Amid a wave of rumours about petrol and diesel running dry, a ground check across Mumbai on Wednesday shows no signs of panic or shortage. Fuel stations across the city report steady supply, normal sales, and no unusual rush, even as misinformation continues to circulate. Fuel supply remains steady at the Matunga Auto Indian Oil pump The Petrol Dealers Association in Mumbai, which represents nearly 150 pump owners, confirmed there has been no disruption in supply, even in the four weeks since the West Asia conflict began. What’s actually happening on the ground Ashok Chedda, owner of Matunga Auto Indian Oil‘We are operating as usual and with no supply shortage from Indian Oil. We haven’t seen any surge as well. Sadashiv Serigar, manager, Taximan BP pump‘The only moment of panic came earlier this week. On Monday, a few nearby pumps had delayed deliveries, so people rushed to us and queues built up. But that was temporary. There is no shortage.’ Operations resume at a Bandra fuel station after a temporary halt caused by a technical fault Kamlesh Ghadhe, supervisor, Bandra‘A brief shutdown at an HP pump added to the confusion. We had a technical fault in the machine, so we paused for a few minutes. It had nothing to do with fuel availability’ Motorists aren’t buying the panic Alauddin Siddiqui, Santacruz resident‘I commute daily for work and I fill fuel daily of around R120-150. I have no insecurity about any shortage, it’s all hoax, the government will ensure that these necessary fuels don’t go dry.’ Aarzoo, a Vashi resident‘I haven’t experienced any shortage across Navi Mumbai to Bandra, I commute a lot daily thus I always fill a full tank, otherwise there is no panic buying from my end.’ Vinay Raul, Vile Parle‘I haven’t felt any panic or fuel shortage yet, few pumps which naturally get larger footfalls due to their location get busy during peak hours, such as Adarsh BP in Vile Parle East, but apart from these select cases there seems to be no scarcity or long queues that I have experienced so far.’ Voices Chetan Modi, president of the association‘There is no shortage in Mumbai. All our pumps have ample supply,” said, . ‘Some pumps may briefly run dry, but that’s usually due to delays in placing advance orders, especially over weekends, not because of any supply issue.’
26 March,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Sarthak MehtaIn the name of God Customers shop for religious-themed fabrics ahead of Ram Navami in Lalbaug Stirring change in the kitchen A moment from the cooking challenge. Pics Courtesy/Veruschka Foundation Talk about scaling up. The third season of Cook for Change Challenge hosted by the Veruschka Foundation spread across four cities —Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, and Pune. “We are championing skill development and disability, and inclusion in the food and hospitality sector. We aimed to show that for students that skill development in the food and hospitality industry is as beneficial as any other degree,” shared founder and CEO, Dr Tatyana Dias (left). With rounds held at RPH Institute of Hotel Management, BGS Institute of Hotel Management, Excellence Education Academy, Goa; and DPGU School of Hospitality in Pune, produced 12 finalists and four wildcard participants. “Pune took the first spot, the team from Goa was second, while Mumbai finished third,” Dias added. When Dev Patel went unnoticed Dev Patel. Pic Courtesy/Instagram AMIDST a crying baby, annoyed uncles, and a few upbeat GenZers on holiday, a certain familiar Hollywood face was returning from Jodhpur to Mumbai earlier this week. While on a return flight back into the city on Tuesday afternoon, this diarist spotted actor-filmmaker Dev Patel quietly waiting at the gates of the Jodhpur airport. The talk is that the actor was busy shooting for his upcoming project, The Peasant, in the Blue City. Quiet, and surrounded by a few close members of the squad, the actor hung back till the rest of the crowd had boarded the plane. While the BAFTA award-winner still maintained his distance, it is a miracle that only a few people recognised him on the flight. Talk about going stealth. Matheran mystery You’ll never guess who just checked in to Matheran. In Shabnam Minwalla’s (inset) eerie new murder mystery, Death Comes to Matheran (HarperCollins India), quite literally. The new title follows a daughter’s quest to unveil an eleven-year-old mystery around her father’s death in the hills. “I have always been fascinated by the slippery nature of memory — the utter randomness of what we remember, what we forget, what we misremember. I also enjoy the game that writers of murder mysteries play with their readers. I thought it would be interesting to bring the two together in this book,” Minwalla shared. This high-altitude drama is already giving us the chills. A knight in Mumbai A collection of books on display; visitors at the new space The Himalayan Club moved to a new space in Mahalaxmi. With mountaineer and 19-time Himalayan expeditioner and CBE Sir Chris Bonington in attendance, the opening of the space was certainly special. Sir Chris Bonington (in white) inaugurates the new Himalayan Club space “He had been invited for the Himalayan Adventure Festival, and agreed to attend the opening,” shared mountaineer Divyesh Muni, vice president of the club. “We are looking to build it into a space that adds new media, podcasts to reach out to a younger generation, and spread awareness,” added Ketan Jani, honorary secretary. Honey! Don’t create a buzz A view of Cave 26 in Ajanta. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons The officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) looking after the world-famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora have got more than one bee in their bonnets with visitors who have quite an impressive fragrance routine, apparently. Over the last few weeks, forest officials discovered that visitors to the famed Ajanta Caves in the area were facing attacks from bees. A PTI report stated that forest officials confirmed the presence of three honeycombs — one near cave 26, and two near cave 10. The solution? Skip the perfume. “We have decided to launch an awareness campaign for tourists visiting the Ajanta cave complex. Visitors are advised not to use strong perfumes, as these attract bees. They should also avoid speaking loudly. To spread the message, banners will be put up in the cave area within the next couple of days,” the official was quoted in the report.
