A high-level Austrian delegation visited Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in Mumbai, with a key highlight being their visit to the Atal Setu. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, Austria’s Federal Minister for Economy, Energy and Tourism, toured the Atal Setu and appreciated the scale, engineering quality, and emergency preparedness systems in place. A surprise check of emergency services on the bridge was also conducted, which received positive feedback from the visiting delegation, an official statement said. The visit underlined the importance of world-class infrastructure in strengthening global partnerships. Strategic talks at MMRDA The delegation was hosted by the MMRDA at its office in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The meeting focused on collaboration in infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable urban development. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addressed the delegation virtually, inviting Austrian institutions and companies to invest and collaborate in Maharashtra’s growth journey. He emphasised the state’s ambition to become a USD 1 trillion economy. Fadnavis said, "Maharashtra is committed to strengthening global partnerships to support infrastructure-led growth and sustainable development. Austria’s expertise in engineering, innovation and technology presents strong opportunities for collaboration. We welcome Austrian participation in shaping the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and look forward to a constructive partnership. I am confident that this engagement will evolve into a strong and enduring partnership anchored in infrastructure, technology, investment and sustainable urban development." Austria submits LoI A major outcome of the visit was Austria handing over a Letter of Intent (LoI) to MMRDA, outlining plans for cooperation in key sectors, including- - Tunnelling and underground infrastructure - Technology transfer and innovation - Academic and institutional partnerships - Industrial and economic cooperation and - Tourism development The LoI reflects Austria’s interest in establishing long-term engagement with Mumbai’s infrastructure ecosystem. Focus on infra and global collaboration Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Maharashtra is emerging as a preferred destination for global partnerships, with MMRDA playing a central role in driving large-scale infrastructure projects. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee highlighted increasing global interest in Mumbai following international outreach efforts, noting that such collaborations would boost innovation, mobility systems, and skill development. Mukherjee said, "MMRDA is witnessing growing interest from global partners who recognise the scale and significance of infrastructure development underway in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Following the strong response received at Davos, we are seeing increasing engagement from countries and institutions keen to collaborate with us."
14 April,2026 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo strengthen digital safety among elderly residents across the city, the Mumbai Police on Monday, April 13, organised a Cyber Security and Awareness Programme for senior citizens under the jurisdiction of Vile Parle Police Station. As per the official statement, the event was held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagriha, which witnessed the participation of 155 senior citizens from Vile Parle, Sahar, Vakola, and Airport police station jurisdictions. The three-hour programme aimed at educating the attendees on rising cyber fraud and preventive measures. Officials highlighted that the session began on a solemn note with a tribute to late Padma Vibhushan awardee Asha Bhosle. While adding a cultural touch, singer Ashraf Khan, accompanied by the ‘Saaz aur Awaaz’ orchestra, entertained the audience with melodious performances. Following the cultural performances, Assistant Commissioner of Police Jyotsna Rasam further highlighted the key aspects of cyber awareness and women’s safety. Along with Rasam, Senior Police Inspector Gabaji Chimte also delivered an introductory address while further elaborating about precautionary measures to prevent cyber crimes. Cyber experts share ways to protect yourself from online frauds Cyber expert Kailas Kandalkar, while delivering a keynote on Monday, enlightened the attendees about common scams, including fraudulent calls related to gas connections and electricity disconnections, and explained how to identify and counter such threats. Importance of ‘Dial 1930 and 1945’ Also, Cyber Officer Bharat Gurav informed the attendees about government-backed cyber safety initiatives, emergency helplines such as 1930 and 1945, and the ‘Saarthi’ mobile application. On the contrary, senior citizens celebrating birthdays in April were then further invited on stage to cut a cake, fostering a sense of community and celebration along with some very important enlightenment. Following the address by the officials, Police Inspector Chaitrali Sable proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. Officials further said that such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering senior citizens with the knowledge needed to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Thane man duped of Rs 28 lakh in ‘digital arrest’ scam A 64-year-old man from Maharashtra's Thane district was allegedly duped of nearly Rs 28 lakh in a 'digital arrest' scam, news agency PTI reported, quoting the police on Friday. The complainant, a resident of Kalyan West, alleged that between April 1 and April 7, he received multiple WhatsApp video and audio calls from unknown persons, including some from international numbers. “The callers introduced themselves as police officials and claimed that the complainant’s bank accounts were linked to a money laundering case and terrorist activities,” an officer from Khadakpada Police Station told PTI.
14 April,2026 01:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA minor fire broke out at a scrap yard in the Mandale area of Mankhurd on Tuesday morning, prompting a swift response from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). No injuries have been reported in the incident, officials said. According to officials, the blaze was reported around 8.15 am from an open scrap yard located along GM Link Road in the Kurla Scrap area. The fire was declared a Level-I incident at 8.19 am. Fire brigade officials said the blaze was confined to oil cans, plastic materials, dry waste, and a stockpile of wood spread across an open ground measuring approximately 50 by 500 feet. A total of four fire engines, five jumbo tankers, two advanced water tender tankers, and one quick response vehicle were deployed at the site. A 108 ambulance was also stationed as a precautionary measure. The fire was extinguished at 11.08 am. The Mandala-Kurla scrap belt is known for storing highly combustible materials such as plastic and wood, making it prone to such incidents. Similar low-intensity fires have occurred in the area in the past. LPG cylinder blasts trigger deadly fire in Thane slum cluster; three dead Three people were killed in a major fire that broke out in a slum cluster in the Thane district of Maharashtra. The fire triggered the explosion of multiple LPG cylinders, a civic official said on Saturday. Chief Fire Officer of Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), Prakash Borade, said, “The blaze erupted at around 8.30 PM on Friday in the Navghar area of Mira Bhayander at Indralok slum colony." He added that flames were visible from a long distance as the fire quickly spread through the densely packed cluster of temporary huts made of thatch and cloth. Around 30 to 35 huts were gutted in the incident. Several gas cylinders exploded during the blaze. While the fire personnel managed to remove as many as 24 cylinders from the site, some of them filled and others empty. The three deceased were charred beyond recognition, and their bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem, a fire official further added. Borade further added that firefighters battled the blaze for nearly an hour before bringing it under control. The three victims were charred beyond recognition, and their bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem, a fire official further added.
14 April,2026 01:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne person was killed, and four others were injured after a car rammed into a stationary trailer truck during the early hours of Tuesday on the Mumbai-Nashik highway near Kalwa. Out of the four injured, three people are critically injured, while one experienced minor injuries. As per the official statement from the Disaster Management Cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation, the accident was reported around 3:55 am near the Nayara petrol pump at Kharegaon Toll Naka on the Mumbai-bound carriageway in Thane. Preliminary information indicates that the driver of a Hyundai Aura car, identified as Deepak Patekar (26), lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a stationary Ashok Leyland trailer parked ahead. The impact was so severe that he was killed inside the mangled car. As soon as the accident was reported, rescue teams comprising personnel from the fire brigade, disaster management cell, Kalwa police, and traffic police rushed to the spot. Using specialised equipment, they extricated the driver who got trapped inside the car after the impact. The authorities then further shifted him to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival due to severe head injuries. Four critically injured Apart from the driver, the other four co-passengers, all residents of Dombivli East and colleagues of the deceased, have been seriously injured in the crash. Sujay Patil (20) suffered head and body injuries and was later shifted to a private hospital in Ghansoli after initial treatment. While Raj Chile (21) and Sugam Jaiswal (24) sustained critical injuries and have been referred to Jupiter Hospital for advanced care. Whereas Snehal Bhusekar (23) sustained minor injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at the Kalwa hospital. Officials said that all occupants were employees at Ashar IT Park in Wagle Estate and were on their way home to Dombivli when the accident occurred. Traffic slowed down on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway Following the crash, traffic on the busy Mumbai–Nashik stretch slowed considerably for some time. Authorities deployed a crane to remove the damaged vehicle and clear the road, restoring normal traffic flow. Furthermore, the Kalwa Police have registered a case and are conducting further investigations into the incident.
