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Weekly horoscope: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Ask for help when you need it, and don’t get into the mindset of having to do everything yourself. Make well thought-out financial decisions.Career tip: Let go of  any regrets about the past which may have been caused by a misunderstanding. Be willing to forgive and forget. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Being organised would be essential if you have more than usual work to deal with. Understand any new investment before putting your money in.Career tip: Clarity about what you want to achieve is the first step towards your goals. Have a plan in place rather than going with the flow. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Jumping to what could be a wrong conclusion could cause unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding. A positive time for property matters.Career tip: Finding a balance between your professional and personal life will be easier once you are clear about your priorities and the changes you are willing to make. CancerJune 21 – July 22Handle any stuck or slow moving situation with patience. Those dealing with a competitive situation at work need to handle it in a shrewd manner.Career tip: Follow your intuition, as well as any guidance from someone you trust. You will know what to do when you need to make any decisions. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Those working in a team should avoid getting into ego issues. Singles who have just started dating someone should take things slowly.Career tip: Be honest with yourself whenever you face challenging situations. Focus on your goals and not on your fears. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22Make letting go of the past a conscious decision without overthinking the situation. Avoid juggling between investments unnecessarily, and do careful research.Career tip: Acknowledge the progress you have made so far. Make time for self care, and do something you enjoy just for the fun of it.  LibraSept 23 – Oct  22Use any information or advantage you have in the right manner. Singles who have met someone new should not overshare personal details.Career tip: Look at one aspect of your life that you would like to change and let go of blocks that are stopping you. You are more than your habits. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Handle any extra work promptly without compromising on quality.  Take a little  extra care of your health and make sure you get enough sleep.Career tip: Focus one step at a time while working towards your goals and let go of any fears about the future. Life is a process not a destination. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Any challenging situation needs to be handled clearly without getting emotional — do what is right and fair, especially towards any other person involved.Career tip: Giving in to distractions or negative thinking will only slow down any progress you have made. Focus on what is necessary and important. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Focus on your goals and don’t allow yourself to get distracted by what is happening around you. Avoid taking on any loan you don’t really need.Career tip: Make time for a creative hobby you enjoy. Remember that you do not have to be perfect at it — just enjoy the process. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Try and avoid getting into unnecessary arguments that have no value. This is a positive time for self employed businesspersons who want to expand their business.Career tip: Look beyond the challenges and focus on the positives. Pay attention to what you want rather than your fears and blocks. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Think before speaking while interacting with seniors. Those with high blood pressure or heart issues need to take a little extra care of themselves.Career tip:  Clarity about what you want should be the first step in defining any goals. Be clear about what you need to do and the changes you need to make.

08 February,2026 03:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna Bose
Borivali Police handed over the cash-filled bag to the complainant on the same day. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

60-year-old leaves bag with Rs 2.86 lakh in rickshaw; police recover it in hours

Mumbai Police on Saturday recovered a cash-filled bag belonging to a wedding-goer that was accidentally left in an autorickshaw in Borivali. Earlier in the day, sixty-year-old Vishwas Samant approached the police after he had left the bag, containing Rs 2.86 lakh, in an autorickshaw while travelling in Borivali West. According to the police, Samant had reached Borivali on Friday to attend his nephew’s wedding. After the ceremony, which took place at Mayur Tower on Chandavarkar Road in Borivali West, he took an autorickshaw to reach his hotel in Shimpoli. During the journey, the bag containing the cash was inadvertently left inside the vehicle. Borivali Police recover bag within hours after complaint Following his complaint, the crime detection team initiated a swift investigation. With the help of CCTV footage, Assistant Sub-Inspector Bahiram and Police Constable Khedkar traced the autorickshaw and identified its registration number. The autorickshaw driver was subsequently brought to the police station and questioned. During the inquiry, the bag containing Rs 2.86 lakh was recovered from the vehicle. Senior Inspector Madhusudan Nayak of Borivali Police Station handed over the cash-filled bag to the complainant on the same day, bringing a swift and satisfactory conclusion to the incident.

07 February,2026 10:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
The body was found near Khan Compound in Shilphata, Diva, on Saturday morning. Representational pic

Six-year-old girl’s body found in water tank at Thane's Diva

A six-year-old girl’s body was found in a water tank near Khan Compound in Shilphata, Diva, on Saturday morning, the Thane civic body’s disaster management cell informed. At 8.41 am, the cell received a call regarding the discovery of a girl’s body in a water tank at Ashna Heights near Khan Compound. The girl has been identified as Fehjan Ahmed Khan. After receiving the call, Shil Fire Station personnel, along with Diva Police rushed to the spot. The fire brigade personnel recovered the body, which was then transported under police supervision to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, Kalwa, Thane, for further investigation. 12-year-old boy dies by suicide in Thane A 12-year-old boy allegedly died by suicide in Thane city, Maharashtra, news agency PTI reported, quoting the police on Saturday. The incident took place on Tuesday at a housing complex in the Wagle Estate area. According to officers, residents rushed the boy to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. “We have registered a case of accidental death (ADR). No suicide note was found at the scene, and the motive is yet to be determined,” an officer from the Wagle Estate Police division said. The police are examining CCTV footage from the complex and checking the boy’s mobile phone and other devices for any signs of distress. Man kills wife at Thane home, attempts to destroy evidence to evade police action; held Police have arrested a 45-year-old man for allegedly stabbing his wife to death at their home in Thane city of Maharashtra, and attempting to destroy evidence by cleaning the crime scene, officials said on Thursday. According to the new agency PTI, the incident took place around 9:30 pm on February 3 in the Mumbra area. The accused, Dinesh Ramesh Vyas, attacked his wife Meena with a sharp weapon in the drawing room of their house, inflicting grievous injuries that proved fatal, senior inspector Anil Shinde of Mumbra police station said. “After committing the crime, he tried to wash away the bloodstains with water in an attempt to destroy evidence,” Shinde added, reported news agency PTI.  The accused has been taken into police custody for further investigation. (With PTI inputs)

07 February,2026 09:14 PM IST | Thane
The coaches are engineered for Mumbai’s high-density network and coastal climate, with top speeds of 130 kmph. File pic

Mumbai suburban rail to get 238 AC Vande Metro trains under modernisation plan

Mumbai’s suburban railway network, the lifeline for millions of daily commuters, is poised for a major transformation with the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd (MRVC) initiating a competitive bidding process for 238 state-of-the-art Vande Metro Air-Conditioned electric multiple unit (EMU) trainsets. The new fleet will include 2,856 next-generation coaches under the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) Phase-3 and 3-A. Unlike conventional train procurements, the project comes with a 35-year comprehensive maintenance framework, signalling a long-term commitment to passenger safety, comfort, and operational reliability. MRVC in a press release issued on Saturday said the move aims to ensure sustained benefits for millions of Mumbaikars for decades. The Vande Metro coaches are designed to redefine suburban travel. Walk-through trains with wider inter-car gangways will allow better crowd distribution, while roof-mounted and underslung equipment will maximise usable standing and seating space. Ergonomic modular cushioned seating will include dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities and wheelchair users, and larger windows will enhance visibility of stations and surroundings. Passenger health and comfort are a priority. Advanced HVAC systems with high-efficiency filtration will reduce viruses and bacteria, while automatic air regulation will adapt to passenger load. Safety features include automatic sliding doors with obstacle detection, smoke and fire alarms, CCTV, Passenger Emergency Alarm (PEA), Emergency Talk Back (ETB) systems, and external sidewall cameras for monitoring boarding and deboarding. High-visibility LED displays will indicate destination, rake length, and Fast or Slow service. The coaches are engineered for Mumbai’s high-density network and coastal climate, with top speeds of 130 kmph, regenerative braking, corrosion-resistant anti-saline coatings, flood-resilient underframes, and silent saloon designs. A digital passenger ecosystem will include USB charging ports, infotainment, Wi-Fi, dynamic route maps, and real-time Passenger Information Systems. Vande Metro set to modernise Mumbai’s suburban travel under 'Make in India' initiative The project will see fleet expansion and infrastructure support, including 12- and 15-car rake configurations, provisions for 18-car rakes, and two new mega maintenance depots at Bhivpuri in Karjat (Central Railway) and Vangaon in Palghar (Western Railway). Prototype rakes are expected within 2.5 years of contract award, with full delivery over four to six years. Aligned with the Government of India’s 'Make in India' initiative, the Vande Metro suburban project marks a shift from short-term capacity additions to a life-cycle-based, performance-driven modernisation of Mumbai’s rail network. Once operational, these next-generation trains are expected to transform the daily commuting experience, combining global standards, reliability, and comfort for millions of city residents.

07 February,2026 07:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The ‘Umang’ self-help group sold handcrafted items including jewellery, jute bags, and decorative products. PIC/BMC

Kala Ghoda Festival: Stalls by transgender persons clock Rs 90,000 in sales

A transgender self-help group supported by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recorded sales worth Rs 90,000 at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, the civic body said on Friday. The ‘Umang’ self-help group, set up by the civic body’s planning department, sold handcrafted items including jewellery, jute bags and decorative products during the three-day event. Formed in February 2024 in the K-West Ward (Andheri West, Versova, and Jogeshwari West), the group was started by Yogi Rani along with nine others to provide livelihood opportunities to transgender persons. The Mumbai civic body had provided the group with an initial grant of Rs 10,000 and training support. Kala Ghoda Festival: Stall allotted by BMC draws steady footfall, records Rs 90,000 in sales According to civic officials, the group was allotted a stall at the festival on the initiative of planning department director Prachi Jambhekar. The stall received a steady response from visitors, with sales touching Rs 90,000 during the festival. Speaking about the experience, Yogi Rani said the platform helped the group reach a wider audience. “Selling our products at such a festival gives us confidence and helps us earn with dignity,” she said. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is known for showcasing emerging artists and craftspeople. Civic officials said similar platforms would continue to be provided to self-help groups to help them access larger markets.

07 February,2026 03:45 PM IST | Mumbai | Eeshanpriya MS
The strike will involve drivers of app-based platforms as well as traditional taxis and autorickshaws. Representation Pic/Istock

Mumbai: App-based taxi, auto drivers go on day-long strike nationwide

Drivers of app-based taxis and autorickshaws went on a day-long nationwide strike on Saturday after a union called for a protest to press various demands, including action against illegal bike taxi services and redressal of grievances over panic button installations. Taxi, auto unions begin statewide strike over aggregator fares, bike taxis While speaking to the media, Dr Keshav Kshirsagar, head of Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, said," The strike began across Maharashtra and other parts of the country in the morning. Most autorickshaw and taxi drivers have supported the strike," as per PTI.  Although the union claimed that drivers have kept their vehicles off the roads, taxis and autorickshaws have been available for booking on app-based platforms of major companies, including Uber, Ola and Rapido, since the early hours of the day. The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha had earlier said that the strike was aimed at opposing the "arbitrary" fare policies of ride aggregators, seeking strict enforcement against "illegal" bike taxi operations that were affecting the livelihoods of licensed cab and autorickshaw drivers, reported PTI.  Gig workers flag panic button costs, income losses amid cab strike The union representing gig workers also alleged that the mandatory installation of panic buttons has become a financial burden for operators. Union of gig workers further stated that, "While there are 140 panic button device providers approved by the Central government, the state government has declared nearly 70 per cent of these companies unauthorised. As a result, cab drivers are being forced to remove previously installed devices and spend approximately Rs 12,000 unnecessarily to install new devices, causing severe financial hardship," as per PTI.  The drivers' body also raised concerns over loss of income due to an increase in the number of autorickshaws under the open permit policy, and also alleged that victims of accidents involving illegal bike taxis are denied insurance benefits.  Rates quite low, safety concerns: Protesting Ola, Uber drivers in Delhi-NCR share their woes As a union of app-based taxi and autorickshaw drivers announced a one-day strike to press several demands, drivers associated with Ola, Uber and Rapido in Delhi-NCR on Saturday said fares were quite low. They also added that these companies do not provide proper safety measures or fair rates. In Delhi-NCR, drivers linked to app-based ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber and Rapido are currently on a nationwide strike. Speaking to IANS, a driver said, “I drive for both Ola and Uber, and we are on strike today because the companies’ rates are very low and there has been no increase in fares.” Another driver in Delhi said, “Rates are quite low, that’s why we are on strike. Nowadays, it is becoming difficult to even earn Rs 1,000 per day.” The union has placed two main demands before the government An immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator-based services. The union said these fares should be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions and should align with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. The second is a strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial transport of passengers or goods. According to the unions, the agitation is being organised against the continued failure of the Central and State Governments to notify minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Despite these guidelines, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally set fares, pushing workers into unsustainable working conditions and forcing longer working hours with declining earnings.

07 February,2026 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BJP leader Ritu Tawde and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Ghadi files nomination at BMC headquarters. (Pic/BMC)

BJP's Ritu Tawade files nomination for BMC Mayor, Sanjay Ghadi for Deputy Mayor

BJP leader and corporator from ward no. 132, Ritu Tawade, on Saturday filed her nomination papers for the post of Mayor in BMC. Whereas the Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shankar Ghadi has filed the nomination papers for Deputy Mayor in the civic body.  The nomination filing from Tawade and Ghadi marks a key development in the race for the city’s civic body’s administration. Ritu Tawade’s nomination as the BMC Mayor was announced by BJP leader Amit Satam on Saturday. Whereas Sanjay Shankar Ghadi’s name for the Deputy Mayor was announced by Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters. Ghadi will serve as BMC Deputy Mayor for 15 months Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Shankar Ghadi will serve as deputy mayor for 15 months, Shiv Sena secretary Sanjay More has said in a statement, as reported by news agency PTI.  Gandhi was one of the senior former Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators who switched sides to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. By splitting the deputy mayor's term in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena intends to give an opportunity to four of its corporators. In the polls for the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, while Shiv Sena won 29 seats. The ruling alliance, with a combined strength of 118 corporators, is past the halfway mark of 114 and is well placed to secure the mayor's post. Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS failed to impress During the recently concluded BMC election 2026, the Shiv Sena (UBT), which ruled the civic body for 25 years since 1997, won 65 seats, while its allies, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar), only managed to win six and one seat, respectively. Among other parties, the Congress won 24 seats, AIMIM eight, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) three, and the Samajwadi Party two. Two independent candidates also won in the high-stakes election, held after a nine-year gap. The BMC commissioner has been serving as the state government-appointed administrator since March 7, 2022, following the end of the previous term. BMC is the country's richest civic body, with its budget for 2025-26 pegged at Rs 74,450 crore, which is higher than that of some smaller states. (With inputs from PTI)

07 February,2026 01:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image

Horoscope today, February 7: Check astrological predictions for all zodiac signs

Do you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for February 7. Aries  March 21 – April 20Approaching situations with creative and original solutions is a sure shot way to calm down vibes at work. Cosmic tip: Attract positive energy flow around you by getting rid of what’s not needed. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Circumstances unexpectedly work to your advantage, so use all options available. Take decisions not based on your usual ‘safe’ ideas.Cosmic tip: Unhesitatingly and honestly work through karma. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Treading the safer middle path chooses what’s acceptable, yet within personal ethics. Singles receive marriage proposals.Cosmic tip: Understand everyone’s life can be different. Cancer June 22 – July 23Combining three ideas into a workable synthesis at a committee meeting is a workable way. Singles make a new acquaintance. Cosmic tip: Remain on the spiritual path. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Appreciating a relationship more in its present avatar if due to an appreciation of its strengths and finer points. Don’t make any drastic career changes.Cosmic tip: Notice how life enters a peacefully settled mode. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Plans made earlier are better than recent ones. Being ready to combat competition is a reflection of confidence.Cosmic tip: Depend on inner strength to bring order to some muddled circumstances.  Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Not doing a slip-shod job; instead aiming for the ultimate paradigm or example of capabilities takes you to the top.Cosmic tip: Re-evaluate a situation to realise certain facts which need to be faced. Scorpio  Oct 23 – Nov 22Some family property under litigation inches forward; sometimes in your favour. Sunshine in personal life keeps you contented.Cosmic tip: Change and evolve as demanded by the situation and circumstances. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Competitive companies try their best to steal a client from under your nose, but don’t succeed.Cosmic tip: Retain a positive mindset and belief that whatever you do karmically correct is favourable. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Going ahead with plans made instead of questioning ideas frowned on by acquaintances is why plans must never be discussed with anyone. Cosmic tip: Have unshakeable faith in your spouse/partner. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Having had all papers prepared in advance is why there’s an aura of assurance around you. Final draft of a contract has to also be prepared. Cosmic tip: Let go of what’s unimportant and dated. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20This busy time makes you wish the day had more hours; you are so inundated with work.Cosmic tip: First complete what’s crucial for the day, then reach for other work.

07 February,2026 11:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley Bose
Representational image. File pic

Mumbai wakes up to haze, clear skies likely as temperature rises

Mumbai weather is likely to experience hazy conditions during the morning hours, with the sky gradually clearing by the afternoon and evening, reports by India Meteorological Department (IMD).  According to the IMD, the sky will remain clear in the afternoon through the evening, causing temperatures to rise steadily. Day temperatures are expected to hover around 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may settle near 20 degrees Celsius, indicating warm daytime conditions with relatively pleasant nights. Data from the SAMEER app indicated that the overall air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai stood at 117 on Saturday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. As per the SAMEER app, pollution levels varied significantly across locations, with Bandra-Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 136, Borivali East 69, Andheri East 132, Chembur 108, Colaba 103, and Kandivali East 108. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 128, Bandra East 167, Malad West 128, and Mazgaon 106. Delhi's air quality improves, AQI recorded at 213  The national capital on Saturday witnessed a slight improvement in the air quality, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) standing at 213 at 8, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. The improvement in the overall air quality follows Friday, when the AQI was recorded at 226 at 8 am. However, categorically, the Air Quality Index remained in the "poor" category. Delhi's ITO witnessed a busy morning with AQI recorded at 223 in the "poor" category, the AQI at Chandni Chowk was recorded at 232 and was recorded at 239 in RK Puram, in the same category. Despite this improvement, a thin layer of smog persists in parts of the city, and overall air quality remains poor.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'.The temperature in Delhi is recorded at 13.2 degC with strong surface winds during the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated. The capital city was blanketed in a thick layer of fog this morning. (Inputs from ANI)

07 February,2026 11:44 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena nominates Sanjay Ghadi as their candidate for deputy mayor in BMC

Shiv Sena nominates Sanjay Ghadi for the post of Deputy Mayor in BMC

Days after the BMC election 2026 results, the Shiv Sena has appointed Sanjay Shankar Ghadi as their candidate for the post of Deputy Mayor in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Sanjay Ghadi’s nomination for the post of Deputy Mayor in Mumbai's civic body has been made as per the instructions of Shiv Sena Chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to an official statement issued by Shiv Sena (Eknath faction). The official statement from the Shiv Sena further stated that all concerned public representatives, office-bearers, and Shiv Sena workers within the BMC limits have been informed of the decision. The development comes at a time when political activity has intensified within the civic body, with parties preparing for the next phase of BMC proceedings and leadership roles gaining significance in shaping the alliance's strategy. Former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar is likely to be the leader of the opposition in BMC Former Mumbai mayor and Shiv Sena (UBT) elected corporator from Lower Parel, Kishori Pednekar, is likely to take charge as the Leader of the Opposition in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), according to information from the office of the municipal secretary. The development comes earlier this week after the completion of party-wise registration of corporators following the recent elections. Apart from the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, all political parties had completed their party-wise registrations earlier. However, the 29 corporators of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) have now also completed their registration process. On Tuesday, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) completed the registration of their four corporators at Konkan Bhavan. With this, all 227 corporators have completed their registrations with the Mumbai civic body, the office of the municipal secretary confirmed. BJP appoints Khankar as group leader in BMC Meanwhile, the BJP on Monday this week appointed Ward 7 (Dahisar) corporator Ganesh Khankar as their party leader in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).  Apart from BJP, Shiv Sena has also appointed Amey Ghole as their leader in BMC. Ghole, during the recently concluded BMC elections, was elected as a corporator from ward 178, Matunga.  BJP emerges as the single largest party in BMC elections 2026. The appointment of Ganesh Khankar comes after the BJP emerged as the single largest party in the recently concluded BMC elections 2026, winning 89 corporator seats. The announcement was made at the BMC headquarters during a formal meeting where both the BJP and the Shiv Sena registered their elected representatives.

