On February 20, 2026, Mumbai came alive as members of the city’s LGBTQIA community took part in the much-awaited Pride 2026 march in South Mumbai. Known popularly as the Rainbow March, the event brought together activists, allies, and citizens from all walks of life, united in their call for equality, inclusion, and legal rights for LGBTQIA plus individuals. The streets were transformed into a vibrant canvas of colours, as participants carried rainbow flags, creative posters, and banners that expressed their personal stories and messages of love, acceptance, and visibility. Many donned bright and elaborate outfits, colourful makeup, and accessories that reflected their unique identities, turning the march into both a celebration and a powerful statement of individuality. The rhythmic beats of drums and bands energised the crowd, prompting people to dance and celebrate at every turn. The march saw people of all ages, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged participants, and even seniors, walking side by side, highlighting the inter-generational spirit of Pride. Each person’s attire, banner, or poster told a story, whether it was a personal journey, a message for equality, or a tribute to the community’s struggle and resilience. Not only people from the community participated in the march but their family members, parents and other supporters carried posters like "Proud Mother", etc were seen participating an d supporting their loved ones. “Labels aside, we are all unique, we are all valid,” said a poster carried by a participant, waving a rainbow flag as they walked through South Mumbai. History and significance Mumbai Queer Pride at August Kranti Maidan has been an annual event since 2008. That year marked the city’s first organised pride march, a historic milestone for queer visibility in India. Over the years, the march has grown in scale and significance, becoming a platform to celebrate diversity while advocating for human rights. Initially scheduled for January 31, 2026, this year’s march was postponed due to administrative and law enforcement complications. Despite the delay, the streets of Mumbai were ready to burst into a spectacular display of rainbow colours, with participants embracing the festive and activist spirit alike. A Celebration of unity The Mumbai Pride 2026 march was not just a celebration, but also a public reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It demonstrated that activism and festivity can go hand in hand, with music, dance, and solidarity combining to create a vibrant, hopeful atmosphere. As the Rainbow March moves forward, it continues to inspire both the LGBTQIA plus community and allies, emphasising that acceptance, inclusion, and human rights remain central to Mumbai’s progressive spirit.
20 February,2026 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway’s Mumbai Division will operate a special 19-hour traffic and power block at Kharbao from 12.30 pm on Saturday, February 21, to 7.30 am on Sunday, February 22, for the commissioning of new Up and Down goods lines under the DFCCIL project. The block will impact multiple suburban and passenger services, with several MEMU trains cancelled and others regulated. Several MEMU trains cancelled Down direction: 69161 Panvel–Dahanu Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61006 Diva–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 21) 61002 Dombivli Central Cabin–Boisar MEMU (JCO February 22) Up direction: 61007 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 21) 69166 Vasai Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 21) 61001 Boisar–Vasai Road MEMU (JCO February 22) 61003 Vasai Road–Diva MEMU (JCO February 22) Train regulations 69164 Dahanu Road–Panvel MEMU (JCO February 22) will be regulated for 10 minutes at Kaman Road. 22178 Secunderabad–Rajkot Express (JCO February 21) will be regulated for 1 hour and 30 minutes at Bhiwandi Road. Additionally, Mail/Express and passenger trains passing through the affected section during the block period are expected to run 25 to 30 minutes late. Railway officials said the block is essential for infrastructure upgrades and operational safety. Passengers have been requested to plan their journeys accordingly and cooperate with the railway administration during the temporary disruption. Western Railway to operate four-hour night block on Mumbai suburban section; details here Western Railway (WR) will not operate a daytime block on Sunday over the suburban section. However, a four-hour maintenance block will be operated at night, affecting Mumbai local train services on certain stretches, WR informed. The block will be imposed on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Vasai Road and Virar from 12.15 am to 4.15 am on the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday to carry out maintenance of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment. Additionally, a major block on all the lines between Borivali and Dahisar will take place from 2.10 am to 4.10 am to facilitate the launching of a new foot over bridge (FOB) girder. During this period, Slow line suburban trains will run on Fast lines between Vasai Road and Virar. Due to the FOB-launching block, some suburban and Mail/Express trains will be delayed or cancelled. Mumbai local train updates: Key regulations Avadh Express (19038) Barauni–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by one hour between Virar and Bhayandar. Saurashtra Mail (22946) Okha–Mumbai Central: Delayed by 45 minutes between Virar and Bhayandar. AC Superfast Express (22904) Bhuj–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by 20 minutes between Surat and Virar. Virar–Churchgate locals (90006 & 90018): Delayed from Virar delayed by 15 minutes each. Some suburban services will also remain cancelled during the block. WR has appealed to passengers to check with station masters for detailed information. It has clarified that all daytime suburban services on Sunday will operate as usual, ensuring no disruption to daily commuters. Western Railway to integrate AI into train management system Western Railway’s (WR) train management system (TMS) will soon be integrated with artificial intelligence to ensure train operations are smoother and faster. The new system, which is in the tendering stage, will involve colour-coding trains and alarms for delays. WR operates locals from Churchgate to Virar at peak headways of about three minutes. Instead of relying only on a printed timetable, those sitting behind screens at theWR’s control room monitors the movement of each train through the TMS, which is linked to signalling and traction power supply. Suburban services run safely and within minutes of schedule because of the decisions taken inside this room, which most passengers will never see. In it, large display panels show which section is occupied, which platform is free and which train is late — ona real-time basis.
20 February,2026 08:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway (WR) will not operate a daytime block on Sunday over the suburban section. However, a four-hour maintenance block will be operated at night, affecting Mumbai local train services on certain stretches, WR informed. The block will be imposed on the UP and DOWN Slow lines between Vasai Road and Virar from 12.15 am to 4.15 am on the intervening night of Saturday/Sunday to carry out maintenance of tracks, signalling, and overhead equipment. Additionally, a major block on all the lines between Borivali and Dahisar will take place from 2.10 am to 4.10 am to facilitate the launching of a new foot over bridge (FOB) girder. During this period, Slow line suburban trains will run on Fast lines between Vasai Road and Virar. Due to the FOB-launching block, some suburban and Mail/Express trains will be delayed or cancelled. Mumbai local train updates: Key regulations Avadh Express (19038) Barauni–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by one hour between Virar and Bhayandar. Saurashtra Mail (22946) Okha–Mumbai Central: Delayed by 45 minutes between Virar and Bhayandar. AC Superfast Express (22904) Bhuj–Bandra Terminus: Delayed by 20 minutes between Surat and Virar. Virar–Churchgate locals (90006 & 90018): Delayed from Virar delayed by 15 minutes each. Some suburban services will also remain cancelled during the block. WR has appealed to passengers to check with station masters for detailed information. It has clarified that all daytime suburban services on Sunday will operate as usual, ensuring no disruption to daily commuters. Western Railway to integrate AI into train management system Western Railway’s (WR) train management system (TMS) will soon be integrated with artificial intelligence to ensure train operations are smoother and faster. The new system, which is in the tendering stage, will involve colour-coding trains and alarms for delays. WR operates locals from Churchgate to Virar at peak headways of about three minutes. Instead of relying only on a printed timetable, those sitting behind screens at theWR’s control room monitors the movement of each train through the TMS, which is linked to signalling and traction power supply. Suburban services run safely and within minutes of schedule because of the decisions taken inside this room, which most passengers will never see. In it, large display panels show which section is occupied, which platform is free and which train is late — ona real-time basis.
20 February,2026 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRajeshree Shirwadkar was elected as the chairperson of the education committee during the BMC Committee Elections 2026 on Friday. The announcement was made by newly elected Mayor Ritu Tawde, who chaired the special meeting convened at 11 am. On Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had appointed 22 corporators and four non-corporators as statutory committee members after the civic polls. With no other nominations filed for the post, Shirwadkar was declared elected unopposed. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Prachi Jambhekar, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, and other committee members were present at the meeting following the election. Soon after her election, Shirwadkar made an appeal to citizens, urging them to avoid presenting garlands, bouquets, or gifts to congratulate her. Instead, she requested well-wishers to contribute books, notebooks, pens, and other educational materials for students of BMC-run schools. Emphasising that ceremonial honours are fleeting, she said donations of study materials would create a lasting impact by strengthening students’ learning and supporting their academic growth. She described the initiative as a socially responsible step that encourages meaningful contributions toward education rather than symbolic gestures. The appeal is expected to benefit municipal school students by ensuring access to essential learning resources, while also fostering a culture of educational support within the community. Prabhakar Shinde elected unopposed as Mumbai civic body standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde was on Friday elected unopposed as the chairman of the standing committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The announcement was made by Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting convened to elect the head of the key statutory committee. The election follows the recently concluded BMC Elections 2026. In a special meeting held on Monday, 26 corporators were nominated to the standing committee. The chairperson of the education committee is an ex-officio member of the panel. A special session was held at 2 pm on Friday to conduct the election. As Shinde was the sole candidate to file nomination papers, he was declared elected unopposed. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, and all the standing committee members were present during the proceedings.