14 April,2026 01:07 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai city and its suburbs are likely to experience mainly clear skies on Tuesday, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to be around 34 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively. As per the Centre's SAMEER app, Mumbai recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 94 at 9 am, which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category. At this level, minor breathing discomfort may be experienced by sensitive individuals, while the air quality remains acceptable for the general population. Among various locations, Deonar recorded the highest pollution level with an AQI of 156, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Other areas such as Chakala (123), Ghatkopar (113), Kurla (105), Malad West (107), Navy Nagar (114), Powai (76), and Sewri (63) also indicated moderate air quality levels. Chembur (86), Bandra-Kurla Complex (100), Byculla (92), Colaba (68), and Bandra East (96) also remained within the satisfactory range. Meanwhile, Mulund West (33) and Kandivali East (36) recorded cleaner air, falling under the ‘good’ category. No rainfall is expected in the immediate forecast, and wind patterns are likely to remain light. Overall, weather conditions are expected to stay stable with no major fluctuations, while air quality is likely to remain within the satisfactory to moderate range in the coming hours. Southwest monsoon season rainfall to be below normal, says IMD The southwest monsoon seasonal (June to September) rainfall this year over the country is expected to be below normal, said the India Meteorological Department on Monday. India is likely to receive 80 cm of rainfall during the season, news agency PTI reported. The long period average (1971-2020) of the seasonal rainfall over India is 87 cm. Speaking at a press conference, Dr M Mohapatra, DGM of IMD, said, "Quantitatively, the seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole is likely to be 92 per cent of LPA with a model error of +/- 5 per cent." One of the reasons for below normal rainfall could be the emergence of the El Nino conditions, which cause less rainfall in the country. According to IMD, climate models indicate that El Nino conditions are likely to emerge around the month of June. Currently, weak La Nina conditions are transitioning to ENSO-neutral conditions over the equatorial Pacific. Also, climate models show that during the second half of the monsoon season, positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions can develop. (With PTI inputs)
14 April,2026 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a move aimed at boosting transparency and efficiency in real estate transactions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced that India’s first integrated digital platform for Transferable Development Rights (TDR) will become fully operational from Wednesday, April 15. The e-TDR system, developed under the Maharashtra government’s Urban Development Department in collaboration with BMC, is designed to streamline transactions related to reserved plots and Floor Space Index (FSI) in the city. According to a BMC release issued on Tuesday, April 14, registration on the portal is mandatory for both buyers and sellers. The platform will allow users to list TDR for sale, place bids, and complete transactions through secure digital payments. Once a deal is finalised, the system will automatically generate a digital contract note, creating an official and computerised record of the transaction. The platform also features KYC-based registration, bank integration, and AI-enabled tracking to ensure secure and transparent dealings. Civic officials said that every step of the process will be recorded digitally, reducing irregularities and delays associated with the earlier manual system. What is TDR? Transferable Development Rights (TDR) are granted to landowners when their property is acquired by the government for public projects such as roads or parks. Instead of monetary compensation, owners receive additional construction rights through a Development Rights Certificate (DRC), which can be used or sold in the market. Key benefits The e-TDR platform will make the process faster and more accessible, while improving transparency and reducing the challenges of finding buyers or sellers, BMC said. The system is also expected to create a more level playing field for smaller developers and individual stakeholders. The platform was earlier piloted in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Asim Gupta, were involved in its development. BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said the civic body, as the nodal agency, is confident that the platform will enhance transparency and efficiency in urban governance while accelerating infrastructure development in Mumbai. The initiative marks a significant step in the digitisation of urban development processes in Maharashtra.