07 February,2026 11:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Passengers being picked up from the parking area at Terminal 2

Mumbai airport T-2 introduces free parking window

Every year, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2 handles nearly 55 million passengers. Almost as many people also arrive just to pick up friends and family, making airport access a daily test of patience, timing and parking costs. Last year’s September, mid-day reported about the lack of free pick-up time options at the Mumbai airport. A board displaying fares outside the parking zone at Terminal 2. Pics/Shadab Khan After the report, Mumbai airport operators introduced a 0 to 8-minute free parking window at the T2 parking facility late last year. While the move was meant to offer relief, a mid-day test drive found that the window is often too short to be practically useful, especially during peak hours. Many visitors told mid-day they were unaware such a free window even existed, despite signage now being displayed across the airport. How eight-minute window works The free window applies only within the parking facility, forcing vehicles to enter the P5 parking level, locate passengers, load luggage and exit within eight minutes to avoid charges. A display board at the parking exit shows entry and exit timings along with the parking charge Due to space constraints and the lack of an elevated pick-up road directly from arrival gates, this remains the only free option for visitors. However, mid-day’s on-ground experience suggests the layout leaves very little margin for error. mid-day test drive During multiple visits, mid-day observed that the system works only if the vehicle is already waiting at the parking level when passengers arrive, which is rarely the case. In one instance, mid-day followed a group of arriving passengers from the terminal exit to the P5 parking area. Passengers are being picked up from the parking area at Terminal 2 The passengers spent nearly three minutes locating their driver and another three minutes loading luggage and boarding the vehicle. This left almost no buffer time, especially if the vehicle had entered the parking zone before the passengers reached the level. Exiting also proved challenging. With four exit lanes handling multiple vehicles simultaneously, several cars leaving together risk overshooting the eight-minute limit by seconds, resulting in charges. During high air traffic hours, when several flights land close together, the situation worsens as dozens of vehicles attempt to exit at the same time. Eight minutes too tight “During non-peak hours, it might work, but during busy hours it is impossible,” said Sandeep Kumar, who visited T2 around noon. “At least 15 minutes are needed. If everyone tries to exit within eight minutes, it will create chaos, with only a few vehicles making it out in time.” DK Pal, a professional driver who frequently picks up both passengers and family members from the airport, offered a more balanced view. “The eight-minute window works only when traffic is low, and there is coordination between driver and passenger,” he said. “During peak hours, with multiple flights landing, it becomes difficult because many vehicles are leaving together.” Pal added that familiarity with the airport layout also plays a role. “For those who know the parking flow well, it is manageable. For first-time visitors, it is stressful.” Welcome move, not enough Some visitors said the free window, though limited, is still a step in the right direction. “It is a good start, but navigating through the parking makes it hard to exit in eight minutes,” said Dolly Satpathy, who was at the airport with her daughter, Nysa, to receive relatives. “Extending it to 15 minutes would help. That said, even this free option is better than nothing.” Nysa Satpathy added that space constraints at the airport make the lack of express pick-up lanes understandable. “Given the limitations, the eight-minute window still helps visitors avoid parking charges, even if it is tight.” Airport response awaited mid-day sent queries to Mumbai International Airport Limited seeking clarity on the rationale behind the eight-minute limit and whether an extension is being considered. No response was received from the operators till press time.

07 February,2026 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur | Ritika Gondhalekar
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