Mumbai woke up to hazy conditions on Friday, with the visibility likely to improve as the day progresses, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its latest weather update. According to the weather bureau, the sky will remain clear in the afternoon through the evening, causing temperatures to rise steadily. The maximum temperature is likely to hover at 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 19 degrees Celsius, indicating warm daytime conditions with relatively cooler early mornings. The combination of morning haze and clear skies later in the day is typical of the ongoing winter transition period, with no significant change in weather conditions anticipated over the next 24 hours. According to data from the SAMEER app, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Mumbai stood at 118 on Friday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Pollution levels varied significantly across locations, with Bandra-Kurla Complex recording an AQI of 133, Borivali East 78, Byculla 126, Andheri East 152, Chembur 107, Colaba 106, and Kandivali West 128. Ghatkopar registered an AQI of 129, Kandivali East 116, Malad West 148, and Mazgaon 127. Air quality improves slightly in Delhi but AQI remains in 'poor' The air quality in Delhi improved slightly on Friday morning, with the overall air quality index (AQI) recorded at 226 ('poor') at 8 am, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, news agency ANI reported. On Thursday, the AQI was 241. On Friday morning, several areas of the national capital were blanketed by a thin layer of fog, despite which various locations witnessed considerable improvement in air quality, with the AQI in the 'moderate' category. 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'. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the minimum temperature in the national capital is likley to be 9.4 degrees Celsius. There has been a surge in the minimum temperature by up to 1-2 degrees Celsius. (Inputs from ANI)
14 February,2026 09:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo manage the increased demand during travel seasons, Indian Railways has announced an extension of 34 Special Trains on popular routes. The extension aims to provide passengers with more travel options and reduce congestion on key routes. This extension ensures smoother travel for passengers on key routes connecting cities like Bikaner, Sainagar Shirdi, Hisar, Khadki, Ajmer, Daund, and Solapur. With more trains available, passengers can plan their trips during busy travel periods without facing overcrowding. Weekly Special Trains extended Several weekly trains have been extended to run for additional weeks: Bikaner–Sainagar Shirdi (04715): Previously running every Saturday until 28 February, it will now continue until 28 March 2026 taking 4 trips. Sainagar Shirdi–Bikaner (04716): Previously running every Sunday until 1 March, now extended to 29 March 2026 taking 4 trips. Hisar–Khadki (04725): Previously running every Sunday until 22 February, now extended to 29 March 2026 taking 5 trips. Khadki–Hisar (04726): Previously running every Monday until 23 February, now extended to 30 March 2026 taking 5 trips. Ajmer–Daund (09625): Previously running every Thursday until 26 February, now extended to 26 March 2026 taking 4 trips. Daund–Ajmer (09626): Previously running every Friday until 27 February, now extended to 27 March 2026 taking 4 trips. Ajmer–Solapur (09627): Previously running every Wednesday until 25 February, now extended to 25 March 2026 taking 4 trips. Solapur–Ajmer (09628): Previously running every Thursday until 26 February, now extended to 26 March 2026 taking 4 trips. Note: Timings, routes, halts, and train compositions will remain the same. Booking and reservation made easy Bookings for Special Train nos 04716, 04726, 09626, and 09628 will open on 16 February 2026 at all computerized reservation centers and on the IRCTC website for trips within the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP). Bookings for journeys beyond the ARP will open on the corresponding subsequent ARP dates. Tickets for unreserved coaches can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers can also use the RailOne app to book tickets conveniently.
14 February,2026 09:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway has announced that it will extend the periodicity of its Special Trains and operate them as Special Trains, Holi Specials, and Summer Specials to manage the extra rush of passengers. A total of 1,448 train trips will run under this arrangement, including 328 Holi Special trips, 148 Special trips, and 972 Summer Special trips. “Passenger convenience is our priority,” officials said, adding that these trains will cover popular routes connecting cities like Mumbai, Solapur, Pune, Kalaburagi, Nashik, and Hadapsar Several weekly trains, including the Solapur–Mumbai and Solapur–Anakapalle services, will continue as Holi Specials, Special Trains, and Summer Specials until July 15, 2026. Daily trains on busy routes like Solapur–Daund, Kolhapur–Pune, and Badnera–Nashik will also be extended under the same plan. The timings, routes, halts, and train compositions will remain the same. Read ahead for further details. Weekly Special Trains Several weekly trains have been rescheduled to run under this extended program: Solapur–Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai (01435), previously running every Tuesday until 24 February 2026 will now operate as a Holi Special from 3 March to 31 March 2026, as a Special Train from 7 April to 14 April 2026, and as a Summer Special from 21 April to 14 July 2026, totaling 20 trips. Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai–Solapur (01436), previously running every Wednesday until 25 February 2026, it will run as a Holi Special from 4 March to 1 April 2026, as a Special Train from 8 April to 15 April 2026, and as a Summer Special from 22 April to 15 July 2026, also totaling 20 trips. Solapur–Anakapalle (01477), previously running every Friday until 27 February 2026, it will operate as a Holi Special from 6 March to 27 March 2026, as a Special Train from 3 April to 10 April 2026, and as a Summer Special from 17 April to 10 July 2026, totaling 19 trips. Anakapalle–Solapur (01478), previously running every Saturday until 28 February 2026, it will now run as a Holi Special from 7 March to 28 March 2026, as a Special Train from 4 April to 11 April 2026, and as a Summer Special from 18 April to 11 July 2026, totaling 19 trips. Daily Special Trains Several daily trains will also continue to operate up to 15 July 2026 with the same arrangement. They will run as Holi Specials from 1 March to 31 March 2026, as Special Trains from 1 April to 14 April 2026, and as Summer Specials from 15 April to 15 July 2026. The daily trains include: Solapur–Daund / Daund–Solapur: Train nos 01461 and 01462, 137 trips each. Solapur–Kalaburagi / Kalaburagi–Solapur: Train nos 01465 and 01466, 137 trips each. Hadapsar–Harangul / Harangul–Hadapsar: Train nos 01487 and 01488, 137 trips each. Kolhapur–Pune / Pune–Kolhapur: Train nos 01024 and 01023, 137 trips each. Badnera–Nashik / Nashik–Badnera: Train nos 01211 and 01212, 137 trips each. Reservation details Passengers can book tickets for these Special Trains (except train 01478) starting 16 February 2026 at all computerized reservation centers and online at IRCTCfor trips within the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP). Bookings for journeys beyond the ARP will open on the corresponding subsequent ARP dates. Tickets for unreserved coaches can be booked through the UTS system. Passengers can also use the RailOne app to book their tickets.
14 February,2026 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Police have registered a case at Mulund Police Station in connection with the collapse of a parapet segment from the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line-4 that killed one person and injured three others on Saturday afternoon. As per latest updates, the case has been filed under Sections 105, 110, 324(5), and 3(5). Further investigation is on. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has imposed immediate financial penalties of Rs 5 crore on contractor RAJV Milan Infra and Rs 1 crore on the General Consultant consortium comprising DB Engineering & Consulting, Hill International Inc and Louis Berger Consulting Private Limited, citing prima facie responsibility. The action is subject to the findings of a detailed inquiry. As per latest updates, vehicular movement on Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road resumed on Saturday evening after being shut for nearly seven hours following an accident. Senior Police Inspector (Traffic), Mulund-Bhandup Division, Mahesh Tambe, confirmed that the accident spot has now been cleared and the stretch reopened to traffic. The mishap took place around 12.15 pm near Pier P196 on the Wadala–Kasarvadavali corridor, close to Mulund Fire Station. A portion of the parapet segment fell on a passing autorickshaw on LBS Road in Mulund West. Four persons were injured and shifted to a nearby hospital. One of them succumbed to injuries, while the remaining three are undergoing treatment. MMRDA said that it will bear the complete medical expenses of the injured and provide financial assistance to the family of the victim on priority as per policy. Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse: MMRDA launches high-level probe MMRDA has also constituted a high-level inquiry committee headed by Basavraj M Bhadragond, director (projects), to determine the precise cause of the segment collapse. The committee will examine construction methodology, quality control systems, supervision mechanisms, contractor compliance, and third-party oversight processes. A detailed report has been sought on priority. Immediately after the incident, the project team secured the area, barricaded the affected stretch and commenced a detailed structural safety assessment in coordination with BMC, disaster management authorities, local police and fire brigade officials, MMRDA said. Additional Metropolitan Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal and other senior officials inspected the site, directed precautionary measures, visited the injured at the hospital, and arranged for an independent assessment by a team from Fortis Hospital, the authority further stated. Construction activity on the concerned stretch has been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure. Addressing reports on social media, MMRDA also clarified that certain circulating visuals pertain to a previously flagged location that is geographically separate from Pier P196 where Saturday’s incident occurred. This aspect will nevertheless be examined during the inquiry to ensure complete transparency, MMRDA said. In a statement, MMRDA said: “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident near Pier P196 of Metro Line 4 and express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. The safety of citizens remains our highest priority. MMRDA remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest safety standards in execution of all infrastructure projects.”
14 February,2026 07:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA portion of a parapet segment of the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line-4 collapsed in Mulund West on Saturday afternoon. One person has been killed in the incident while thee others have sustained serious injuries. In a press statement, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority said, "The incident occurred today at approximately 12:15 pm near Pier P196 of Metro Line construction works in the Rajiv (Milan) stretch, close to Mulund Fire Station, where a portion of a parapet segment fell from height and struck a passing auto rickshaw and a Skoda car." Four people were injured in the incident and were rushed to Upasani Hospital. As per information shared by the hospital operator, while one person was declared brought dead. The victim has been identified as Ramdhan Yadav. One of the injured, Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45), has been admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. His condition is said to be critical. The other injured have been identified as Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52) and Deepa Ruhiya (40). Their condition is said to be stable. An incident occurred today at approximately 12:15 pm near Pier P196 of Metro Line construction works in the RAJV (Milan) stretch, close to Mulund Fire Station, where a portion of a parapet segment fell from height and struck a passing auto rickshaw.Two individuals sustained… — MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) February 14, 2026 The Mumbai Metro project team is at the site working on relief operations and securing it in close co-ordination with the civic body and disaster management. As soon as the incident was reported, the authorities concerned rushed to the spot. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), police, metro staff, ward officials, and ambulance services were mobilised for rescue and relief operations immediately. Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse: Incident happened due to MMRDA's negligence, claims MLA Meanwhile, legislator Mihir Kotecha, slamming MMRDA, said, "The incident happened due to MMRDA's negligence. Instead of four hooks, only two were used to lift the part of the bridge. We have evidence to prove that. This is negligence of contractor. We have asked for suspension of the contractor." Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the victim. The state will also bear the medical expenses of the three injured. Expressing profound grief, CM Fadnavis ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, particularly those in critical condition, and assured full support to the affected families. Mayor Ritu Tawde and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi rushed to the site after learning about the incident to oversee the rescue and relief operation.
14 February,2026 06:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has announced immediate financial relief of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the victim of the Mulund slab collapse incident. A parapet wall slab from the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line-4 girder bridge collapsed onto vehicles on LBS Road in Mulund on Saturday afternoon killing one person. According to latest information, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also said that the state will bear the entire cost of medical treatment for the three injured in the incident. The mishap occurred around 12.15 pm near pier 196, close to Mulund Fire Station and the Johnson and Johnson factory. The falling slab struck a passing autorickshaw and a Skoda car, causing heavy damage to both vehicles. One person, identified as Ramdhan Yadav, was killed in the incident. Three others sustained injuries: Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav (45, critical and admitted to ICU), Mahendra Pratap Yadav (52, stable), and Deepa Ruhiya (40, stable). Expressing profound grief, CM Fadnavis ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, particularly those in critical condition, and assured full support to the affected families. Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse: Aaditya Thackeray slams govt The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), executing the Metro Line-4 project, confirmed that the metro construction team is actively at the site, coordinating relief operations and securing the area in close collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and disaster management authorities. An official probe has been initiated to ascertain the exact reasons behind the structural failure. Meanwhile, the opposition has strongly criticised the government over the incident, raising serious concerns about safety standards, quality control, and oversight in Mumbai's ongoing metro expansion projects. Attacking the state government, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray criticised the handling of the Mulund metro slab collapse and pointed to previous incidents involving metro infrastructure. He recalled that a wall had collapsed and the then newly inaugurated Metro Line-3 had got flooded amid heavy rains last year, questioning whether the BJP-led dispensation would blacklist the contractor responsible for Saturday's mishap. "Not likely- may be it'll show a penalty of a few lakhs and let the contractor get more tenders," Thackeray said. "If you notice, pillars are already painted- before the work was completed. This will cost the state some crores and then once work is finished, crores again to do them up," he added. (With PTI inputs)
14 February,2026 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA high-level inquiry committee has been formed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) after a parapet segment from the under-construction Metro Line-4 corridor collapsed in Mulund West on Saturday afternoon, an incident that MLA Mihir Kotecha alleged was caused by negligence on the part of the authority and its contractor. “The incident happened due to MMRDA's negligence. Instead of four hooks, only two were used to lift the part of the bridge. We have evidence to prove that. This is negligence of contractor. We have asked for suspension of the contractor,” Kotecha said. The incident occurred at around 12.15 pm near Pier P196 on the Wadala–Kasarvadavali stretch, close to Mulund Fire Station. A portion of the parapet segment fell from height and struck a passing autorickshaw, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three citizens. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where their condition is being closely monitored and necessary medical assistance is being provided. MMRDA has said it will bear the complete medical expenses of the injured, while financial assistance will be disbursed on priority as per applicable policy. The project team reached the site immediately and secured the area. The stretch has been barricaded, and a detailed structural safety assessment has commenced in coordination with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, disaster management authorities, local police, and fire brigade officials. The inquiry committee, headed by Basavraj M Bhadragond, director (projects), MMRDA, will investigate the precise cause of the parapet segment collapse. It will examine the construction methodology, quality control protocols, supervision mechanisms, and compliance records. A detailed report has been sought on priority. Mumbai Metro Line-4 slab collapse: MMRDA clarifies social media visuals pertain to different location MMRDA clarified that certain reports circulating on social media referring to visuals of a previously flagged location are incorrect. According to the authority, the present incident occurred near Pier No P196, while the visuals relate to a different and geographically separate location within the corridor alignment. This aspect will nevertheless be examined as part of the inquiry to ensure transparency. As a precautionary measure, construction activity at the immediate stretch has been temporarily halted pending preliminary findings. “Public safety remains paramount,” MMRDA stated, adding that strict accountability will be ensured based on the inquiry findings and appropriate corrective measures will be implemented to prevent recurrence.
14 February,2026 06:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will commence cement concretisation work on Nepean Sea Road from Mukesh Chowk to Priyadarshini Park from February 17, marking the first phase of upgrading this key arterial stretch in south Mumbai. In the initial phase, a 770-metre section (27.45 metres wide) will be concretised. The entire road spans 1,950 metres (including a 200-metre bridge portion), with an overall concretisation of 1,750 metres targeted. The Mumbai civic body has received the no-objection certificate from traffic police and aims to complete this phase before the monsoon. Temporary traffic diversions, partial road closures, and alternative routes will be implemented to maintain smooth flow during construction. BMC has appealed to citizens and local residents to cooperate with the administration and follow all displayed traffic and safety instructions to reduce inconvenience. The project forms part of Mumbai civic body’s broader road concretisation initiative. In Phase-1, 77 per cent of targeted work has been completed, while Phase-2 stands at 52 per cent, achieving an overall 63 per cent progress. Mumbai civic chief directs officials to ensure strict timelines and high-quality execution BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to ensure meticulous road-wise planning, strict adherence to timelines, and high-quality execution. Deputy Commissioner (Zone D) Manish Valanju recently reviewed the Nepean Sea Road project, He was joined by local corporators Ajay Patil, Sunny Sanap, Snehal Tendulkar, and Gaurang Jhaveri, Deputy Chief Engineer (Roads) (City) Dr Vishal Thombre, Assistant Engineer Hulavale, and Senior Police Inspector (Traffic) Nilesh Kamble. The BMC administration has urged public cooperation during the work period to ensure safety and minimal disruption. Updates on traffic arrangements and progress will be shared as the project advances, the civic body stated.
14 February,2026 05:20 PM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that the trade agreement between India and the United States will benefit Indian farmers by opening up a large new market in America. Speaking at the Maha Pasudhan Expo organised by the state animal husbandry department in Parli, Fadnavis dismissed claims that the deal would harm Indian agriculture. He said that a new American market has been made available for our country as a result of the trade deal but some people and parties are spreading misinformation. He assured farmers that no agreement would be signed if it negatively affected their interests. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stand, he said no pact would ever harm India’s farmers, dairy, or agriculture sectors. “We will not open any sector for America or Europe that will adversely impact our farmers or dairy and agriculture,” Fadnavis asserted as per PTI reports. Rumours behind soybean price fall The Chief Minister claimed that misinformation had already affected market prices. According to him, soybean prices dropped by Rs 500 per quintal due to rumours. “Soybean was getting a good rate. But some people spread rumours, and it fell by Rs 500 per quintal,” he said as per PTI reports. Fadnavis assured farmers that there would be no imports of soybean or cotton that could damage domestic markets. “I assure farmers that no soybean or cotton will come from outside,” he added. Concerns over farming patterns and cattle decline Fadnavis also spoke about changes in farming patterns. He said that increased cultivation of cotton and soybean has resulted in smaller farm holdings. This has created fodder shortages and led to a decline in cattle numbers. He stressed that cattle play a key role in organic farming. According to him, cattle help reduce investment costs and increase farmers’ income. The Chief Minister also highlighted efforts to promote products made from cow urine and dung, including paint and medicines. He warned that excessive use of chemical fertilisers is making agricultural land barren. He noted that farmers are increasingly recognising the importance of native cow breeds. Government plans to boost animal husbandry The state government plans to promote fodder production so that farmers can access it at lower prices. Fadnavis said Maharashtra is also working to boost poultry farming, cattle rearing, and fish farming. The aim is to increase the growth rate of the animal husbandry sector from the current 4–8 per cent to 25 per cent with the help of government schemes. At present, the animal husbandry sector contributes 2.8 per cent to Maharashtra’s GDP. Minister Pankaja Munde said Maharashtra currently ranks: fifth in milk production, seventh in egg production and third in meat production To improve output, the state is focusing especially on increasing milk and egg production. “If the industry gets support and subsidies, it will do wonders,” she said. The Chief Minister emphasised that while new international markets are opening up, the state government remains committed to protecting farmers’ interests and strengthening the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors. (With PTI Inputs)
14 February,2026 04:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo critically injured golden jackals were rescued from separate locations near Karnala and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in a coordinated operation involving the Forest Department, local NGOs and animal lovers. The wild animals have been shifted to the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) in Mumbai for advanced medical treatment and rehabilitation. According to rescuers, both jackals were found in serious condition and required urgent intervention. They are currently undergoing treatment under the supervision of associate veterinarians Dr Priti Sathe and Dr Kirti Sathe at RAWW. Initial medical procedures have been carried out, and diagnostic tests have been conducted. Officials said they are awaiting detailed reports to assess internal injuries and complications before initiating further treatment. Golden jackals are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act Golden jackals are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which provides the highest level of legal protection to wildlife species in India. The species is commonly found in mangrove forests and surrounding habitats, particularly in coastal regions. Forest officials and wildlife volunteers have urged citizens to immediately inform authorities if injured wildlife is spotted, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves.
14 February,2026 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavThe Maharashtra State Election Commission has ordered the suspension of a polling officer and a police constable in Solapur for allowing a minor boy to enter a polling booth with his father, a candidate in the Zilla Parishad election. A video went viral on social media last week, which showed a 14-year-old boy, accompanied by his father, allegedly casting a vote at the Yashwant Nagar polling station in Akluj during the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections on February 7. As per PTI, the video saw NCP (SP) candidate Arjun Sinh Mohite Patil's son is seen standing next to him inside a polling booth, pressing the EVM button.The SEC, in a letter to the Solapur collector on February 10, stated that permitting a child inside the polling compartment was a violation of election rules. Based on a preliminary report from SEC, the poll body found negligence in election duty by polling officer Anna Savata Budhe and police constable Gajanan Sitaram Rajut, who were deployed at the booth. The SEC has ordered the immediate suspension of both officials and departmental disciplinary proceedings against them. The commission further stated that an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident, naming Mohite-Patil, and directed the collector to send a factual report on the status of the case and subsequent action. Zilla Parishad elections: Probe ordered as Shiv Sena MLA votes in presence of minor son in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar A probe has been ordered after Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Vilas Bhumre took his minor son inside an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) booth during Zilla Parishad elections in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, officials said on Sunday, reported the PTI. The incident took place in Paithan taluka of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, they said, adding that the act violated election rules related to secrecy and voting procedures. The incident took place on Saturday at the Pachod polling booth. In the video, which later went viral on social media, both Bhumre and his son can be seen with ink marks on their fingers. When questioned by reporters, Bhumre, who is the MLA from Paithan, played down the issue. He said his son had accompanied him and wanted ink on his finger while Bhumre was being marked after voting. “My son is very small. How will he understand anything about EVMs and its buttons? He only came with me,” Bhumre said, according to the PTI. District collector Dilip Swami said action was taken after he came to know about the incident through the viral video and media reports. “I have called the concerned officer in Paithan taluka and asked for a detailed report. I have also sought an explanation about who allowed the child to enter the EVM booth and have his finger inked,” Swami said, the news agency reported. He added that action would be taken against officials found responsible for the lapse.
14 February,2026 02:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT