Central Railway (CR) operated 862 Holi special trains in addition to its regular services to manage the festive travel rush, carrying over 24.18 lakh passengers in the four days leading up to Holi. The large-scale operation was aimed at helping passengers travel conveniently to celebrate the festival with their families across the country. According to Central Railway, the special trains included fully air-conditioned services, unreserved specials, and trains with a mix of AC, sleeper, and general second-class coaches, connecting several high-demand destinations across India. High Occupancy on Holi Special Services Out of the total special services, 670 trains were operated directly by Central Railway, recording an average occupancy of 105.06 per cent, indicating strong demand for festival travel. The railway administration operated Holi special trains to multiple states. A total of 409 trains were run for intra-state travel within Maharashtra, while 142 trains were operated to Uttar Pradesh, 82 trains to Bihar, and 21 trains to Goa, catering to the heavy passenger rush during the festive period. Over 24 Lakh Passengers Travel in Four Days Central Railway reported that 24.18 lakh passengers travelled on both regular and special trains between February 27 and March 2, 2026, in the days preceding Holi. Of these, around 7 lakh passengers travelled from Mumbai, highlighting the significant festive travel demand from the city. These special trains were carefully planned to connect key destinations across the country, ensuring smooth movement of passengers travelling to their hometowns and other cities for Holi celebrations. Extensive Crowd Management and Passenger Facilities To manage the surge in passenger movement during the festive season, Central Railway implemented several arrangements at major stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), and Pune. Holding areas were created at these stations to regulate passenger flow and manage crowds effectively. Stations were equipped with covered sheds, adequate lighting, ventilation, drinking water facilities, fans, toilets, charging points, food stalls, and passenger address systems to enhance passenger comfort. Help desks were also set up at several stations to provide proper guidance to travellers, while Mobile UTS Sahayaks were deployed at CSMT to assist passengers with ticketing services. Technology and Security Measures Strengthened Central Railway also ensured effective crowd management with the deployment of ticket checking staff and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at major stations. Queue formation for passenger boarding was strictly monitored under the supervision of RPF personnel and commercial staff. Railway officials used AI-based systems and dedicated war rooms to monitor ticket availability and passenger trends in real time. Coordination with RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) was also maintained to ensure safety and security at major stations. Railway authorities stated that the planning and operation of additional trains is a continuous process, with demand assessed through various communication channels such as media reports, social media platforms, the Railway Integrated Helpline number 139, and waitlist data from the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). With enhanced passenger services, efficient arrangements, and continuous monitoring, Central Railway said it remains committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and convenient travel for passengers during the festive season.
04 March,2026 04:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that Indians stranded in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict are expected to return home within the next two to three days, reported the ANI. Speaking during the Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, CM Fadnavis stated that the Central government has taken the lead in organising evacuation efforts, while the state government is extending support and maintaining contact with affected citizens. The Chief Minister said that as soon as airspace closures began following the outbreak of hostilities, distress messages were received from Indians in the region. “We immediately contacted the Centre and the Ministry of External Affairs. We also reached out to Indian embassies,” he said, as per the ANI. CM Fadnavis added that Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Girish Mahajan has been assigned responsibility for coordination. A dedicated WhatsApp helpline and advisories have been issued to assist stranded citizens. The state government is also in touch with Marathi Mandals — community groups of Maharashtrian residents — in several Gulf countries to track the situation on the ground. Flights gradually resuming According to CM Fadnavis, some airspaces remain closed due to security concerns, while others have reopened. He said Air India Express is gradually operating flights to bring passengers home. He noted that in Kuwait, some travellers faced visa-related difficulties. Authorities have since gathered them at a common location and are working to ensure their safety and comfort, as per the ANI. Centre sensitive to tourists and students The Chief Minister assured the House that the Centre is handling the matter with sensitivity, particularly regarding Indian students and tourists. “We discussed bringing back people from Maharashtra, but the Centre advised caution to avoid chaos, as some airspace remains unsafe,” he said, the news agency reported. He expressed confidence that Indian nationals stranded in the region would be repatriated safely within the coming days. Conflict enters fourth day The crisis began on 28 February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked assets and allies in the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, reported the ANI. Earlier in the day, some Indians stranded in Dubai returned home and described the challenges they faced during the conflict. (with ANI inputs)
04 March,2026 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Wednesday said efforts to reunite the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have come to a complete standstill following the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reported news agency IANS. Speaking to reporters, Patil revealed that discussions aimed at merging the Ajit Pawar faction with the Sharad Pawar-led group had been underway for the past four months and were close to reaching a final stage before the tragedy, reported IANS. He described Ajit Pawar as the main driving force behind the proposed reunification. Secret Meetings Held for Months According to Patil, several confidential meetings had taken place between leaders of both factions, including multiple discussions at his residence. He said Ajit Pawar was keen to see the party reunite while Sharad Pawar remained in good health. The two sides had reportedly agreed on a roadmap for the merger, and a formal announcement was initially planned for February 12 following the Zilla Parishad elections. Power-Sharing Formula Was Being Finalised Sources within both factions indicated that the proposed merger included a significant power-sharing arrangement, reported IANS. Under the plan, Sharad Pawar was reportedly ready to hand over operational control and the post of national president of a unified NCP to Ajit Pawar. In return, key ministerial positions in the Maharashtra cabinet were expected to be allocated to leaders from the Sharad Pawar camp, including Jayant Patil, Rohit Pawar, and Shashikant Shinde. A major meeting regarding the proposal had reportedly taken place on January 17 at Sharad Pawar’s Govindbagh residence in Baramati. Political Landscape Changes After Tragedy The merger talks collapsed after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, when the Learjet 45 carrying him crashed while attempting to land in Baramati in poor visibility, killing five people on board. Following the incident, Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government. Meanwhile, NCP leader Sunil Tatkare reiterated that the party remains committed to the Mahayuti alliance and dismissed speculation about a merger at present. Patil concluded that without Ajit Pawar’s leadership and his influence within the party’s legislative wing, the possibility of a reunification has effectively closed for the foreseeable future. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 03:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde may have faced a serious threat to his life during a 2023 flight to the World Economic Forum in Davos, reported news agency IANS. Addressing a press conference, Pawar alleged that the private jet carrying Shinde had entered Iranian airspace without prior clearance while travelling from Bahrain towards Zurich between January 16 and 20, 2023, reported IANS. He claimed that the Iranian Air Force issued a warning to the aircraft, stating it would be shot down if it did not immediately change course. According to Pawar, a similar warning was issued when the aircraft approached Iraqi airspace. Questions Raised Over Flight Clearances Pawar alleged that the aircraft was operated by aviation company VSR and questioned whether proper international flight clearances had been obtained before the aircraft entered restricted airspace, reported IANS. He pointed out that VIP and international flights require strict flight plans and approvals from Air Traffic Control authorities of all countries involved. Calling the incident a serious lapse, Pawar said such negligence could have endangered the lives of senior government officials travelling on the aircraft, reported IANS. Links Drawn to Ajit Pawar Plane Crash The MLA also attempted to draw parallels between the alleged 2023 incident and the recent plane crash that killed former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He alleged that the aircraft involved in the crash had a history of irregular logging of flight hours, suggesting that the plane’s actual usage may have been higher than recorded, reported IANS. Pawar further claimed that unidentified individuals had conducted reconnaissance of the crash site before the accident, hinting at the possibility of a wider conspiracy. Demand for FIR and Fresh Investigation Rohit Pawar questioned discrepancies between investigation reports of the two incidents. He said the 2023 aviation report carried the signature of an Assistant Director, while the report on Ajit Pawar’s crash reportedly did not mention the investigating officer, reported IANS. He demanded that an FIR be registered against officials of the aviation firm involved and called for a thorough investigation into the alleged lapses. Pawar also urged Eknath Shinde to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged Bahrain–Iran airspace incident, adding that flight data from Bahrain’s aviation authorities could help verify the claims. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday strongly criticised the investigation into the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on January 28, alleging serious discrepancies in the official findings, reported news agency IANS. Addressing a press conference, Pawar accused the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of attempting to cover up crucial details related to the accident. This was the third press conference held by the Baramati MLA on the issue, following earlier briefings on February 10 and February 19. Claims of Technical Errors and Inconsistencies Presenting videos and screenshots during the briefing, Pawar claimed that the AAIB report contains multiple factual and technical errors, reported IANS. Among the concerns raised was a discrepancy in the direction of the aircraft’s movement during the crash. According to Pawar, the report states that the aircraft banked to the right, whereas video footage allegedly shows it tilting to the left. He also questioned the aircraft’s fuel levels, claiming the plane reportedly carried between 90 and 95 per cent fuel capacity despite a routine flight plan, reported IANS. Additionally, Pawar alleged that the aircraft’s engine life had exceeded its permitted limit by over 3,000 hours, raising concerns about the aircraft’s maintenance and safety compliance. Questions Over Investigation Process Pawar also criticised what he described as basic errors in the official report, including referring to Baramati as a “district” and describing the Baramati Municipal Council as a “Municipal Corporation”, reported IANS. He said such mistakes raised doubts about the seriousness of the investigation. The MLA further claimed the report mentioned that the aircraft struck trees at the crash site, whereas, according to him, only small shrubs were present in the area and the aircraft did not hit them. Demand for CBI and CID Probe Alleging the possibility of a wider conspiracy, Pawar said local residents had reported seeing unidentified individuals surveying the crash site days before the incident, reported IANS. He demanded a criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) to examine the matter. Pawar also questioned why the names of the investigation team members were not mentioned in the report and pointed out the absence of photographs of the aircraft’s black box, reported IANS. Citing the Tyagi Committee recommendations formed after the death of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash, Pawar argued that VIP flights should not operate in low visibility conditions. He further demanded that an FIR be registered against officials of the aviation company involved, alleging that incorrect weather clearance was provided before the flight. (With inputs from IANS)
04 March,2026 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress on Wednesday alleged that the Nagpur factory blast was a result of Maharashtra government's negligence that led to the loss of live of 19 people, reported the PTI. The blast at an explosives manufacturing unit in Nagpur district has sparked sharp political criticism in the Maharashtra Assembly. The blast occurred on Sunday morning at the detonator assembly unit of SBL Energy in Raulgaon, Katol tehsil. Eighteen workers died on the day of the incident, while one more succumbed to injuries on Monday. At least 23 others were injured, according to the PTI. Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar termed the incident “tragic and shocking” and accused both the state and central governments of negligence. Raising a suspension motion in the assembly, Wadettiwar claimed that 43 workers have died in similar explosions at various factories in Nagpur district over the past one-and-a-half years. He said 25 of the deceased in these incidents were women. Referring to Sunday’s explosion, he stated that most of the victims were women labourers earning around Rs 300 per day. “Do the lives of the poor have no value for this government?” he asked during the debate. Demand for safety audits and accountability Wadettiwar alleged that repeated requests for comprehensive safety audits of explosives factories had been ignored. He claimed that no concrete steps were taken by either the Maharashtra government or the Centre to prevent such tragedies. He also questioned the role of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), noting that its office is located barely 10 kilometres from the blast site. In addition, he raised concerns about the functioning of the factories inspectorate and the labour department, asking why strict action had not been taken despite recurring incidents. Compensation not enough: Congress While compensation of Rs 15 lakh or Rs 50 lakh has been announced for the families of the deceased, Wadettiwar said financial aid cannot replace lost lives. He added that affected families are seeking stronger assurances of safety rather than monetary relief. He further pointed out that even basic infrastructure, such as a proper road leading to the factory, was lacking. Taking note of the seriousness of the matter, the Assembly Speaker said the issue would be discussed in detail through a calling attention motion by Friday. The incident has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards and regulatory oversight in Maharashtra’s explosives manufacturing sector. (with PTI inputs)
04 March,2026 02:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out in two parked four-wheeler vehicles near Nepro Ground on Ghodbunder Road in Thane (West) on Wednesday morning. The blaze was quickly brought under control by the Fire Brigade and officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell. No injuries were reported in the incident. Fire reported near Tuljabhavani temple According to officials, the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation received information about the incident at around 11:03 am on March 4. The alert was conveyed by a local resident identified as Sanket, who informed authorities about a fire in vehicles parked at Nepro Ground, opposite Tuljabhavani Temple in Manpada area of Thane (West). Soon after receiving the information, the Disaster Management Cell dispatched its staff to the spot with a pickup vehicle to assist in emergency response efforts. Emergency teams rush to the spot Fire Brigade personnel also reached the location with one fire engine and a jeep to control the blaze. With coordinated efforts from the Fire Brigade team, Disaster Management Cell officials, and local residents present at the scene, the fire was swiftly brought under control before it could spread further. Authorities confirmed that the fire was completely extinguished, preventing additional damage or risk to nearby vehicles and property. One vehicle gutted, another partially damaged Officials said the fire affected two four-wheeler vehicles parked at the location. A Maruti Suzuki Celerio (MH 43 BE 9224) owned by Amruta Madhukar Gade was completely gutted in the blaze, suffering extensive damage. Another vehicle, a Mahindra Xylo (MH 04 GE 0094) owned by Sandeep Jadhav, sustained minor damage after partially catching fire. Situation under control Authorities stated that the situation is now under control and confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported during the incident. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further investigation is likely to determine how the blaze started. Driver killed, cleaner injured as fire erupts in tempo on Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway In another incident, a 28-year-old driver from Punjab was burnt to death, and a cleaner sustained serious injuries after their tempo caught fire on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Wednesday. The incident, which affected traffic on the busy carriageway, occurred around 10:30 pm on Tuesday on the Gujarat-bound lane near Somta.
04 March,2026 01:20 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday announced four candidates from Maharashtra for the upcoming Rajya Sabha biennial elections. The list includes Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde. Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (Athawale), is set for another term in the Upper House. Meanwhile, Tawde is seeking entry into the Rajya Sabha for the first time. The party has also nominated Ramrao Wadkute and Maya Chitaman Ivnate as candidates from the state. BJP Releases First List Across Several States The announcement was made by the party’s Central Election Committee from its New Delhi headquarters. In its first list for the biennial elections, the BJP cleared nine candidates across six states. Among the nominees are party leaders from Bihar, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Odisha, and West Bengal. These include BJP national president Nitin Nabin and several senior party figures from other states. Trinamool Congress Also Announces Candidates Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) announced four candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls. Babul Supriyo, a former Union Minister who later joined the Trinamool Congress, currently serves as Cabinet Minister of Information Technology and Electronics of the Government of West Bengal. Rajeev Kumar is a former Director General of Police of West Bengal. Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy is known for her legal work in constitutional matters, while Koel Mallick is a prominent figure in the Bengali film industry. Polling Scheduled for March 16 The Election Commission of India has scheduled polling for the Rajya Sabha biennial elections on March 16, with vote counting set for the same day at 5 pm. The election process will conclude by March 20. The polls will fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states, including Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana, where the terms of current members are ending in April 2026. According to the election schedule, the notification was issued on February 26, while the last date for filing nominations is March 5. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 6, and the final date for withdrawal is March 9.
04 March,2026 01:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Maharashtra's Thane has awarded a compensation of Rs 24.49 lakh to the family of a businessman who died in a road accident in 2015, reported news agency PTI. Tribunal member R V Mohite passed the order granting compensation on February 25. A copy of the order was made available on Wednesday. Ramadhar Girija Sharma, then 47, was killed on June 21, 2015, when a Maruti car hit him in the Bhayandar (East) area, on the outskirts of Mumbai. Police subsequently registered a case under the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act against the driver, reported PTI. The tribunal held that the accident occurred due to the "rash and sole negligent driving" on the part of the car driver. Citing income tax returns, the tribunal noted that Sharma, who traded in Ayurvedic medicines, had an annual income of Rs 2.18 lakh. Applying the multiplier method and adding 25 per cent towards future prospects, the tribunal calculated total compensation at Rs 24.49 lakh, according to the order, reported PTI. The amount, along with 9 per cent annual interest from the date of petition, is to be paid jointly and severally by the driver and owner of the offending car within a month, the tribunal said. Thane MACT awards Rs 25.59 lakh compensation to kin of woman killed in accident In another case, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra's Thane district has awarded a compensation of Rs 25.59 lakh to the family of a 28-year-old woman run over by a speeding tanker in 2016. MACT member R V Mohite awarded the sum to the two minor children and the husband of the deceased, who was employed as a househelp. A copy of the order February 25 was made available on Monday. A speeding tanker ran over the victim, Surekha Yogesh More, while she was crossing the Bhiwandi-Kalyan road in Kongaon on May 8, 2016. The tribunal noted that the tanker, driven in a "rash and negligent manner", dashed into the woman and ran her over, killing her on the spot. The Kongaon police registered an offence under sections 279 and 304(A) of the IPC against the driver. The tribunal noted that the insurance policy was issued to the tanker owner after the accident. It, however, directed the insurance company to satisfy the award and then recover the sum from the vehicle owner. The claimants are entitled to a compensation of Rs 25.59 lakh, the tribunal stated, adding that the amount must be paid with interest of 9 per cent per annum from the date of the petition. (With inputs from PTI)
04 March,2026 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe police on Wednesday said that a 28-year-old driver from Punjab was burnt to death, and a cleaner sustained serious injuries after their tempo caught fire on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district, reported news agency PTI. The incident, which affected traffic on the busy carriageway, occurred around 10:30 pm on Tuesday on the Gujarat-bound lane near Somta. According to the Palghar rural police, a tempo was in motion when a fire broke out, quickly engulfing the entire vehicle. "The intensity of the blaze was so severe that it killed the tempo driver, Jawan Singh, and gutted the materials being transported in the vehicle," a police official said, reported PTI. Cleaner Gurusewak Singh (38), also a resident of Punjab, managed to escape the burning vehicle but sustained serious burns, he said, reported PTI. "The injured cleaner was rushed to the sub-district hospital for treatment, while the driver's body has been sent to the government hospital for a post-mortem," the Palghar rural police added. The fire disrupted traffic on the busy highway for several hours as fire brigade personnel worked to douse the flames. The police have registered a case of accidental death in connection with the accident. "An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire," the police official added. Biscuit-laden container truck overturns in Thane; no casualties In another incident, a container truck transporting biscuits overturned on a highway in Maharashtra's Thane district in the early hours of Tuesday, an official said. No one was injured in the accident that occurred on the Nashik-Mumbai Highway at Kalwa around 4 am, the official said. "The driver of the container truck lost control of the vehicle on a bend near Kharegaon Toll Plaza, causing it to overturn," said Yasin Tadvi, chief of the disaster management cell. The vehicle was heading towards Nhava Sheva in Navi Mumbai carrying around 20 tonnes of biscuits, he said. The vehicle's diesel tank developed a leak, and the fuel spilt onto the road, but steps were taken to prevent any untoward incident, he said. The damaged vehicle was later moved with the help of a crane, and the highway was cleared for traffic, he added. (With inputs from PTI)
04 March,2026 12:49 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondentThe ‘Shivneri’ bus service of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will soon operate beyond the Mumbai-Pune route, an official statement said on Wednesday. State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik announced that the premium service, long known as the “queen” of the Mumbai-Pune highway, will now connect several major cities across Maharashtra. Launched in 2002, the Shivneri service has earned a reputation for punctuality, comfortable seating and safe travel. Despite slightly higher fares compared to ordinary bus services, it has consistently received strong support from passengers, particularly middle-class travellers. According to the minister, the service has remained profitable due to its reliability and quality standards. 200 new Volvo buses to be added To support the statewide expansion, MSRTC has begun the tender process to purchase 200 new, technologically advanced Volvo buses. Once inducted into the fleet, these buses will operate on key inter-city routes across Maharashtra. The proposed routes include: - Nashik-Pune - Nashik-Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar - Nashik-Jalgaon-Dhule - Pune-Kolhapur - Pune-Sangli - Pune-Solapur - Nagpur-Chandrapur - Nagpur-Amravati-Akola Strong response to e-Shivneri services: State transport ministry An official statement, issued by the state transport ministry said, at present, eco-friendly e-Shivneri buses operate on routes such as Dadar-Swargate, Dadar-Shivajinagar, Borivali-Swargate, Borivali-Shivajinagar, Thane-Swargate and Thane-Shivajinagar. These electric buses have received an encouraging response from commuters, reflecting growing demand for environmentally friendly transport options. Women passengers and senior citizens aged between 65 and 75 receive a 50 per cent discount on fares. Senior citizens above 75 years of age can travel free of charge on Shivneri services. The minister expressed confidence that the new routes would also receive a strong public response due to these concessions. Introduction of sleeper Shivneri buses Out of the 200 new buses, 30 will be sleeper coaches. These ‘Sleeper Shivneri’ buses will replace existing non-air-conditioned sleeper services on certain long-distance routes, the statement said. With modern technology, enhanced safety features and comfortable bed-coach facilities, the sleeper buses aim to offer a superior experience for overnight travellers. Sarnaik said the expansion of the Shivneri service marks not just growth in public transport, but also a new direction in Maharashtra’s evolving and dynamic travel culture.
04 March,2026 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
