Leaders and party workers of the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday staged a sit-in protest at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, claiming that the condition of the ‘Samyukta Maharashtra gallery’ was 'poor' and being ignored by the authorities. The party also shared about the protest on its official X handle. The gallery, located in Shivaji Park area of Dadar, showcases the history of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, was conceptualised by Bal Thackeray and later taken forward by Uddhav Thackeray. The party leaders claimed that the gallery has fallen into disrepair and requires urgent attention. The issue was presented before members of the media during the protest. They stressed the importance of preserving the site, which reflects the historic struggle for the formation of Maharashtra. Party leaders join the protest Several senior leaders were present at the protest, including former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Vishakha Raut, Sainath Durge and MLA Mahesh Sawant, along with other party workers and office-bearers. They reiterated their commitment to protecting the legacy of the Samyukta Maharashtra movement. Civic official responds In the social media post, the Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that a senior official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has assured urgent repairs following the party's concerns. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Ajitkumar Ambi, assured that repair work at the gallery would begin within the next two days, the post stated. The assurance came after demands from party leaders for immediate restoration, it said. Congress slams Sena (UBT) for accusing it of using regional allies as 'crutches' Meanwhile, the Congress on Monday hit out at the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the latter's accusation that the grand old party was using regional outfits as "crutches", and not treating them as "equal stakeholders" in the Opposition alliance, reported the PTI. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticised the editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece 'Saamana', alleging that the newspaper's executive editor, MP Sanjay Raut, appears confused on several occasions between his roles as a politician and journalist. In a strongly-worded post on X, he noted that while a journalist's duty is to point out shortcomings objectively, a political spokesperson often targets opponents, and confusing the two roles leads to ignoring one's own accountability.
06 April,2026 05:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has revised the schedule for the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) examination for CET 2026, an official statement said on Monday. The decision was taken after multiple requests from candidates, as several major national-level examinations are scheduled on April 12, 2026. According to officials, the following examinations are set to be held on the same day - - UPSC NDA and NA Examination (I) 2026 - UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2026 - NATA 2026 Phase 1 To prevent inconvenience to students appearing for multiple exams, the CET authority has adjusted its schedule. New exam window announced The revised examination window for the PCM CET is now from April 11 to 20 April 2026. However, April 12 has been excluded from the schedule. Instructions for candidates Candidates have been advised to check updated details carefully. The City Intimation Slip, which mentions the exam district and date, was made available on April 5 after 2 pm. The Admit Card with complete venue details will be available for download on April 7, 2026. Students must ensure they download the latest documents to avoid any confusion. Advisory The CET Cell has urged candidates to rely only on official updates and prepare according to the revised timetable. Officials also extended their best wishes to all candidates appearing for the examination. Maharashtra CET Cell bans AI tools, gadgets to curb cheating in exams Meanwhile, in an effort to prevent cheating and misuse of technology, the State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell had last month stated that it has introduced revised rules and stricter regulations for upcoming entrance examinations conducted across Maharashtra. The new guidelines are aimed at curbing malpractice involving digital devices, cyber tools and artificial intelligence (AI) during computer-based tests. The CET Cell conducts entrance examinations for 17 different professional courses, of which 15 are held in computer-based mode at designated examination centres across Maharashtra. Officials said the updated regulations are intended to strengthen the examination system and ensure transparency and fairness. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against candidates, exam staff or institutions found involved in any form of malpractice, misconduct or use of unfair means during the examination process. Smartphones, smartwatches and digital gadgets prohibited Under the revised rules, the use or possession of modern digital gadgets inside the examination hall is strictly prohibited. The banned items include smartphones, mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones and calculators where they are not permitted. Officials said these restrictions have been imposed to prevent candidates from accessing external information or communicating during the exam. AI tools, hidden cameras and remote access software banned The CET Cell has also specifically banned the use of artificial intelligence tools and other advanced digital technologies that could be misused during examinations. These include AI-based applications, hidden cameras, screen mirroring technology, remote access software and any other digital tools that may facilitate cheating during the examination. Strict penalties for cheating and misconduct The CET Cell has identified 13 categories of misconduct, with penalties varying depending on the seriousness of the violation. Candidates found talking, gesturing or attempting to communicate with others during the examination will have their candidature for the ongoing CET cancelled. Similarly, candidates copying from notes, books or other candidates, or allowing others to copy electronically or physically, will face cancellation of candidature for the CET as well as other CET exams in the same academic year, in addition to possible legal action.
06 April,2026 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo new 15-car train rakes have arrived at the Virar carshed, boosting capacity on the Western Railway suburban network in Mumbai as it plans a total of 17 15-car services on Virar-Dahanu route, officials said. The additions are expected to improve passenger convenience, especially during peak hours. Railway officials said that approximately 17 suburban services will soon be upgraded from 12-car to 15-car trains. The move is aimed at reducing overcrowding and increasing carrying capacity on some of the busiest routes. First-time introduction on Virar-Dahanu route In a significant development, 15-car services will be introduced for the first time on the Virar-Dahanu section, officials said. Around eight services on this stretch will be converted to 15-car trains, benefiting daily commuters in the extended suburban corridor. Churchgate-Virar services also to benefit In addition, about nine services between Churchgate and Virar will also be upgraded to 15-car trains. This route is among the most crowded suburban sections, and the move is expected to ease congestion. With a total of 17 services being converted, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Western Railway to enhance suburban rail capacity and provide a more comfortable travel experience. WR conducts successful 15-coach EMU trial A trial run of an EMU train was successfully conducted earlier by Western Railway in coordination with MRVC. The upgraded platforms are scheduled to be handed over to the Zonal Railway shortly for commencing 15-coach suburban services. Significant progress has been achieved under the Virar-Dahanu Road (VR-DRD) quadrupling project with capacity augmentation works at Virar (VR) station. Platform No. 3A and 4A have been widened from 6.50 metres to 10.50 metres and extended to accommodate 15-coach local trains, as against the earlier provision for 12-coach trains. In addition, a new home platform (Platform No. 5A) has been constructed on the western side. The works have been completed in a record time of four months, demonstrating efficient execution despite operational constraints at this high-density suburban station. A trial run of an EMU train was successfully conducted today by Western Railway in coordination with MRVC. The upgraded platforms are scheduled to be handed over to the Zonal Railway shortly for commencing 15-coach suburban services. These developments will significantly enhance carrying capacity, improve passenger convenience, and support the growing commuter demand on the Western suburban corridor.
06 April,2026 04:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Western Railway on Sunday resolved the long-standing flooding problem near Bandra West in Mumbai by installing larger drainage pipes to cope with heavy monsoon rains. The project involved replacing the original 300 mm hume pipes, laid over 30 years ago, with 1,200 mm NP pipes at Culvert 22 along the Suburban Traffic Avoidance (STA) line in the Navpada area of Bandra East. The culvert channels water from Ghas Bazar in Bandra East to Chamdavadi Nallah, which eventually drains into the Mithi River. As part of the work, level crossing No 18, pending an overhaul for over a decade due to limited block periods, was also upgraded. Why it was needed Culvert 22, originally built during STA construction, had become choked with debris over the years, reducing its drainage capacity and causing waterlogging in Bandra East. Local Members of Parliament (MPs) and legislators had repeatedly raised the issue with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and railway authorities. Challenges faced The site posed significant space constraints, flanked by 3–4 storey buildings on one side and a road overbridge on the other. Multiple cables from signalling, telecom, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), and other departments had to be rearranged. The work involved breaking boundary walls on both sides, dismantling the track using machines, excavating the area, and using dewatering pumps to clear water. Four large NP pipes were laid, after which the track was relaid and packed. Around 1,100–1,200 cubic metres of debris were removed. Project details Pipes: 4 NP pipes, 1,200 mm diameter, 12 m length Block duration: 36 hours Machinery: Minipoclain (six days/nights), Farana crane, hydra, JCB, dumpers, transit mixer Labour: 70 workers deployed on April 4–5 Team: Suburban permanent way team led by Senior Divisional Engineer Ajay Singh Rajput, Assistant Divisional Engineer Akhilesh Mishra, Senior Section Engineers Vivek Pawar and Arvind Singh Officials said the upgraded drainage system will help keep Bandra and Bandra Terminus areas free from waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon.