14 April,2026 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLegendary playback singer Asha Bhosle was laid to rest with full state honours at the Late Bhagoji Baluji Keer Hindu Crematorium in Shivaji Park, Dadar West, on Monday. Public figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputies Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar and Bollywood actors Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and Vivek Oberoi, attended the funeral and paid their respects at the crematorium. Police personnel stand guard outside the crematorium during the ceremony. Pic/Satej Shinde As per arrangements made by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the general public was restricted from accessing the crematorium when the ceremony was underway. Preparations, which started early on Monday morning, also included barricading around the crematorium perimeter, keeping fire engines on standby and deploying police personnel, and security was tightened around noon. Ayushi Tiwari State dignitaries arrived at the crematorium around 3.30 pm, and the funeral cortège reached the spot an hour later. Following this, a formal respect-paying ceremony culminating in a three-volley salute was held, and the mortal remains of the legend were consigned to flames around 5.30 pm. Describing his feelings while saluting the legendary singer, the leader of the rifle party, Ramesh Lokhande, API, Maharashtra Police, simply said, “Achha laga”. 400No. of police personnel stationed at Shivaji Park Musical tributes Before the pyre was lit, singers Shaan, Sudesh Bhosle, and Anup Jalota sought to honour the icon with vocal performances. Sudesh Bhosle, who sang Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana, eulogised, “She left us in her advanced years, but it still feels like, “Abhi Abhi to aayi ho .... Asha ji abhi na jao chod kar ki dil abhi bhara nahi”. Shaan performed Pyaar Ke Mod Pe while paying tribute to the artiste who recorded at least 12,000 songs over an eight-decade career that started when she was just 10. Security arrangements DS Choudhary. Pic/Sarthak Mehta DS Choudhary, fire officer, Mumbai Fire BrigadeSenior Police Inspector Vilas Dater of the Shivaji Park police station told mid-day that 400 police personnel and 300 Home Guard volunteers were involved in the security arrangements at the crematorium. DS Choudhary, fire officer, Mumbai Fire Brigade, said, “We have a fire engine ready with preloaded water hoses deployed across the crematorium.” Tearful mourners eulogise legend Ramesh Thakkar and Bharti Thakkar. Pics/Sarthak Mehta Ramesh Thakkar, 70, Matunga resident ‘I’ve been listening to Ashaji’s songs since my youth. Whenever I am feeling down, her music helps me. I adore her voice. I am here to pay my respects. I pray her reincarnation has the same voice’ Bharti Thakkar, 63‘I’ve been listening to Ashaji for five decades. She is the most played singer at our house. I felt a strong urge to come here and catch a glance of her mortal remains, but unfortunately, entry is restricted at the crematorium’ The last rites Pandit Sujit Chinchadkar. Pic/Satej Shinde Pandit Sujit ChinchadkarA team of over six priests, including Pandits Sujit Chinchadkar, Prakash Bhat, and Kiran Ghogate, performed the last rites. Pandit Chinchadkar said, “Ashaji’s family hails from the Goa region [Bhosle’s family, the Mangeshkars, has its roots in the Goan village of Mangeshi], thus the rituals were carried out accordingly. We had performed the rituals for [her elder sister] Lataji as well. Now we are here to serve Ashaji’s soul as well.” Industry mourns Mandar Ahluwalia Mandar Ahluwalia, film director and producer‘She is a legend. I knew her for nearly a decade. She was very humble. She was called the Koyal of Bollywood for a reason. She was the last of the melody queens’
14 April,2026 11:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaIn an incident that has raised serious security concerns in one of the city’s busiest business districts, a security guard was brutally murdered in broad daylight close to the MHADA office in Bandra East on Monday afternoon. At around 2.15 pm, the victim was allegedly attacked with a knife by two unidentified assailants who slit the throat of the 25-year-old man working as a security guard at a construction site. The injured guard was rushed to nearby Guru Nanak Hospital by an auto driver, however, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The deceased has been identified as Abhinav Kumar Chaudhary, a native of Bhagalpur, Bihar, who had recently joined duty at the site on April 1, 2026. He was employed by Torrear Security Agency. A fellow security guard, who reported for duty shortly after the incident, said on condition of anonymity, “I came for duty around 3 pm and got to know that he had been attacked earlier. I don’t know the reason, but I was told his throat was slit.” Police Speak Senior PI Sarika Patil of Kherwadi Police Station confirmed the incident and said that the accused were on foot at the time of the attack. “The accused did not arrive in any vehicle. After committing the crime, they fled in an auto. We are scanning CCTV footage from the area and the accused will be arrested soon,” she said. Repeated attempts to contact DCP Maneesh Kalwaniya for a statement went unanswered. Investigation launched Police are scanning CCTV footage from the area and probing possible motives, including personal enmity and professional disputes. No arrests had been made at the time of going to press. Police sources revealed that investigators are also probing a possible love triangle angle behind the murder, though no motive has been established yet. Police said the body will be sent to Sion Hospital for post-mortem.
