due to the block, some UP and Down suburban train services will remain cancelled. In addition, some Andheri and Borivali services will run only up to Goregaon on the Harbour Line. Passengers can obtain detailed information from Station Masters at all suburban railway stations. Western Railway has requested passengers to take note of the changes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid inconvenience. The maintenance work is part of routine efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of suburban train services, Western Railway said.
13 February,2026 08:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Mayor, Ritu Tawde, on Friday directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) health department to seize 237 fake birth certificates issued to illegal residents within one month, officials said. They said that she also announced that the city will carry out strict checks on birth certificates held by hawkers, especially those believed to be illegal foreign residents. The announcement came after a review meeting at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters on February 13 2026. Tawde held a press conference following the meeting, in which she revealed that action will be taken against those involved in issuing fake documents. In an official statement, the Mumbai civic body said that the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Public Health, Sharad Ughade, said that all 237 certificates have been cancelled on the official portal. However, Tawde said criminal cases will be filed against the doctors and health officials who issued these fake certificates. So far, eight people have been charged, and action against the remaining officials will begin from Monday, the statement said. She also demanded a fresh investigation into cases where birth certificates were issued after a delay of 21 days. Two medical officers have already been suspended, and further action is expected against others. The mayor stated that all documents issued after January 1, 2016 will be thoroughly reviewed, officials said. Strict verification of hawkers Former MP Kirit Somaiya had earlier demanded that fake certificates be seized and criminal action taken against the responsible officers. In response, Tawde ordered immediate verification of hawkers’ records, licences, identity proofs, and residential documents, the statement said. It said that the mayor stressed that the municipal corporation and police must work together to check the identity documents of hawkers, including Aadhaar cards, and take legal action against those using fake papers. Concerns over illegal residents Tawde noted that complaints have been rising about the large number of hawkers in Mumbai, with some foreign nationals living illegally and doing business. She said this not only increases financial pressure on local hawkers but also raises concerns about women’s safety in some areas. The city mayor also highlighted that overcrowding on footpaths, unauthorised businesses, and encroachments are affecting law and order. She said that BMC is committed to removing encroachments and providing a safer environment for residents and action has been ordered in various municipal wards, and officials have been instructed to enforce the law strictly.
13 February,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSThe Maharashtra government has published a preliminary list of 16,478 encroachers residing inside Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), marking a major chance in the rehabilitation process, officials said. The process follows a public interest litigation order dated May 7, 1997 from the Bombay High Court. The rehabilitation process is being carried out under the supervision of a high-powered committee formed as per the court order. The South Deputy Director of SGNP has appointed M/s Grant Thornton Bharat LLP as the official agency to conduct the survey. A High Power Committee, formed as per the court’s directions, is supervising the process. The survey was conducted by the authorised agency Grant Thornton Bharat LLP and has now been published for public verification. The preliminary list has been uploaded on the Forest Department website and displayed on notice boards at SGNP offices. It is also available for public viewing at the rehabilitation room for verification, the officials said. They said the list will now be examined carefully to determine final eligibility for rehabilitation, as per the High Court’s orders and government directives. Final opportunity to submit documents Encroachers named in the list, as well as those living inside the park whose names are not included, have been given a final opportunity to submit the required documents and survey information. Documents required for eligibility include proof of name in the electoral roll as on January 1, 1995, receipt of Rs 7,000 paid earlier for rehabilitation, hut number allotted by the Forest Department, proof of name in electoral roll between January 1, 1995 and January 1, 2011, voter ID and other identity documents such as Aadhaar or ration card. Submission deadline Documents must be submitted between February 17 and February 28, 2026, from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm, at the designated locations mentioned in the notice. Forest officials have emphasised that only those who submit the required documents within the deadline will be considered for final eligibility.