06 April,2026 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAn 'admission festival' was held in pre-primary sections of CBSE-affiliated Mumbai public schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday, April 6, the officials said. Senior officials and public representatives welcomed young students across different schools in Mumbai. Students demonstrated their knowledge in subjects such as the galaxy, coding languages and artificial intelligence, reflecting growing exposure to modern learning tools, the officials said. According to an official statement, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde welcomed students at the Rajawadi school in Ghatkopar. At the Hariyali Village CBSE School in Vikhroli, Education Committee Chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar distributed gifts to children. Newly appointed Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide greeted students at the Bhavani Shankar Road school in Dadar with roses, pencils and chocolates, it said. Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr Avinash Dhakne visited the Natwar Parekh School in Govandi. Interactive Sessions with Students The statement said that at Rajawadi, the mayor joined a traditional lezim performance and interacted with students, encouraging them and learning about school facilities and activities from teachers. In Dadar, Commissioner Ashwini Bhide interacted with students from pre-primary to secondary classes. She reviewed the academic progress of students from Classes 8, 9 and 10 and also visited school laboratories. Focus on learning initiatives The civic body’s education department is running several initiatives, including 'Mission Admission and Mission Merit', it said. The statement further stated that to promote interest in mathematics and science, a special programme called ‘Maths Thursday’ has been introduced. The department has also partnered with Khan Academy to strengthen learning outcomes. Students showcase skills Students demonstrated their knowledge in subjects such as the galaxy, coding languages and artificial intelligence, the statement said. Officials praised their understanding and confidence. Primary students were also appreciated for their reading skills. Student strength across schools The Rajawadi school has 360 pre-primary students and 700 students from Classes 1 to 10, the statement said. The Bhavani Shankar Road school in Dadar has 270 pre-primary students. It said that the overall, the civic body runs 19 CBSE schools, with 142 pre-primary divisions serving 5,573 students and 279 primary divisions with 10,787 students.
06 April,2026 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai's infrastructure projects are set to get a major boost as Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, is set to inaugurate and launch four key projects on Tuesday. Schedule At 10 am, the leaders will inaugurate Phase-1 of Metro Line-9 (Dahisar to Mira Road) at Dahisar East Metro Station. It will be followed by the launch of Thane–Borivali twin tunnel project using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) at 11.30 am in Manpada, Thane. An hour later at 12.30 pm, the leaders will head to the Diamond Garden Metro Station in Chembur, where they will inaugurate the first phase of Mumbai Metro Line-2B (DN Nagar to Mandale) and perform an e-groundbreaking ceremony of the pod taxi project. Metro Line-9 (Phase-1) Metro Line-9, connecting Dahisar East to Mira Bhayandar, is set to become operational soon. The corridor has been a long-pending demand of residents in the area. Pending works, including final touches at stations and escalators, are nearing completion after the line received the necessary safety clearance. The corridor was set for inauguration on Monday. However, it will now be inaugurated a day later. Once operational, it is expected to greatly relieve commuters in the Dahisar-Mira Bhayandar belt. Metro Line-2B (Phase-1) This elevated corridor is expected to improve north-south connectivity in Mumbai and reduce pressure on existing road networks by offering a faster and more reliable public transport option to daily commuters. Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project The twin tunnels aim to enhance connectivity between Thane and Borivali, ease heavy traffic congestion on this busy stretch, and support smoother movement of vehicles and metro services in the future. Pod taxi project This modern, automated, and eco-friendly system is being introduced as a pilot project to provide efficient last-mile connectivity and help reduce road congestion in high-density areas. These initiatives are expected to significantly boost public transport in Mumbai and its suburbs, ease chronic traffic problems, and offer better commuting options to lakhs of residents.
06 April,2026 03:04 PM IST | MumbaiAs Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar prepares to file her nomination for the Baramati bypoll, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Monday urged other aspirants to refrain from filing nominations and appealed for the election to be held unopposed. The April 23 bypoll for the Baramati Assembly seat was necessitated following the death of then Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. According to party sources, Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination around 12.30 pm in Baramati in the presence of senior NCP leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif, Dattatray Bharne, and BJP Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, PTI reported. Watch | Sunetra Pawar visits Hanuman temple, pays tribute at Ajit Pawar’s cremation site Earlier in the day, she visited the Hanuman temple in Kanheri and paid respects at Ajit Pawar’s cremation site. Her sons, Jay and Parth Pawar, along with Tatkare, accompanied her. VIDEO | Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar offers prayers at Maruti Rai Temple ahead of filing her nomination.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/sbGTz89jop — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 6, 2026 Rohit Pawar, in a post on X, reiterated his appeal for an unopposed election. “Today, Sunetra Kaki is filing her nomination for the Baramati Assembly bypoll. We all wish that the poll should be held unopposed. I urge other aspirants not to file their nomination papers,” he said, the news agency reported. He added that if a contest takes place, the people of Baramati would view it as if Ajit Pawar himself were in the fray and ensure Sunetra Pawar’s victory by a record margin. Baramati bypoll: May withdraw from fray if FIR registered in Ajit Pawar plane crash, says Congress The Maharashtra Congress on Monday said it will consider withdrawing from the Baramati Assembly bypoll if a First Information Report (FIR) is registered in the plane crash that killed former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. State Congress Spokesperson Atul Londhe, in a statement, rejected claims that the April 23 by-election should be held unopposed and accused the BJP of adopting a “convenient” political stance. Congress fields Akash More against Sunetra Pawar in Baramati bypoll The Congress on Sunday fielded its state unit secretary, Akash More, against Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar for the Baramati bypoll, which was necessitated by the death of sitting Nationalist Congress Party MLA and then Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in the constituency on January 28. Ajit Pawar had represented the seat in Pune district eight times, with several of his victories coming by record margins. While the Opposition, including NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), has extended support for the bypoll to be held unopposed, the Congress has maintained that it will contest it. Londhe said the party and its candidate would consider withdrawing from the fray if an FIR is registered in Baramati regarding the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. Family seeks investigation; CBI inquiry demand highlighted The Congress leader raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death, noting that the family has demanded a probe into the matter and that Sunetra Pawar had sought an inquiry by the CBI. He also pointed out that NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had made repeated efforts to get an FIR registered in Maharashtra, but succeeded only in Karnataka. Londhe further argued that there is no consistent precedent of bypolls being held unopposed following the demise of sitting legislators. He cited bypolls in Nanded after the death of Vasantrao Chavan and in Mangalwedha, Solapur, following the demise of Bharat Bhalke. The Congress leader accused the BJP of double standards, claiming the ruling party has acted according to political convenience on such issues. (With PTI inputs)
06 April,2026 01:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Monday strongly criticised the Shiv Sena (UBT) over its allegation that the grand old party was using regional outfits as “crutches” and failing to treat them as “equal stakeholders” within the Opposition alliance, PTI reported. Sawant targets Raut’s dual role Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticised an editorial in the Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana, alleging that its executive editor and MP, Sanjay Raut, often appears confused between his roles as a politician and a journalist. In a strongly worded post on X, Sawant said that while a journalist’s duty is to point out shortcomings objectively, a political spokesperson often targets opponents. Confusing the two roles, he added, leads to ignoring one’s own accountability. ‘Unilateral decisions not in alliance spirit’ According to PTI, Sawant claimed that Raut believes whatever he says is the “ultimate truth” and stressed that in an alliance like the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), all constituent parties have their own views, which must be discussed before making announcements. “Taking unilateral decisions and then blaming Congress leaders is not in line with the spirit of alliance politics,” Sawant said, questioning whether such an approach is appropriate. Congress calls for introspection The Congress leader further claimed that a lack of coordination and dialogue within the alliance cost the MVA power in key civic bodies such as Mumbai and Chandrapur. “We are sincerely fighting against the BJP and are not interested in indulging in blame games. Introspection is equally important,” he added. Sena (UBT) editorial stresses alliance politics As per PTI, the Shiv Sena (UBT), in its editorial, took a dig at the Congress, saying, “Those who harbour ambitions to lead the government at the Centre must not just use regional parties as crutches but treat them as equal stakeholders.” Accommodating regional parties does not reflect weakness but political maturity, the editorial said. It added that if the Congress wants to come to power at the Centre, strong alliances in states are essential, and it should convey that, despite being a national party, it respects regional players. Rajya Sabha, council polls spark tensions The party’s criticism was directed at the Maharashtra Congress leadership over the recent Rajya Sabha elections and the upcoming Legislative Council polls. While both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) were keen to contest the Rajya Sabha polls, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar emerged as the consensus candidate and was elected unopposed. Objecting to Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal’s statement that discussions were needed for the council polls, the Sena (UBT) said the Congress appeared upset over Pawar’s stance that the NCP (SP) would support any candidate suggested by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. “Why should Congress sulk if Pawar accepts Thackeray’s decision?” the editorial asked, adding that ignoring regional parties’ views indicates narrow-mindedness. ‘Coordination key to MVA’s past success’ “If the Congress truly wishes to come to power at the Centre, forming strong alliances in the states is the only way. Being accommodating is not a weakness; it is political maturity,” it said. The editorial added that such maturity would reassure regional players, noting that these parties act as “loudspeakers” for local issues and communities. It also pointed out that the MVA’s success in winning 30 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra was due to coordination and dialogue within the alliance, the news agency cited. Sena (UBT) blames Congress for MVA’s fall The Sena (UBT) further blamed the Congress for the current “anarchic” situation in Maharashtra, alleging that had then Assembly Speaker Nana Patole not resigned abruptly, the MVA could have remained in power for years. It added that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has stated that all INDIA bloc parties are equal, and both Thackeray and Pawar support him in his fight. The Sena (UBT) concluded that if there is a change in power in the state, the Congress could lead the government with support from regional allies. (With PTI inputs)
06 April,2026 01:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Congress on Monday said it will consider withdrawing from the Baramati Assembly bypoll if a First Information Report (FIR) is registered in the plane crash that killed former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. State Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe, in a statement, rejected claims that the April 23 by-election should be held unopposed and accused the BJP of adopting a “convenient” political stance, PTI reported. Congress fields Akash More against Sunetra Pawar in Baramati bypoll The Congress on Sunday fielded its state unit secretary, Akash More, against Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar for the Baramati bypoll, which was necessitated by the death of sitting Nationalist Congress Party MLA and then Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in the constituency on January 28. Ajit Pawar had represented the seat in Pune district eight times, with several of his victories coming by record margins. While the Opposition, including NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), has extended support for the bypoll to be held unopposed, the Congress has maintained that it will contest it. Londhe said the party and its candidate would consider withdrawing from the fray if an FIR is registered in Baramati regarding the plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. Family seeks investigation; CBI inquiry demand highlighted The Congress leader raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death, noting that the family has demanded a probe into the matter and that Sunetra Pawar had sought an inquiry by the CBI. He also pointed out that NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had made repeated efforts to get an FIR registered in Maharashtra, but succeeded only in Karnataka. Londhe further argued that there is no consistent precedent of bypolls being held unopposed following the demise of sitting legislators. He cited bypolls in Nanded after the death of Vasantrao Chavan and in Mangalwedha, Solapur, following the demise of Bharat Bhalke. The Congress leader accused the BJP of double standards, claiming the ruling party has acted according to political convenience on such issues. Rohit Pawar urges unopposed Baramati bypoll as Sunetra Pawar files nomination As Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Sunetra Pawar prepares to file her nomination for the Baramati bypoll, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Monday urged other aspirants to refrain from filing nominations and appealed for the election to be held unopposed. The April 23 bypoll for the Baramati Assembly seat was necessitated following the death of then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. According to party sources, Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination at around 12:30 pm in Baramati in the presence of senior NCP leaders Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif, Dattatray Bharne, and BJP minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, PTI reported. (With PTI inputs)
06 April,2026 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials shut the eatery operating from the rear of a mobile toilet for women in Fort on Thursday night, hours after mid-day began looking into why the shop was functioning in the absence of approvals, permissions, or licences. This reporter last spoke to MLA Rahul Narwekar, as his name had cropped up in the matter, around 6.12 pm on Thursday, and civic officials took action less than two hours later. The following day, the eatery was closed, and staff could be seen vacating the premises with perishable raw material. An official seizes equipment from the eatery on Thursday. Pic/By Special Arrangement; (right) The side door through which staff could be seen vacating the premises with cooking implements and perishable ingredients on Friday. Pic/Sarthak Mehta A BMC spokesperson said on Friday that officials from the civic body’s A ward had acted against the cafe on Thursday night and provided geo-tagged photos showing kitchen equipment being seized. The café’s manager, Geeta Mehar, who claims she works in the office of local corporator Makarand Narwekar, said, “We have closed the shop following directions of Makarand sir and staff of the NGO [that runs the toilet facility].” Several attempts were made by this reporter to contact the corporator, but he did not respond by press time. 8PMApprox time eatery was closed on Thursday mid-day’s investigation mid-day’s Friday report highlighted claims made by cafe manager Geeta Mehar, where she stated that she did not possess any licence or documents necessary for her business, but produced a reference letter from MLA Rahul Narwekar and stated that the required documents were in Makarand Narwekar’s office. The legislator, in a statement to mid-day, refuted her claims. Shopkeepers hail action Small business owners in the vicinity of the toilet appreciated the action against the eatery. “This café’s operators were notorious as they claimed to be associated with the powerful Narwekar family. We struggle to get permissions and operate in constant fear, while these guys had been functioning fearlessly for over a year,” said a shopkeeper on the condition of anonymity. NGO speaks Ulka Sadalkar, chief operations officer of Madhumalati Foundation, said, “Our NGO operates and maintains that mobile bus and many more like it with help from the BMC and CSR funds. Geeta was allotted the spot under our women’s empowerment initiative, where she was approved to sell only packaged food and drinks. We had strictly conveyed no cooking is allowed there as it’s a fire hazard. She must have been running this venture behind our backs. Earlier in the year, we told her to stop the packaged food business as well.”
06 April,2026 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaTwo persons were injured after an autorickshaw and a car collided head-on on the Swargiya Dharmveer Anand Dighe flyover in the Kharegaon area of Kalwa, Thane, early on Monday, leading to an oil spill on the road. The Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation received a call about the incident from a police constable around 5.42 am. The accident involved an autorickshaw driven by a 43-year-old driver and a Hyundai Verna plying from Thane towards Kalwa East. The rickshaw driver, identified as Govind Pawar, sustained serious head and body injuries and was rushed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa, where he is currently undergoing treatment. One of the passengers in the rickshaw, Prathmesh Chavan (32), a resident of Gholai Nagar, Kalwa, also suffered injuries and is being treated at the same hospital. The driver of the car was travelling alone at the time of the accident. Oil spill on flyover after collision Following the crash, oil spilled onto the road, posing a hazard to motorists. Personnel from the disaster management cell, along with police officials, reached the spot and spread soil to prevent further accidents. Traffic on the stretch slowed down for some time due to the incident. The damaged vehicles were later moved to the side of the road, and the route was cleared for traffic.
06 April,2026 10:24 AM IST | ThaneADVERTISEMENT