14 April,2026 11:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash SinghEleven people were killed in an accident on the Rayate bridge along the Kalyan-Ahilyanagar highway near Murbad on Monday morning. Preliminary findings by the police suggest speeding led to a head-on collision between a Maruti Eeco heading towards Murbad and a concrete mixer truck travelling towards Kalyan, as traffic was operating on a single carriageway. The impact overturned the Eeco, killing all occupants on the spot. The driver of the speeding vehicle loses control and crashes into a cement mixer vehicle coming from the opposite direction Villages on the way The incident took place on the newly opened Mumbai-Vadodara National Highway stretch connecting Kalyan to Murbad, locally known as the Kalyan-Murbad road, which extends up to Titwala and beyond. The route passes through several small villages, with residents largely relying on public transport for daily commute. Locals rush in to rescue those trapped in the mangled Eeco van The accident occurred on a two-lane stretch where one carriageway towards Murbad is still under construction, forcing traffic from both directions onto a single side. According to police, all the victims were locals — residents of villages along the Kalyan-Murbad-Titwala belt (Goveli, Rayate, Devgaon, Tembhare, Devraliwadi), and nearby hamlets — who frequently travelled on the same route using similar vehicles. For years, Eeco vans, designed to seat six, including the driver, have been illegally ferrying passengers in large numbers. The mangled Eeco van after the crash. Pics/By Special Arrangement Truck driver flees The police have booked the drivers of both vehicles. While the Eeco driver died, the driver of the concrete mixer truck fled the scene. An FIR has been registered against them under charges of negligence amounting to death, rash and negligent driving, speeding, and overloading. All occupants killed While nine occupants of the Eeco, including the driver, were crushed inside the vehicle after it overturned on impact, two others were flung onto the road and taken to a different hospital. . Prashant alias Bablu Rupesh Chandane, 21. Bhushan Ghorpade, 49. Jija Govinda Kembari, 50. Ananta Pawar, 38. Deepak Gavli, 38. Ganpat Jainu Madhe, 32. Sneha Mohpe, 22. Mansi Mohpe, 20. Prathamesh Mohpe, 17(Remaining victims yet to be identified) Voices A traffic police officer, ‘Drivers make people squeeze in, sit between rows, and crowd together to maximise earnings per trip. In this case too, around 13-15 people were packed into the vehicle.’ MLASpeak Kisan Shankar Kathore, MLA, Murbad Assembly constituency‘The road cannot be blamed; it is newly constructed and in good condition. It’s possible the driver lost control while braking, which could have caused the collision. But people must also take responsibility. Why board a vehicle meant for six when there are already over 10 passengers inside? I will take up the matter with higher authorities and seek accountability.’
14 April,2026 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerIn a boost to healthcare in Maharashtra, the state government has approved a Rs 3708 crore project to strengthen medical education, nursing, and overall health services. The funding will be supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and aims to improve infrastructure, ensure the availability of well-trained medical professionals, and provide access to quality healthcare across the state. The decision was taken at the state cabinet meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai on Monday, April 13. Skill University in Mumbai In another key decision, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved a proposal allowing the Indian Education Society (IES) to set up an IES Skill Tech University in Mumbai. April 13Day when the approval was granted at the state cabinet meeting
14 April,2026 10:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarIn a potential boost to urban transport collaboration, Melbourne is exploring Mumbai’s rail financing playbook. Former Managing Director of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) Dr PC Sehgal, earlier this week, held discussions on adapting the funding model pioneered by MRVC for Australian conditions. The talks focused on how MRVC’s hybrid financing structure—built on contributions from the central government and the state, supplemented by borrowings—enabled large-scale suburban rail upgrades in Mumbai. Officials believe a similar approach could help Melbourne overcome funding constraints for mass transit expansion. Melbourne currently relies heavily on its extensive tram network, much of which operates without a dedicated right of way, resulting in slower average speeds and limited capacity gains. The absence of a full-fledged metro system has increasingly been seen as a gap in the city’s long-term mobility planning. Sources indicated that the MRVC model could offer a template for financing a future metro network in Melbourne, particularly by spreading costs across stakeholders and leveraging institutional borrowing. While still at a preliminary stage, the discussions signal growing global interest in Mumbai’s transport funding mechanisms as cities grapple with rising urban mobility demands.
14 April,2026 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
-1776153623149_d.png "Mumbai Police enlightens people about cyber fraud. (PIc/OPTI)")