20 February,2026 06:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Friday announced the extension of Metro Line 12 with a new corridor, Metro 12A, along the busy Kalyan–Shilphata Road. The project, which has received administrative approval of Rs 8,414.53 crore, was announced by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde. The development is being viewed as a major boost to connectivity in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, which is represented by MP Shrikant Shinde. Metro 12A to run parallel to Shilphata Road The extended corridor will connect Kalyan Phata to Taloja via Dahisar Mori, running parallel to the congested Kalyan-Shilphata Road. The 18.4-km revised corridor, of which 10.5 km is already under construction, will feature 12 elevated stations, including Manpada, Katai Naka, Desai Naka, Padle Gaon, Kalyan Phata, Gotheghar, Dahisar Mori, Rohinjan and Khutare Village. Between Katai Naka and Kalyan Phata, track and station sharing has been proposed with Metro Line 14 (Kanjurmarg to Badlapur). The corridor will also integrate with the Nilje Depot and the proposed Thane Bullet Train Station. The project is expected to significantly decongest vehicular traffic on Shilphata Road while providing the first metro connectivity to Kalwa, Diva and Mumbra regions. Double-decker elevated corridor approved In addition to the metro expansion, MMRDA has cleared a Rs 5,909.21 crore double-decker elevated corridor between Kalyan Phata (Shilphata Junction) and Rajnoli in Bhiwandi. The 19.4-km four-lane structure will have two levels: the lower deck for road traffic and the upper deck for metro operations, enabling seamless travel from Shilphata to Bhiwandi. The corridor will integrate with Metro Line 5 (Thane–Bhiwandi–Kalyan), Metro Line 12, the extended 12A corridor, and the proposed Metro Line 14. It will also include eight entry-exit ramps, two railway overbridges, and major bridges over Desai Creek and the Ulhas River. Rs 4,897 crore allocation in MMRDA budget Earlier, in the MMRDA Budget 2026–27, Rs 4,897.19 crore was allocated for projects in the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency. MP Shrikant Shinde recently reviewed the progress of key infrastructure works, including Metro Line 12, Palava Flyover, the Third Patri Bridge, the Waldhuni elevated corridor, and the Kalyan Ring Road. Officials have been directed to accelerate ongoing works to ensure timely completion and early public access. The Metro 12A expansion is expected to transform east-west connectivity across Kalyan, Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi, further strengthening regional mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
20 February,2026 06:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is set to get a major boost in affordable fertility treatment with the inauguration of the MAA (Malpani Anjali and Aniruddha) IVF Centre at the prestigious KEM Hospital on February 23, 2026. The centre will be formally inaugurated at 6 pm by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. Located within King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, one of India’s leading public teaching hospitals, the new IVF facility aims to make advanced reproductive treatment more accessible to a wider section of society, particularly patients who rely on public healthcare. Infertility affects millions of couples across India, but access to ethical, affordable, and evidence-based IVF services remains limited, especially in the public sector. The MAA IVF Centre seeks to bridge this gap by offering high-quality fertility treatment at a government hospital setting. Focus on training future IVF specialists Apart from patient care, the centre will also focus on training the next generation of gynaecologists in assisted reproductive techniques and promoting research to simplify and improve IVF procedures, making them more cost-effective and widely accessible. The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen fertility services within Mumbai’s public healthcare system and expand options for couples seeking scientifically sound and affordable treatment.
20 February,2026 06:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSPrabhakar Shinde was on Friday elected unopposed as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The announcement was made by Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting convened to elect the head of the key statutory committee. The election follows the recently concluded BMC Elections 2026. In a special meeting held on February 16, 26 corporators were nominated to the Standing Committee. The chairperson of the Education Committee is an ex officio member of the panel. A special session was held at 2 pm on Friday to conduct the election. As Shinde was the sole candidate to file nomination papers, he was declared elected unopposed. Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande and all Standing Committee members were present during the proceedings. The Standing Committee is one of the most powerful bodies within the civic administration, responsible for key financial approvals and policy decisions. BMC Committee Elections 2026: Rajeshree Shirwadkar elected unopposed as civic body's education panel chief Rajeshree Rajesh Shirwadkar was on Friday elected unopposed as chairperson of the Education Committee in the BMC Committee Elections 2026. Mayor Ritu Tawde, who presided over the special meeting held at 11 am, announced her election. Earlier this week, on February 16, the civic body had nominated 22 corporators and four non-corporator members to the statutory committee following the BMC Elections 2026. With Shirwadkar being the sole candidate in the fray, she was declared elected unopposed. Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Prachi Jambhekar and Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande were present along with committee members.
20 February,2026 06:14 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAll India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan on Friday criticised the Maharashtra government for cancelling an earlier government resolution (GR) granting 5 per cent reservation to the Muslim community, alleging that the BJP-led dispensation was "anti-Muslim" and "anti-minority", news agency ANI reported. "This shows that the BJP government is anti-Muslim, anti-minority... Before 2014, when the Congress was in power, it issued an ordinance for a 5 per cent reservation. It was also their fault that the law was not finalised. The matter went to the High Court. The High Court said that Muslims should be given a 5 per cent reservation in education. When I was an MLA, I raised this issue in every session... but the government did not give it. The BJP government rejected this reservation ordinance. I strongly condemn this... This shows the government's thinking that it is an anti-Muslim government...," said Pathan. On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government's social justice department issued a government resolution (GR) cancelling its earlier decision to grant 5 per cent reservation to the Muslim community for educational institutions and government and semi-government jobs, a provision that had been legally invalidated over a decade ago. The reservation, introduced in July 2014 through an ordinance, classified Muslims under the Special Backwards Class-A (SBC-A) category and applied to government jobs and educational institutions. However, the ordinance was challenged in the Bombay High Court, which stayed it on November 14, 2014. As the ordinance was not enacted into law by the Maharashtra Legislature by the December 23, 2014, deadline, it lapsed automatically. The Supreme Court later cancelled the reservation while deciding a Special Leave Petition (SLP) against the Bombay High Court order, effectively invalidating the provision. Despite the lapse of the ordinance and the Supreme Court's order, the Maharashtra government had not formally cancelled the original GR through any official order until now. Govt attempting to snatch citizenship through SIR: AIMIM chief AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the BJP-led Central government was attempting to “snatch citizenship rights” through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Hyderabad MP claimed that after Bihar, the SIR would be undertaken in Telangana and Maharashtra. “I appeal to the people to ensure that when the SIR is conducted, all genuine names are included. The BJP wants to snatch citizenship through the SIR. It is attempting to do so by conducting the revision through the Election Commission of India (ECI),” he alleged. (With ANI inputs)
20 February,2026 05:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Bombay High Court on Friday criticised the Navy for an alleged “intelligence failure”, questioning how a high-rise project went unnoticed near INS Shikra, its premier air station in south Mumbai. A division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri observed that, prima facie, there appeared to be a serious lapse, noting that the Navy had failed to detect the construction of a skyscraper in close proximity to its sensitive installation, reported PTI. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Commanding Officer of INS Shikra seeking to halt the project, citing significant security risks to the sensitive military installation. The bench also questioned the Navy’s selective opposition to this particular building when several other residential high-rises exist in the vicinity, some at a “stone’s throw distance” from INS Shikra, reported PTI. Petitioner says other high-rises predate 2011 Defence Ministry notification Advocate R V Govilkar, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the other buildings were constructed before 2011, when the Ministry of Defence issued a notification making a No Objection Certificate (NOC) mandatory for the construction of tall structures near defence establishments. However, the court noted that the present high-rise received its commencement certificate in March 2011 and construction began thereafter. “You (Navy) are trying to hide a grave lapse on your part… a lapse in intelligence and security. There has been a failure of intelligence. The Navy has been sitting in its office and noticed this building only after almost 70 metres (19 storeys) had already been constructed by 2024,” the bench said, reported PTI. The court observed that it could not continue its earlier interim order halting construction, which had been passed due to security concerns ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the city. It clarified that while construction up to 53.07 metres (15 storeys) is permissible in the area, any development beyond that height would be at the developer’s own risk. If it is ultimately held that an NOC was mandatory, the court said it would direct demolition of the structure above 53 metres. The bench also warned of action against Mumbai civic body officials if it is found that the commencement certificate was granted without the required NOC from the Navy. Final hearing scheduled for March 30 The matter has been posted for final hearing on March 30. After examining photographs submitted by the developer, the court noted that several other high-rises stand between the under-construction building and the naval base. “In fact, from the under-construction building, the naval base is out of sight. This is our prima facie view,” the bench observed, adding that other nearby buildings also posed a potential threat perception, yet no action had been taken against them. Senior counsel Janak Dwarkadas, appearing for the developer, argued that since the project received its commencement certificate in March 2011 — months before the Ministry of Defence notification — it did not require a mandatory NOC. (With PTI inputs)