26 March,2026 08:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayCaptain Virendra Vishwakarma and his 33-strong crew, whose tanker had been stuck near the Strait of Hormuz amid the war in West Asia since March 2, were rescued by the Indian Navy on Tuesday night. The vessel, escorted by two Navy ships and a helicopter, is expected to reach Deendayal Port in Gujarat’s Kutch district on March 28. How skipper and crew were rescued Captain Virendra Vishwakarma, who is commanding the tanker Captain Vishwakarma has been in contact with the Indian authorities since the war started on February 28. According to his wife, on Tuesday night, the vessel got the green signal from the Indian Navy to depart, following talks between Iranian officials and their Indian counterparts Thwarted departure The vessel, which is carrying enough liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to fill at least 35 lakh domestic cylinders, was loaded at Mina Al Ahmadi Port in Kuwait and was to depart for Deendayal Port on March 2, but it could not proceed from Mina Saqr, a major deep-water seaport in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, as its route was restricted due to hostilities between Iran and Israel and the United States Wife relieved (From right) Captain Virendra Vishwakarma, his wife Nilpa and their children Nirvi and Vedansh in happier times. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT “Thanks to the Indian Navy, the ship crossed the war-torn Strait of Hormuz. My husband received directions over calls till Muscat, Oman. At that point, two Navy ships and a helicopter joined the vessel. I am overjoyed that my husband is returning to India,” said Nilpa Vishwakarma. “Every year, my kids and I would sail with my husband, but this time, I dropped the plan. I am grateful to the Indian Navy and the Indian government for bringing my husband and his crew safely back home,” she added. March 2Day vessel was to originally depart for Gujarat
26 March,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Harish IyerThe much-awaited Vani Rani mini train service, inaugurated over a week ago at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), has been brought to a halt due to a technical fault in the engine. As a result, tourists visiting the park for the ride are being forced to return disappointed without experiencing the attraction. An empty mini train station after services were suspended due to a technical issue. Pic/By Special Arrangement SGNP Deputy Director Kiran Patil said, “A faulty engine component has been identified and will be procured from Ahmedabad. It is expected to be replaced in both trains by Thursday, following which services are likely to resume.” A SGNP official said Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited, which had been awarded the project, has been asked to make a submission in writing about the issue that led to the temporary suspension of the services. The restoration An empty station after services were suspended due to a technical issue. Pic/By Special Arrangement Over Rs 43 crore has been spent on the purchase of the toy train and the civil work related to the same. The new toy train is battery-operated, and visitors are afforded a view of the park through vista-dome coaches. Around 70 to 80 people travel in the three coaches of the toy train, and the services will help boost SGNP’s revenue generation. When the toy train is operational, it operates in the morning every 30 minutes from 9 am to 12 pm. In the afternoon, it follows the same frequency from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm The inauguration Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal rides the Vani Rani with school children on March 14, the day of its inauguration. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI The Van Rani was inaugurated on March 14 and operated smoothly for the first few days. Many tourists who visited the park during this period expressed joy at being able to experience the mini train ride. The toy train, which first ran in 1970, was originally operated using a diesel engine and was a big hit among young visitors, with its three bogies plying a 2.7-km stretch. However, the mini train and its infrastructure sustained significant damage during Cyclone Tauktae in May 2021, rendering it non-operational. Visitors speak A visitor who spoke on condition of anonymity‘Train services have been suspended for over two days. I was told by a friend that one of the trains developed a technical glitch midway during a round and had to be brought back in reverse to the station’ Dr Anita Rane Kothare, who visited SGNP with eight others‘This is unfortunate. We had planned to ride the newly launched Van Rani, but were shocked to learn it was suspended due to technical issues. Many visitors like us had come specifically for this’