13 February,2026 08:11 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMaharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday met Izumi Miyazaki, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, and a Japanese delegation in Mumbai and proposed a Bamiyan Buddha replica in Nagpur. CM Fadnavis shared the proposal on X after the meeting, stating that he held discussions on strengthening ties between Maharashtra and Japan. The meeting also highlighted the long-standing sister-state partnership between Maharashtra and Wakayama, which began in 2013. The Chief Minister said that the relationship remains an important pillar of Indo-Japanese friendship. CM Fadnavis noted that Japan has played a major role in supporting major infrastructure projects in Maharashtra. These include the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri-Nhava Sheva Atal Setu, the expanding underground Metro network in Mumbai, and the upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project. During the discussions, both sides explored ways to further enhance cooperation in strategic sectors and open new avenues for collaboration. Proposal for Bamiyan Buddha replica The Chief Minister also proposed constructing a replica of the Bamiyan Buddha in Nagpur. He said the project would aim to spread a global message of peace from the city where B. R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism. The proposal is intended to symbolise peace, cultural exchange and the deep spiritual connection between India and Japan. It was a great pleasure to meet H. E. Izumi Miyazaki san, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture and the esteemed delegation in Mumbai today. Japan and India, particularly Maharashtra and Wakayama, have a deep and enduring partnership. Maharashtra's decade-long sister-state… pic.twitter.com/TlWetkom2a — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 13, 2026 The meeting was attended by Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai; Akizuki Fuminari, Vice Speaker of the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly; Nijima Takeshi, President of the Japan-India Friendship Promotion Group of Wakayama Prefectural Assembly; and Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, among others. Sports and Cultural Exchanges Grow Fadnavis noted that sports exchanges between the two regions have also grown. He cited examples such as sumo wrestlers visiting Mumbai, training in Pune, and performing demonstrations at the Gateway of India. He said such initiatives will help develop sporting talent in both countries. Remembering the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Fadnavis said his tenure strengthened India–Japan relations and led to major projects such as the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train.
13 February,2026 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a mega block on its Main and Harbour Lines on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The block will be undertaken to carry out important engineering and maintenance works, the Central Railway said. It said that the block will affect both the Main Line and Harbour Line services in the Mumbai division. Block on Main Line According to an official statement, on the Main Line, the UP and DOWN fast lines between Matunga and Mulund stations will remain under block from 11.05 am to 3.45 pm. DOWN fast services leaving Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) from 10.36 am to 3.10 pm will be diverted to the DOWN slow line at Matunga. These trains will halt at their scheduled stations between Matunga and Mulund and are expected to reach their destination about 15 minutes late. Beyond Thane, fast trains will return to the DOWN fast line at Mulund, the statement said. Similarly, UP fast services leaving Thane from 11.03 am to 3.38 pm will be diverted to the UP slow line at Mulund. They will halt at scheduled stations between Mulund and Matunga before rejoining the UP fast line at Matunga. These trains will also arrive about 15 minutes behind schedule, it said. Block on Harbour Line On the Harbour Line, UP and DOWN services between Kurla and Vashi stations will remain suspended from 11.10 am to 4.10 pm. DOWN Harbour services towards Vashi, Belapur and Panvel leaving CSMT from 10.34 am to 3.36 pm will remain cancelled. Similarly, UP Harbour services towards CSMT from Panvel, Belapur and Vashi between 10.17 am and 3.47 pm will also be cancelled. However, special suburban trains will operate on the CSMT-Kurla and Panvel-Vashi sections during the block period. Harbour Line passengers will be allowed to travel between Thane and Vashi/Nerul stations from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm during the block. Railway officials said that the mega block is necessary for infrastructure maintenance and passenger safety. The Central Railway said that the commuters have been requested to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration.
13 February,2026 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCandidates applying for CET 2026 and facing difficulties with Aadhaar and Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) authentication will now be able to complete their registration without mandatory verification, an official notification said on Friday. APAAR is a part of India's 'One Nation, One Student ID' initiative. It is a unique 12-digit digital ID for students from pre-primary to higher education. While Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identity number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to residents of India based on their biometric and demographic data. The announcement comes after several applicants reported technical and other genuine problems while completing Aadhaar and APAAR authentication during the online registration process. The notification was issued by Dileep B. Sardesai, Commissioner, State Common Entrance Test Cell, Mumbai. Officials clarified that Aadhaar authentication remains the preferred method for verification in the Common Entrance Test (CET) registration process. However, to ensure that no eligible candidate is prevented from applying, a special facility has been introduced. From February 13, 2026, candidates who are unable to complete Aadhaar and APAAR authentication may fill and submit their application forms without this verification on the CET 2026 registration portal. The candidates who are able to complete Aadhaar and APAAR authentication are required to continue following the previously notified registration procedure. In the notification, the officials have advised all applicants to carefully read the instructions provided on the portal and complete their registration within the prescribed deadline. The facilitation measure aims to ensure that no student is disadvantaged due to technical difficulties, officials said. Mumbai University scraps 304 old exams including 125 with no enrolment Meanwhile, the Mumbai University has announced that 304 old examinations including 125 with zero enrolment have been declared inactive and will no longer be conducted, an official statement said on Thursday. It said that out of the total, 125 examinations have been discontinued because no students registered for them over the past two to three academic years. These include 23 exams from the Faculty of Commerce and Management, 15 exams from the Faculty of Humanities, 42 interdisciplinary exams and 45 exams from the Faculty of Science and Technology. University officials said that these exams have seen zero enrolment for several years and are therefore being closed. In addition, 179 examinations linked to courses that have completed 10 years have also been permanently discontinued. These include 10 exams from the Faculty of Science and Technology, 86 exams from the Faculty of Commerce and Management, 38 exams from the Faculty of Humanities, and 45 interdisciplinary exams. According to a university circular dated 10 February 2026, these examinations will not be conducted in the future. Provision for reactivation in special cases The university clarified that if any affiliated college or institution submits a proposal for student registration in courses that were closed due to zero enrolment, the examinations may be reactivated. In such cases, the university will restart the examination process as per rules, including scheduling, question paper setting, examiner appointments and other formal procedures. However, courses that have completed 10 years will not be revived, the Board of Examinations and Evaluation has said.
13 February,2026 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbaikars woke up to a hazy morning on Thursday. However, the visibility is likely to improve as the day progresses, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting clear skies for the rest of the day. The maximum temperature is likely to hover at 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 19 degrees Celsius, indicating warm daytime conditions with relatively cooler early mornings. The combination of morning haze and clear skies later in the day is typical of the ongoing winter transition period, with no significant change in weather conditions anticipated over the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, according to the Centre's SAMEER app, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai stood at 128 on Thursday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Pollution levels varied significantly across locations, with Bandra-Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 140, Borivali East 94, Byculla 141, Andheri East 157, Chembur 115, Colaba 118, and Kandivali East 132. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 148, Kandivali East 132, Malad West 152, and Mazgaon 132. Delhi's air quality improves slightly but AQI remains in 'poor' category at 275 The national capital saw a slight improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 275 on Thursday around 7 am. However, it continued to remain in the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). On Wednesday, the AQI in the national capital was 'very poor' at 312. Meanwhile, on Thursday, despite the improvement in AQI, a thin layer of smog persisted in parts of the city. According to CPCB data, several areas in the capital recorded the 'very poor' air quality, including Anand Vihar (332), Bawana (306), Ashok Vihar (320), Dwarka Sector 8 (328), RK Puram (314), Rohini (322) and Patparganj (307).Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 214, Chandni Chowk (218), and Sonia Vihar (299) experienced improved air quality, though the levels still fell within the 'poor' category. As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. IMD stated that the rainfall signalled the beginning of an active weather phase, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail likely to affect several states during the day. Light rain lashed several parts of the city and adjoining NCR areas in the early morning hours. (With inputs from ANI)
13 February,2026 05:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court has directed Maharashtra police to submit details of any security audit conducted of high court buildings and residential premises of judges across the state and all trial courts. A bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad passed the order earlier this week in a plea taken up suo motu (on its own) in line with the Supreme Court's ongoing concern over the safety of judicial officers and the legal fraternity. The apex court had in 2021 taken up suo motu proceedings on the issue after the death of an additional sessions judge in Dhanbad. On February 10, Maharashtra's advocate general Milind Sathe informed the HC that he would apprise the court about the steps taken by the police department for ensuring security of the court premises and safety of judges. The court accepted and posted the matter for further hearing on February 17 but sought details of any security audit conducted. "We require the Director General of Police to furnish a copy of the security audit conducted, if any, of the High Court and the buildings where the Judges of the Bombay High Court are residing including the benches at Goa, Aurangabad, Nagpur and circuit bench at Kolhapur and the trial courts in all the districts," HC said. The apex court had taken cognisance of threats faced by judicial officers nationwide after the killing of a Dhanbad judge, observing that the State has a duty to create a secure environment so that judges and lawyers can function fearlessly. The SC had noted that similar incidents were being reported across the country and indicated that wider consultations with States and Union Territories were necessary. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 February,2026 04:57 PM IST | Mumbai | PTICentral Railway on Friday announced 44 weekly special train services between Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) and Prayagraj to manage the expected rise in passenger demand. The special trains will operate from mid-February to mid-July 2026 and will run as Extra, Holi and Summer Specials. Train timings and schedule Train No. 04102 (LTT-Prayagraj Weekly Special) The train will depart from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus every Tuesday at 4.55 pm from February 17 2026 to July 14 2026 and arrive in Prayagraj at 5.00 pm the next day. A total of 22 services will be operated. Extra Special: February 17 to February 24 and April 7 to April 14 (4 services) Holi Special: March 3 to March 31 (5 services) Summer Special: April 21 to July 14 (13 services) Train No. 04101 (Prayagraj-LTT Weekly Special) The return train will depart from Prayagraj every Monday at 6.00 pm from February 16, 2026 to July 13, 2026 and arrive at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at 2.55 pm the next day. A total of 22 services will be run. Extra Special: February 16 to February 23 and April 6 to April 13 (4 services) Holi Special: March 2 to March 30 (5 services) Summer Special: April 20 to July 13 (13 services) Halts and Train Composition The trains will halt at Kalyan, Igatpuri (only for 04102), Nashik, Bhusaval, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katni, Satna and Manikpur. Each train will consist of 1 AC 2-Tier coach, 4 AC 3-Tier coaches, 9 Sleeper Class coaches, 8 General Second Class coaches and 2 Second Seating coaches with Luggage-cum-Guard’s Brake Van, an official statement said. Ticket bookings The statement said that the bookings for Train No. 04102 will open on February 14 2026 at all computerised reservation centres and on the official IRCTC website within the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Bookings for journeys beyond the ARP will open on later applicable dates. Unreserved tickets can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers may also use the RailOne app for ticket bookings, it said. For detailed timings and halt information, passengers can visit the Indian Railways enquiry website or download the NTES mobile application.
13 February,2026 04:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEntrepreneurial interest in digital services has pushed a growing number of marketers to ask a serious business question: Is an SMM panel profitable? This is not a curiosity-driven topic — it is a financial evaluation. People researching this space are usually comparing multiple online business models and trying to determine whether launching or reselling social media services can generate sustainable income rather than short-term gains. The reality is that profitability in this industry is not automatic. While the barrier to entry is relatively low compared to many other digital ventures, long-term success depends heavily on positioning, operational discipline, customer retention, and pricing strategy. Understanding how revenue flows, where costs appear, and what separates profitable operators from struggling ones is essential before committing time or capital. Is an SMM panel profitable? Yes — but only under the right conditions. Asking Is an SMM panel profitable? requires a nuanced answer because profitability is rarely determined by the tool itself; it is shaped by execution. Operators who treat the panel as a structured business tend to perform far better than those chasing fast income. A well-managed panel can benefit from recurring customers, scalable service delivery, and relatively flexible pricing models. However, these advantages only translate into profit when paired with clear branding, reliable sourcing, and strong acquisition channels. Without differentiation, many panels fall into price wars that quickly erode margins. The most important takeaway is this: an SMM panel should be viewed as infrastructure for a digital business — not the business itself. Strategy is what converts infrastructure into revenue. How Do SMM Panels Make Money? Before evaluating profit potential, it helps to understand How do SMM panels work?. Most panels operate on a wholesale-to-retail model, purchasing services at lower rates and reselling them with a markup. This structure allows operators to control pricing while maintaining competitive flexibility. Revenue typically comes from volume rather than extreme margins. Orders accumulate across followers, engagement packages, views, and bundled services, creating multiple income streams. Over time, repeat buyers often become the primary driver of profitability because acquisition costs decrease while lifetime value rises. Another overlooked factor is pricing psychology. Customers rarely choose the absolute cheapest provider when reliability is at stake. Panels that communicate transparency and consistency often sustain healthier margins simply because trust supports pricing power. Typical Profit Margins in the Industry When entrepreneurs ask Is an SMM panel profitable?, they are often really asking about margins. While numbers vary widely, many operators work with flexible markups that allow adjustment based on demand, competition, and service stability. Entry-level resellers may start with modest margins but benefit from faster launch timelines. More established panels often optimize supplier relationships, improving cost structures over time. The real advantage emerges when operators stop competing solely on price and begin competing on experience, support quality, and delivery reliability. It is also worth noting that profit is rarely linear. Early months may focus on reinvestment — improving infrastructure, marketing reach, and service diversity — before meaningful net income appears. Startup Costs and Financial Reality For many newcomers, the path begins by researching how to create smm panel free?. While ultra-low-cost entry points exist, “free” usually means minimizing upfront expenses rather than eliminating them entirely. Common cost areas include hosting, payment gateways, marketing efforts, and maintaining operational liquidity for order fulfillment. Compared to traditional businesses, these requirements are relatively manageable — but they still demand planning. The smarter approach is to view early spending as strategic investment rather than avoidable overhead. Panels that cut too many corners early often struggle later due to reliability issues that damage reputation. Why Many Panels Never Reach Profitability Understanding why some ventures fail is just as important as knowing why others succeed. Many panels struggle because they enter saturated segments without a clear identity, hoping volume alone will create income. Price wars are particularly destructive. Competing solely on cost compresses margins until growth becomes unsustainable. Weak retention strategies further compound the issue — constantly replacing customers is far more expensive than keeping them. Brand perception also plays a decisive role. Operators who invest in professionalism tend to command higher trust, which stabilizes revenue even in competitive markets. Scalability: The Hidden Advantage One reason the question Is an SMM panel profitable? continues to attract entrepreneurs is scalability. Once operational workflows are established, incremental growth often requires less effort than starting from scratch. Automation tools, API integrations, and streamlined dashboards allow panels to handle increasing order volume without proportional staffing increases. This creates operational leverage — a core driver of digital profitability. However, scalability should be approached carefully. Expanding too quickly without stable suppliers or customer support can create service inconsistencies that harm long-term earnings. The Importance of Choosing Reliable Service Infrastructure Profitability often begins with dependable sourcing. Many experienced operators recommend evaluating a reliable source for instagram smm panel solutions before scaling campaigns, because service stability directly affects retention and reputation. When orders deliver consistently, refund disputes decline and customer confidence grows. This operational calm allows businesses to focus on marketing rather than troubleshooting — an underrated profitability driver. Infrastructure may not be the most visible part of the business, but it frequently determines whether margins remain intact over time. How Long Does It Take to Become Profitable? Timelines vary significantly. Some operators generate early revenue within months, while others require longer periods to refine positioning and acquisition strategies. Speed often depends on marketing capability, niche selection, and the ability to build trust quickly. Panels targeting specific industries or audiences sometimes outperform broad competitors because specialization reduces direct price competition. Patience is critical. Sustainable profit tends to favor operators who prioritize retention and operational stability over rapid expansion. Who Is Most Likely to Succeed? The people best positioned to benefit from this model typically bring existing marketing knowledge or audience access. Agencies, growth-focused entrepreneurs, and digital strategists often adapt faster because they already understand customer behavior. On the other hand, individuals expecting effortless income frequently underestimate the importance of branding and service reliability. Like any business, outcomes correlate strongly with effort and strategic clarity. The barrier to entry is low — but the barrier to sustained profitability is significantly higher. What Is the Future Profit Potential of the SMM Industry? Looking ahead, social media expansion and the creator economy continue to increase demand for visibility. Businesses are competing harder for attention, which naturally supports service-based ecosystems. Automation and infrastructure improvements are also lowering operational friction, making it easier for professional operators to scale intelligently. As the market matures, reliability is expected to become the primary differentiator rather than price alone. This suggests that profitability will increasingly favor disciplined, brand-focused panels rather than opportunistic entrants. Conclusion So, Is an SMM panel profitable? The answer is yes — but only for operators willing to approach it as a structured digital business. Profit emerges from positioning, customer trust, operational efficiency, and long-term thinking rather than shortcuts. For entrepreneurs prepared to invest in strategy and differentiation, the model offers meaningful potential. For those seeking effortless income, the opportunity may prove far more demanding than expected. FAQ Can you realistically make money with an SMM panel? Yes, many operators generate revenue, but profitability depends on sourcing, marketing capability, pricing strategy, and customer retention rather than the panel itself. What is the average profit margin? Margins vary widely based on positioning and supplier relationships. Panels that compete on experience instead of price often maintain healthier margins. Is starting an SMM panel expensive? Startup costs are generally moderate compared to traditional businesses, though infrastructure, marketing, and operational funds should still be planned carefully. How long does it typically take to become profitable? Timelines differ, but many operators see stronger financial stability once repeat customers begin driving consistent revenue. Is the SMM panel business sustainable long-term? It can be, particularly for operators who adapt to market changes, prioritize reliability, and focus on building brand trust rather than chasing short-term gains.
13 February,2026 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