20 February,2026 04:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMarking the occasion of Shiv Jayanti, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Friday launched the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharajswa Abhiyan’, a statewide drive aimed at ensuring speedy and transparent delivery of key revenue services. The campaign seeks to resolve long-pending revenue matters through dedicated ‘Samadhan Shibir’ camps to be held across every revenue circle, including areas under municipal councils and nagar panchayats. More than 15 major services will be delivered on the spot during the camps, which will be conducted over six days in March, April and May. Speaking after the issuance of the Government Resolution, Bawankule said the initiative was launched following discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “Following detailed discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we have decided to dedicate this Shiv Jayanti to the welfare of common citizens, farmers, agricultural labourers, students and women. Through the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maharajswa Samadhan Shibir Abhiyan (Phase-1)’, the administration will resolve long-pending revenue matters in a time-bound manner,” the minister said. Key services to be provided at camp Among the key services to be provided are clearance of pending mutation entries, correction of errors in 7/12 extracts, issuance of digitally signed 7/12 and 8-A extracts, income, domicile and caste certificates, non-creamy layer certificates, farm access road sanctions, house-site allotments, and registration under Agristack and PM-KISAN. Other key services that will be offered during the camp are: Resolution of cases related to violation of fragmentation law Administrative sanction for farm access roads (Panand rasta) Issuance of house-site (patte watap) Processing of e-measurement applications Registration/updation under Agristack and PM-KISAN Furthermore, Maharashtra Minister Bawankule also added that the core philosophy of the drive is that the administration must reach the people to deliver services, reducing time, travel and expenses for citizens. The preparatory phase will be held from February 18 to March 5. Camps are scheduled on March 7 and 14, April 10 and 17, and May 8 and 15, with implementation to be monitored daily at the state level. District Collectors will head district committees, while a state monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the Revenue Minister will oversee progress and accountability.
20 February,2026 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo days after meeting Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde at his official residence Nandanvan in Thane, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday said he would be meeting CM Devendra Fadnavis, stressing the need for dialogue between political parties in the larger interest of the state. आपल्याकडे आता पूर्वीसारखं राजकारण राहिलेलं नाही. आम्हाला जर काही सांगायचं असेल काही चांगल्या गोष्टी करून घ्यायच्या असतील, तर भेट घ्यायला नको का ? उद्या मी मुख्यमंत्र्यांनाही भेटेन. - मा. राजसाहेब ठाकरे pic.twitter.com/r7vYISGbFn — MNS Adhikrut - मनसे अधिकृत (@mnsadhikrut) February 20, 2026 Amid political speculation over his recent meeting with Shinde and his proposed meeting with the CM, Thackeray said politics in Maharashtra has changed and that constructive engagement should not be viewed negatively. “You no longer have the kind of politics you used to. If we have something to say, if there are some good things that need to be done, shouldn’t we meet?” he said, adding that he would meet the CM on Saturday. Raising concerns over urban planning and migration, Thackeray questioned the unchecked growth of cities and the strain on infrastructure. “There is a city. How many people can live in that city? Are we going to give it any shape or form? Anyone can go anywhere and start living in any city. This is not possible,” he said. The MNS chief said such issues should be discussed jointly by the state and Central governments, warning that cities could face serious consequences if growth remains unregulated. Referring to the political climate in Maharashtra, Thackeray said there was earlier a culture of engagement after elections, but that practice has faded. He urged both the ruling party and the opposition to adopt a balanced approach. “The government should correct itself where it is wrong. Tomorrow we may be in the government; we should do the same,” he said, adding that governance should ultimately benefit the people of the state. On Wednesday, Thackeray had paid a courtesy visit to Shinde at the latter’s Nandanvan residence in Thane. According to Shinde’s office, the two leaders discussed various issues in what was their first meeting after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.
20 February,2026 03:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1771597733765_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Mumbai celebrates Pride 2026 with music, dance, and colourful solidarity. Pic/Ashish Raje")
-1771581965049_d.png "Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. File pic")