26 March,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavDo 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 March 26. Aries March 21 – April 20Usually, not getting agitated when small issues resurface results in cosmic vibes settling down peacefully once again. Cosmic tip: Be happy but don’t share news with anyone. TaurusApril 21 – May 20Some last-minute touches are required in a presentation. Discussing an issue with family helps. Cosmic tip: Keep strengths in mind when discussing present happenings. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Turning to family for emotional strength is all that’s needed to simplify a situation. The Tarot highlights property.Cosmic tip: Don’t waste time grieving for what didn’t manifest Cancer June 22 – July 23Having proved to be a master in the present profession; you want to spread knowledge further by getting engrossed in an allied field.Cosmic tip: Pursue what makes you happy and fulfilled. Leo July 24 - Aug 23Consider all pros and cons before making up your mind about an unexpected job offer.Cosmic tip: Be aware of a karmic reaction to each and every action, words thought about or spoken. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A creative mental challenge is what you look forward to (it becomes reality soon). Singles enter a karmic cycle for marriage. Cosmic tip: Set in place future goals for career/business. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22There’s amusement at a message received, but this is actually meant in all seriousness. A time for career enhancement begins. Cosmic tip: Make as much time for friends as is possible. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22A better karmic cycle begins for those who want to improve career/business with decisions in sync with karma. Cosmic tip: Listen to advice given by those who are considering what’s good for you. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Friends insist on meeting, but there’s no way possible to get away earlier from work. Keep breathing measured and calm if feeling stressed.Cosmic tip: Don’t over-react to what people say or do. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Consciously follow-up with an initial meeting with a potential client. Involve a junior to help with smaller tasks.Cosmic tip: Make intelligent use of this positive karmic cycle that encompasses all aspects of life. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Enjoying many new experiences in altered circumstances is the universe’s way of patting you on the back.Cosmic tip: Carefully understand this new insight of life and circumstances. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20A little bit of possessiveness is manageable, but don’t overdo it either. Financial abundance is a cosmic gift.Cosmic tip: Enjoy this comfortable and slow-moving pace life gifts to you.
26 March,2026 03:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseIn a proactive move to maintain law and order during the festive season, a route march was carried out on Wednesday, March 25, within the jurisdiction of Manpada Police Station in Dombivli. The march, organised as part of preventive security measures ahead of Ram Navami, commenced at 7:00 pm from Lodha Junction and proceeded through several key locations. Furthermore, the route covered Kalubai Chowk, Bhavani Chowk, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Nilje Station, and Casario Palava, before concluding at Ganesh Ghat (Lodha Heaven) at approximately 8:10 pm. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dombivli Division) Suhas Hemade was present during the operation, overseeing the deployment and coordination of personnel. According to police officials, the march involved a team of seven officers and 35 constables. Additional support was provided by Peter Mobile and CRM Mobile units, along with beat marshals who assisted in monitoring the area. Officials stated that the primary objective of the route march was to ensure public safety, instil confidence among citizens, and prevent any untoward incidents during the upcoming festival. Mumbai Police returns stolen valuables worth Rs 2.12 crore to citizens In a major citizen-centric initiative, Mumbai Police on Tuesday returned stolen and recovered valuables worth over Rs 2.12 crore to their rightful owners under zone 6. The programme was conducted on Tuesday under the guidance of Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, with participation from all 10 police stations in the zone, including Chembur, Govandi, Nehru Nagar, Chunabhatti, Trombay, RCF, Mankhurd, Deonar, Shivaji Nagar, and Tilak Nagar. Officials said that the initiative aimed to reunite citizens with their lost or stolen belongings recovered during investigations into cases such as theft, housebreaking, and mobile phone snatching. Stolen property worth Rs 2.12 crore recovered As per the official statement from Mumbai police, property worth Rs 2,12,27,000 was handed over to the complainants. The recovered items included gold ornaments, a mangalsutra, and a large number of mobile phones. Notably, Trombay Police recovered 10 grams of gold worth Rs 1.6 lakh, while Chunabhatti Police retrieved a 12-gram mangalsutra worth Rs 1.8 lakh in a snatching case. Additionally, around 800 mobile phones, collectively valued at Rs 2.08 crore, were returned. The distribution ceremony was held in Govandi, where Additional Commissioner of Police (Eastern Region) Dr Mahesh Patil handed over the recovered items to the beneficiaries.
25 March,2026 11:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA 28-year-old woman, identified as Yamini Suvare, died after being hit by a tanker at Sindhuwadi Junction on M.G. Road in Chembur (West) on Wednesday night around 7:15 pm. According to police, Suvare, a resident of Pantnagar, was walking at the junction when the incident occurred. Police said that after the traffic signal turned green, the tanker driver moved the vehicle in a negligent and reckless manner without ensuring the road ahead was clear, leading to the fatal collision. The accused driver has been taken into custody. Police are in the process of registering a case under relevant sections of the law and further investigation is underway. Further details are awaited.
25 March,2026 10:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerA detailed probe into the Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse that happened on February 14 near Mulund has found serious procedural violations and inadequate supervision responsible for the fatal incident. The incident occurred when a precast parapet segment collapsed onto a busy road, killing one person and injuring three others. The deceased has been identified as Ramdhani Yadav. A penalty of Rs 5 crore has been imposed on the contractors for negligence. The family of the deceased, identified as Ramdhani Yadav, has been paid Rs 15 lakh by the authority, with an additional Rs 24.5 lakh compensation from the contractor. Medical expenses of the injured have also been covered; one has been discharged, while two remain stable. According to the preliminary incident report prepared by a special intensive safety inspection team, a copy of which is with mid-day, the accident occurred when a welder engaged by the contractor inadvertently cut temporary supports of a newly erected parapet segment before stitch concreting had been completed, rendering the structure unstable. The segment subsequently fell from the slab level to the ground. The probe found no structural design flaw, material defect or workmanship issue in the precast element. Instead, it cited a string of lapses: no written authorisation prior to support removal, absence of joint pre-removal inspection, lack of engineering verification or Request For Information (RFI) clearance, and no defined dismantling checklist. Investigators also noted the absence of any tagging or colour-coding system to distinguish completed segments from incomplete ones, which contributed to the error. Crucially, the report flagged inadequate site supervision, stating that instructions were not properly conveyed and critical activities were carried out without oversight. It also pointed to reliance on verbal instructions and the absence of a permit-to-remove support system. Following the incident, the project authority constituted special inspection teams and ordered corridor-wide safety audits. A set of corrective measures has been mandated, including strict permit systems for support removal; joint inspections involving site, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) and safety engineers; mandatory toolbox talks; dedicated supervision for dismantling works; and implementation of tagging/colour-coding protocols. Authorities have directed the contractor and the general consultant to replace the team responsible for the contract package and ensure compliance before work resumes. Construction activity on Metro Green Line 4 has been temporarily scaled down, with only safety-related works permitted until compliance is verified. The final detailed investigation report is awaited.
25 March,2026 10:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe Government of Maharashtra on Wednesday constituted a high-level task force to examine the growing impact of social media usage among minors and recommend regulatory and policy measures to safeguard their well-being. As per the Government Resolution (GR) issued March 25, the decision, by the General Administration Department (Information Technology), comes amid rising concerns flagged in the recent economic survey by the Ministry of Finance. The GR also highlighted the adverse effects of excessive social media use on the mental and physical health of children. Rise in children’s mental health raises concern As per the official statement, Maharashtra is home to nearly 4 crore children below the age of 18, making the issue critical for the state’s long-term social and developmental outcomes. The report by the Indian Psychiatric Society has also pointed to a significant rise in mental health issues among minors, further underlining the urgency of intervention. Maharashtra Government forms 13-member expert task force As per the GR, the state government has also formed a 13-member expert task force to assess the impact of social media use among minors, take regulatory measures and formulate state-level policies. The task force will assess the following aspects: Nature and extent of social media use among minors. Impact on the mental health, physical health and behaviour of minors. Impact on the education, intellectual development and social skills of a minor child. The impact of digital advertising on minors. Study of national and international policies regarding the regulation of social and digital media. Differences in conditions between rural and urban areas. Analysis of results by gender, income group and family background. Recommendations regarding necessary legal, administrative and technical measures. To suggest a suitable strategic plan for the state of Maharashtra. Task force to conduct field visit The task force will conduct a field visit along with the above assessment within the prescribed period and submit its report along with recommendations to the government. Furthermore, based on the recommendations received, the government will take further necessary decisions to ensure that child protection, education, digital empowerment and positive use of technology remain uninterrupted. Members of the task force As per the official statement, the newly formed task force will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the School Education and Sports Department, with the Women and Child Development Department serving as co-chair. It also includes senior officials from public health, information technology, law and judiciary, and home departments, along with representatives from academia, schools, NGOs, and social media platforms. Experts from institutions such as the University of Mumbai will also be part of the panel.
25 March,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has achieved financial closure for its infrastructure projects for the financial year 2026–27, following a major boost from the Maharashtra government in the form of large-scale land transfer. As per the official statement, the state government has transferred 33,954.61 hectares of government land to MMRDA free of cost under the Class-1 category. The move is expected to significantly strengthen the authority’s ability to raise funds and accelerate infrastructure development across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Officials further said the transfer will enable land monetisation, emerging as a key mechanism to mobilise resources for ongoing and upcoming mega-projects. Currently, infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 3 lakh crore are underway in the region, including metro networks, tunnels, integrated transport systems, and new urban zones. Land spread across three districts The land parcels are distributed across 1,324 villages in multiple districts: Thane district: Key allocations include areas in Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Ambernath, and Thane Raigad district: Land spans across Panvel, Alibag, Pen, Uran, Karjat, and Khalapur Palghar district: Includes areas in Palghar and Vasai Focus on infrastructure and urban growth The official statement from the MMRDA further highlighted that the land will be utilised for a range of development activities such as infrastructure projects, transit-oriented development (TOD), logistics parks, economic hubs, housing, and planned urban expansion. MMRDA officials also noted that the move will reduce dependence on loans while ensuring sustainable funding for projects. It is also expected to generate new revenue streams and boost regional economic growth. NITI Aayog extends support With support from NITI Aayog, MMRDA is working to transform the region into a global economic hub under its ‘growth hub’ strategy. Furthermore, the authority’s flagship initiatives, including ‘Mumbai 3.0’ and ‘Mumbai in Minutes’, aim to modernise infrastructure and improve connectivity across the metropolitan region. The successful financial closure not only ensures uninterrupted funding for ongoing projects but also reinforces investor confidence in MMRDA’s long-term development roadmap, positioning the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as one of India’s fastest-growing urban corridors.
25 March,2026 09:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway, on Wednesday, successfully completed a 10-hour special traffic and power block to carry out key infrastructure upgrades at Thane railway station and Dombivli railway station, paving the way for longer 15-coach suburban trains. The block, executed overnight between March 21 and 22, was undertaken on both up and down local lines. As per the official statement, the work was carried out at platforms 1, 2, and 3 (CSMT end) at Thane and platforms 1A, 1, and 2 at Dombivli. Major works at Dombivli Extensive track and infrastructure modifications were completed at Dombivli. These included dismantling and installation of Point No. 125W and commissioning of a new crossover connected to 150 metres of newly laid track. Track slewing of 4-5 metres was undertaken to create space for platform extensions. Furthermore, the railway teams also dismantled seven overhead equipment (OHE) masts and portals, shifted critical cabling along the Down Local Line, and carried out the unloading of 13-metre panels using 11 BRN waggons with two diesel locomotives. Also, the scrap removal and other preparatory works were executed despite space constraints. Key upgrades at Thane station At Thane station, work focused on the Down Local Line, where crossover No. 148A/B was dismantled and reinserted after shifting approximately 60 metres using heavy machinery, including Hydra, JCB, and Poclain equipment. Additionally, tamping of turnouts and crossovers at points nos. 135B, 146A, 148A, and 148B were carried out. These upgrades will enable further shifting of turnout ladder No. 149A/B and support the extension of platforms 3 and 4. Workforce and execution The operation saw the deployment of 380 contractual labourers and 120 railway staff, supervised by 14 officers. Heavy machinery such as seven JCBs, two Poclain machines, and four dumpers were used to ensure the timely completion of the work. Towards 15-coach suburban services According to Central Railway, similar traffic and power blocks will be conducted in phases to support the ongoing expansion project. The initiative aims to accommodate 15-coach suburban trains, significantly enhancing passenger capacity and easing congestion on Mumbai’s busy suburban network.
25 March,2026 09:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
