Train timings and terminal stations of several Central Railway services from Mumbai have been revised, according to an official statement. Central Railway on Friday announced changes to the terminal stations and revised timings for several Mail/Express trains, citing operational requirements. Passengers travelling on these services are advised to note the changes and plan their journeys accordingly, it said. Terminal stations shifted to LTT The terminal stations for eight trains have been shifted from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Dadar to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai. The changes will be implemented in April 2026 on different dates for each train. The affected trains are - CSMT-Thiruvananthapuram Central Express (Train No. 16331) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 19 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:55 hrs - No change in timings at stations between Thane and Thiruvananthapuram Central Thiruvananthapuram Central-CSMT Express (Train No. 16332) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 18 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 18:50 hrs - No change in timings at stations between Thane and Thiruvananthapuram Central CSMT-Nagercoil Express (Train No. 16351) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 17 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:55 hrs - Revised timings at Thane: - Arrival: 21:07 hrs (earlier 21:13 hrs) - Departure: 21:10 hrs (earlier 21:15 hrs) - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil Nagercoil-CSMT Express (Train No. 16352) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 16 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 18:50 hrs - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil CSMT-Nagercoil Express (Train No. 16339) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 14 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:55 hrs - Revised timings at Thane: - Arrival: 21:07 hrs (earlier 21:13 hrs) - Departure: 21:10 hrs (earlier 21:15 hrs) - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil Nagercoil-CSMT Express (Train No. 16340) - Terminal shifted to LTT - Effective from 13 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 18:50 hrs - No change in timings between Kalyan and Nagercoil Dadar-Tirunelveli Express (Train No. 22629) - Terminal shifted from Dadar to LTT - Effective from 16 April 2026 - Departure from LTT: 20:45 hrs - Revised timings at Thane: - Arrival: 21:02 hrs (earlier 21:04 hrs) - Departure: 21:05 hrs (earlier 21:07 hrs) - No change in timings between Panvel and Tirunelveli Tirunelveli-Dadar Express (Train No. 22630) - Terminal shifted from Dadar to LTT - Effective from 15 April 2026 - Arrival at LTT: 15:00 hrs - No change in timings between Tirunelveli and Thane Passengers advised to plan ahead The Central Railway has urged passengers to note these changes and make travel arrangements accordingly. The revised schedules will be effective from mid-April 2026.
06 February,2026 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Friday said that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar should assume charge as the party president, reported news agency PTI. The NCP chief’s post has remained vacant since Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. Bhujbal, the state's food and civil supplies minister, told reporters here that he would meet her when she comes to Mumbai and urge her to accept the request. Asserting that all decisions have been taken after consulting Sunetra Pawar, Bhujbal said even her election as NCP legislature party leader was a collective decision and not of any particular leader or leaders. Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar likely to be nominated to Rajya Sabha Parth Pawar is likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha in place of his mother Sunetra Pawar, who took oath last week as deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. However, with Parth’s name linked to the controversial Pune land deal, there is a possibility that the party may instead consider other son Jay Pawar for a role in Delhi politics. After the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is going through major changes. Sunetra, a Rajya Sabha member, resigned from Parliament after taking the oath as deputy chief minister, stepping into the role previously held by her husband, Ajit. According to NCP leaders, there is a strong view within the party that Parth should be sent to Delhi politics by nominating him to the Rajya Sabha seat vacated after his mother’s resignation. “The party will soon meet and formally approve Parth’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha,” a senior party functionary said on condition of anonymity. However, due to the controversial Pune land deal linked to Parth, the party is also considering the option of nominating Jay, Parth’s younger brother. According to sources in the NCP camp, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has already said that he would extend all possible support to the party’s decision. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sunetra contested from Baramati but lost to Supriya Sule, the daughter of NCP founder Sharad Pawar and Ajit’s cousin. That year, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP failed to win any Lok Sabha seats except Raigad, where party state president Sunil Tatkare emerged victorious. After his wife’s defeat, Ajit, in 2024, got Sunetra nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the NCP. (With PTI inputs)
06 February,2026 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCab and auto-rickshaw drivers across India will observe a nationwide one-day strike on February 7, 2026, protesting against illegal bike taxi services and what they describe as unfair fare policies of app-based companies including Ola, Uber and Rapido, the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and Indian Gig Workers Forum said in an official statement on Friday. The strike will involve drivers associated with app-based platforms as well as traditional cab and auto-rickshaw operators, it said. Driver unions said illegal bike taxi services are operating openly across the country despite repeated warnings from transport authorities. They claimed that such services have led to fatal accidents in Mumbai, resulting in deaths and permanent disabilities. As bike taxi services are not legally permitted in several states, accident victims are often denied insurance coverage, which unions described as a serious public safety concern. According to the unions, the Transport Department has issued multiple written instructions to companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, asking them to follow government-approved rules. However, driver representatives alleged that these companies continue to defy official orders and that no strict action has been taken against them so far. Panic button costs burden drivers Drivers also raised concerns over the installation of panic button devices, saying they are being financially exploited in the process. While the Central Government has approved 140 panic button service providers, the State Government has reportedly declared nearly 70 per cent of these companies unauthorised. This has forced drivers to remove previously installed devices and spend around Rs 12,000 again to install new ones, adding to their financial stress. Auto permit policy adds to woes Another key issue highlighted is the government’s open auto-rickshaw permit policy, which has led to a sharp rise in the number of auto-rickshaws on the roads. Union leaders said this has reduced drivers’ incomes and worsened traffic congestion in major cities. The strike is being organised to draw the government’s attention to these issues and to press for what drivers describe as their legitimate demands. Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum, said, "The one-day strike is a democratic step to seek fair regulation, driver safety and economic justice."
06 February,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has decided not to celebrate his birthday on February 9 as a mark of tribute to the late NCP chief Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, an official release said on Friday. In a statement issued by his office, Shinde said Maharashtra is still grieving and has not yet recovered from the shock of Ajit Pawar’s untimely death. Shinde also posted on his X handle stating that he will not celebrate his birthday this year. He said that Ajit Pawar’s passing was a personal loss, as he had lost not just a political colleague but also a close friend. Shinde appealed to his supporters, party workers and well-wishers to refrain from organising any celebrations on his birthday. He also urged them not to bring bouquets, flowers or gifts, and requested that no hoardings or banners be put up to greet him. राज्याचे उपमुख्यमंत्री अजितदादा पवार यांच्या दुर्दैवी अपघाती निधनामुळे साऱ्या महाराष्ट्रावर दु:खाचा डोंगर कोसळला आहे. त्यामुळे यंदा ९ फेब्रुवारी रोजी मी वाढदिवस साजरा करणार नाही. या दिवशी कार्यकर्ते, पक्षनेते, पदाधिकारी आणि नागरिकांनी पुष्पगुच्छ, भेटी आणू नयेत, तसेच… — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) February 6, 2026 “We share the grief of the Pawar family,” Shinde said. Ajit Pawar, who was serving as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, died along with four others when their aircraft crashed at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. Will consider demand to rename Ladki Bahin scheme after Ajit Pawar Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that his government will consider the demand to rename the Ladki Bahin scheme after Deputy CM and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. Earlier on Tuesday, NCP MLC Amol Mitkari demanded that the government's flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for financial assistance to women be renamed after Pawar. Speaking to the media in Haridwar, CM Fadnavis said, "There are several demands. We will sit together and think how to go about it," as cited by news agency PTI. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune district on January 28. Mitkari had said Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) was the favourite brother of women in the state. He emphasised, "His wrist would be full of rakhis when he travelled across the state during his yatras." The state government would give a tribute to him if it named the scheme the Ajitdadanchi Ladki Bahin scheme (Ajitdada's Ladki Bahin scheme)," as cited by news agency PTI. Ladki Bahin Yojana was announced by Ajit Pawar The Ladki Bahin scheme, announced by Pawar when he was the finance minister and started in July 2024, provides assistance of Rs 1,500 every month to eligible women in the age group of 21 to 65 through direct bank transfer. The scheme is believed to have played a crucial role in the victory of the BJP-led Mahayuti in the 2024 assembly elections. (With inputs from PTI)
06 February,2026 07:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra's Thane auto-rickshaw drivers has been getting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid trainings to act as the first responders during emergency situations on streets of the city, officials said. "The auto-rickshaw drivers from the busy streets were given basic training of CPR and first aid, recognising their role as first responders in road accidents and medical emergencies," an official said. More than 100 auto-rickshaw drivers are taking part in the first phase of the initiative, officials said. The training programme focuses on CPR, basic trauma care and patient stabilisation. Practical sessions are conducted under medical supervision, using mannequins to help drivers understand and practise life-saving techniques. Each participant is also being given a first-aid kit to keep in their vehicle, allowing them to provide basic assistance until ambulances or emergency services arrive. Bridging the gap in emergency care Hospital officials said traffic congestion in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) often delays emergency vehicles, while auto-rickshaw drivers are usually among the first to reach accident sites or medical emergencies in public places. The programme aims to bridge the crucial time gap between an incident and professional medical care, they added. Early intervention can save lives Doctors associated with the programme said early intervention can greatly improve survival chances in cases of road injuries and sudden cardiac arrest. Emergency medicine specialists overseeing the sessions stressed that even simple actions taken in the first few minutes can prevent a patient’s condition from worsening. Oral health screenings for drivers Along with emergency training, KIMS Hospitals is also conducting oral health screenings for participating drivers. Doctors said auto-rickshaw drivers are a high-risk group for oral cancer, mainly due to tobacco consumption, and early detection through routine screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Community outreach effort The initiative is being implemented in association with the Amar Gharat Foundation, which is coordinating with local auto-rickshaw unions and drivers to ensure smooth participation in the programme.
06 February,2026 06:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerMumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urgently set up a helipad at the Bandra Reclamation area near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to strengthen emergency response on the coastal corridors. In a memorandum submitted to Fadnavis, Shelar highlighted the recent serious emergency on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, where a gas tanker overturned two days ago, stranding commuters for over 36 hours. Citing this as a wake-up call, he stressed the need for enhanced emergency management on critical routes such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Versova-Bandra Sea Link, and the entire coastal road. "These are high-traffic, elevated, and sea-based infrastructure projects. In case of accidents, fire, or natural disasters, providing immediate and effective response becomes a major challenge," the minister noted. "Particularly on the coastal road, which runs underground and over the sea, evacuating the injured to hospitals, mobilising security forces quickly, and delivering emergency services can prove extremely difficult,” he added. Air ambulances can swiftly evacuate the injured during emergencies: Ashish Shelar Shelar specifically demanded the construction of a helipad in the Bandra Reclamation area close to the sea link. He pointed out that suitable land is already available and requested immediate instructions to the departments concerned for a decision and execution. "Once the helipad is operational, air ambulances can swiftly evacuate the injured during emergencies on the coastal road and sea links. This will also enable faster access to nearby major hospitals such as Lilavati Hospital and others in the vicinity," he stated. The minister emphasised that such a facility would significantly improve coordination among disaster management teams, police, fire brigade, NDRF, and other agencies, thereby strengthening the long-term emergency framework for Mumbai — the country's densely populated financial capital. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over safety and rapid response on Mumbai's vital coastal infrastructure, especially after recent incidents that exposed gaps in emergency preparedness.
06 February,2026 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarThe Train Manager and Motorman Rest Room Canteen at Churchgate Railway Station in Mumbai was formally inaugurated on Thursday by the divisional railway manager (DRM), Mumbai Central. The inauguration of this restroom and canteen will bring the much-needed relief to railway staff who have been experiencing difficulties for a very long time. According to a press release, the canteen had remained shut for a long time following a fire at a nearby cake shop, which affected operations in the area. With the reopening of this facility at Churchgate station, motormen, train managers, and the station staff welcomed the restoration of an essential amenity that plays a crucial role in their daily working routine. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior railway officials, including the senior divisional electrical engineer (SR DEE), senior divisional operations manager (SR DOM), and senior divisional personnel officer (SR DPO). Station Manager Dhanaji Sawant and Assistant Railway Officer (ARO) Prafullachandra Bhatt were also present on the occasion. Representatives of various railway unions marked their presence, underlining the collective importance of the facility for employees. From the Western Railway Mazdoor Sangh, Divisional Secretary Kiran Patil and Divisional President Manish Khandelwal attended the event. The Western Railway Employees Union was represented by its divisional secretary, Prashant Kanade. Office bearers from the SC/ST Union, OBC Union, and other unions also participated in the inauguration of the Churchgate Rest Room Canteen. Western Railway collects over Rs 172 crore in fines in 10 months during ticket-checking drives Western Railway (WR) has collected over Rs 172 crore in fines through intensive ticket-checking drives conducted between April 2025 and January 2026, officials said on Thursday. According to WR, more than 27 lakh ticketless and irregular passengers, including cases of unbooked luggage, were detected during the period, resulting in a recovery of Rs 172.55 crore, nearly a 47 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year. In January 2026 alone, fines exceeding Rs 17 crore were collected from 2.82 lakh offenders, marking a 31 per cent rise year-on-year. Mumbai suburban AC locals under focus In the Mumbai suburban section, intensified checks led to the detection of 9.75 lakh ticketless or irregular travellers between April 2025 and January 2026, with total recoveries touching Rs 45.60 crore, including fines from AC local trains. During January 2026, WR recovered Rs 4.34 crore from over 1.02 lakh cases in suburban services. Special focus was also placed on AC suburban locals, where surprise checks were carried out to curb unauthorised travel.
06 February,2026 05:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has approached the Bombay High Court challenging the government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal, saying it was an attack on freedom of speech. In his plea, Kamra termed it as an “unconstitutional and unreasonable” attack on freedom of speech for enabling officials to order takedowns of social media content, reported news agency PTI. In the petition filed on Wednesday, Kamra has mainly contested the amended IT Rules of October 2025, as well as the Sahyog portal. He claimed that these tools “unlawfully” empower Central and state government officials “to peremptorily issue takedown or blocking orders without following the procedure mandated under the Information Technology Act”. According to the government, Sahyog was developed to automate the process of sending notices to intermediaries by the appropriate government or its agencies under the Information Technology Act, 2000, to facilitate the removal or disabling of access to any information, data, or communication link being used to commit an unlawful act. The portal aims to bring together all authorised agencies and intermediaries on a single platform to ensure immediate action against unlawful online content. Rule 3(1)(d) enables vague and arbitrary takedowns, Kamra tells HC “Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules and the Sahyog portal are also ex facie unconstitutional, as they enable the blocking or takedown of information on internet platforms on wholly vague grounds,” the petition, filed through advocate Meenaz Kakalia, stated, reported PTI. The plea emphasised that such powers “amount to an unconstitutional and unreasonable restriction on the freedom of speech”. Kamra further claimed that these powers “go beyond the constitutionally permissible grounds that have been exhaustively enumerated under Article 19(2) of the Constitution”. “These new mechanisms render all information on the internet vulnerable to arbitrary takedowns, providing for no remedy against such action,” the petition stated, reported PTI. Kamra asserted that the portal effectively gives thousands of government officers at the Centre and in the states unchecked powers. The petition is likely to be heard in the coming days. Maharashtra council panel summons Kunal Kamra over remarks against Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Earlier this week, the Maharashtra legislative council's privileges committee summoned Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare for a hearing over their alleged insulting remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. BJP MLC Prasad Lad, who is the chairperson of the privileges committee, while talking to the media on Wednesday, said that the notice was issued to Kamra and Andhare 15 days ago, as per PTI. Prasad Lal also added that Kamra and Andhare have been asked to appear before the committee for a hearing at 2 pm on Thursday, January 5. The BJP MLC emphasised, "If they fail to turn up after two summons, the committee will decide on action against them." Earlier in March 2025, Kunal Kamra posted his video 'Naya Bharat', in which he sang a parody of Bholi Si Surat, a popular song from the Bollywood movie Dil To Pagal Hai. With this parody song, he allegedly targeted Shinde, leading to multiple FIRs against him. (With PTI inputs)
06 February,2026 05:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra BJP leader Ram Patkar has urged Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to resolve overcrowding and other issues concerning commuters at Badlapur station, warning of an agitation if they are not addressed. Ram Patkar, a former Kulgaon-Badlapur civic president, on Friday said that he had written to the railway minister seeking a personal meeting, reported PTI. The BJP leader said that lakhs of suburban commuters in the Badlapur and Ambernath areas face life-threatening conditions due to excessive crowding, narrow platforms, inadequate passenger facilities and insufficient pedestrian access routes, and thus it needs to be addressed. The BJP leader also claimed that he has been writing to the railway ministry raising the issues for several months, but there has been no visible action on the ground. Patkar, while writing the letter, stated, "There is a strong public sentiment that human lives are being placed at grave risk due to administrative apathy," as per PTI. Furthermore, the BJP leader has also warned of a hunger strike if his demands are not looked into. Shiv Sena bags top post; BJP gets deputy mayor in Thane Municipal Corporation Shiv Sena’s Sharmila Pimpalolkar was on Tuesday elected the mayor of Thane, while BJP’s Krishna Patil was elected as the deputy mayor in an unopposed election held on Monday. The election was held under the chairmanship of the Presiding Officer and District Collector Dr Shrikrishnanath Panchal. The election was conducted during a special general body meeting convened at 11.30 am at the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Auditorium of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). Municipal Secretary Manish Joshi and senior civic officials were also present at the meeting. The official announcement of the results was made by Dr Panchal following the completion of the election process. After the declaration, Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao congratulated the newly elected mayor and the deputy mayor. He welcomed them by presenting tulsi saplings. MNS to not ally with BJP in BMC mayoral race Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has stated that the party will have no alliance with the BJP in the mayor election of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a senior party leader said on Monday. The announcement came during a meeting with MNS functionaries to review the results of the civic polls held on January 15, mainly in Mumbai and its satellite cities. During the meeting, MNS workers raised concerns about lack of cooperation from their ally, Shiv Sena (UBT), in some civic wards. They also expressed displeasure over being allotted “unwinnable” wards in Mumbai as part of the alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. (With inputs from PTI)
06 February,2026 04:40 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai In view of the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have announced the operation of additional buses to facilitate the smooth commute of students across Mumbai. The HSC (Class 12) examinations are scheduled from February 10 to March 11, while the SSC (Class 10) exams will be held from February 20 to March 18. With a large number of students expected to travel to examination centres across Mumbai during this period, BEST has directed its administration to ensure hassle-free transportation. According to the directive, depot managers, deputy depot managers, and assistant depot managers will arrange for extra bus services, if students or parents request for the service as well as on the basis of the requirements on on-ground traffic situations. BEST officials and inspectors will be posted at key locations to expedite traffic clearance and prevent delays, the administration stated. BEST staff asked to assist students; front-door boarding allowed during exam period Bus staff, including conductors, drivers, and inspectors, have been asked to assist students courteously and provide them with the necessary support during their journey. Additionally, students will be allowed to board buses through the front door throughout the examination period to ensure easier access. The move comes as part of broader efforts by authorities in Maharashtra to ensure that students reach their examination centres on time and without inconvenience.
06 February,2026 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA 28-year-old commuter lost vision in his left eye after being hit by a stone during a fight on a Mumbai local train at Bandra Railway Station. On Tuesday, a fight broke out on a Dadar-bound train between two commuters, during which one of them jumped onto the tracks and pelted a stone at the other. However, the stone hit Khatri who was returning home from work on the Fast local around 11 pm from Andheri. Khatri was seriously injured in the incident and immediately alighted the train, following which he was rushed to Bhabha Hospital by the on-duty personnel at the station. Mumbai Police trace accused to Dadar The Bandra Railway Police registered a case on Wednesday in the incident and began their probe. Using CCTV footage and human intelligence, the police traced the suspect to Dadar. He was apprehended by the crime detection team and identified as Yogendra Vanshraj Bauddh, a labourer residing in Navghar East of Palghar district. The 26-year-old who hails from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, was formally arrested on Thursday at 2 pm. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Mumbai Railway Police Commissioner M Rakesh Kalasagar, Additional Commissioner Sunita Salunke-Thakur, and Assistant Commissioner Kishore Shinde, with the Bandra Railway Police Crime Detection Team carrying out the arrest.
06 February,2026 02:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
-1770368561742_d.png "Police have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the incident. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT")