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Railway cops increase vigil following Pahalgham terror attack in Kashmir
The Railway Police in Mumbai has increased vigilance at the prominent stations in Mumbai following the Pahalgham terror attack that took place in Kashmir on Tuesday. The Central Railway’s dog squad along with the police officials were seen checking the CSMT railway station premises on Wednesday. The police personnel were seen checking the luggage of the passengers and conducting random checks at the CSMT platforms. The security has been intensified across in Mumbai after the Palgham terror attack. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Central Railway has intensified security measures at CST station.Dog squads were seen conducting thorough checks of the premises as part of heightened vigilance across Mumbai. Credits: @khanshadab1982 #Mumbai #CentralRailways… pic.twitter.com/evmNSqm47V — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 23, 2025 The Mumbai Police is also on 'high alert' following Tuesday's Pahalgam terror attack, which has left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. “It is to inform that all Senior Police Inspectors and Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) are instructed to remain more alert and vigilant in their jurisdiction,” Akbar Pathan, DCP (Operation), Mumbai Police said on Tuesday night, hours after the deadly Pahalgham terror attack in Kashmir. On Tuesday afternoon, terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Kashmir's Pahalgam town. The attack is said to be the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike. The dead included two foreigners and two locals, a high-ranking official said. The toll is still being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said while describing the terror attack as "much larger than anything we've seen directed at civilians in recent years". Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar on Tuesday night to review the security situation in Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said. Meanwhile, in light of the incident, the district authorities have appealed to citizens to inform them immediately if they know anyone from the Thane district who may currently be in Pahalgam. People can contact the administration through the following numbers: - 9372338827 / 7304673105 A 24/7 help desk has also been set up in Srinagar for tourists, while the district headquarters has established an emergency control room and assistance desk to help those in need. - Landline Help Numbers (Srinagar): 0194-24836510194-2457543 - WhatsApp Help Numbers: 77808051447780938397 The district administration has assured that support will be provided to anyone affected by the tragic event," the officials said.
23 April,2025 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pahalgam terror attack: 3 tourists from Dombivli in Maharashtra among victims
Three tourists from Dombivli in Maharashtra were among those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said on Wednesday. The three victims from Dombivli have been identified as Hemant Joshi, Sanjay Lele, and Atul Mone. They were residents of Navapada, Pandurang Wadi, and Nandivli areas of the city, the officials said. According to an official statement, a tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including three from Dombivli in Maharashtra’s Thane district. It said that the attack, which occurred on 22nd April, was carried out by the terrorists who opened fire on tourists in the popular hill station in Kashmir. The official statement said that the Thane district administration is supporting the families of the deceased and is working to provide them with all necessary help. Senior state leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, and District Collector Ashok Shingare are closely monitoring the situation. In light of the incident, the district authorities have appealed to citizens to inform them immediately if they know anyone from the Thane district who may currently be in Pahalgam. People can contact the administration through the following numbers: - 9372338827 / 7304673105 A 24/7 help desk has also been set up in Srinagar for tourists, while the district headquarters has established an emergency control room and assistance desk to help those in need. - Landline Help Numbers (Srinagar): 0194-24836510194-2457543 - WhatsApp Help Numbers: 77808051447780938397 The district administration has assured that support will be provided to anyone affected by the tragic event," the officials said. Meanwhile, apart from Maharashtra, among the 26 people who were brutally killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack, three people were from Gujarat, said the officials. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said that the state government is in constant touch with the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government to bring back the bodies. The people from Gujarat have been identified as Shailesh Kalathiya from Surat, Yatish Parmar and his son Smit Parmar from Bhavnagar. "Three persons from Gujarat -- two from Bhavnagar and one from Surat -- were killed in the attack, while two were injured. The victim hailing from Surat lived in Mumbai. We are in touch with the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government to bring back the bodies. We have also started efforts to bring back other tourists who survived the attack," Patel said. As per officials, Kalathiya (44) who belongs to Chikuwadi area in Surat city, shifted to Mumbai a few years back after he was transferred there.
23 April,2025 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Tourist from Panvel killed, another injured in Pahalgam terror attack
A tragic terror attack in the Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir claimed the life of a tourist from Panvel and left another critically injured. The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Dilip Desale, while 42-year-old Subodh Patil, who sustained serious injuries, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Srinagar. A tourist from Panvel, Dilip Desale (45), was killed in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, while Subodh Patil (42), sustained critical injuries and is being treated in Srinagar. The tragic incident has left the family in shock, with relatives also raising concerns about high… pic.twitter.com/xmYcBKtn6d — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 23, 2025 Both victims were part of a 39-member tourist group organized by Panvel-based travel company Nisarg Paryatan Tours. The group included 34 tourists from Panvel, two from Uran, and three from Thane. Local BJP MLA Prashant Thakur visited the bereaved family in New Panvel and extended his condolences. “We are deeply saddened by this incident. The government must ensure full support for the victim’s family and extend all necessary help to the injured,” he said, assuring medical and logistical assistance. Meanwhile, Desale’s family is grappling with logistical challenges amid grief. A relative expressed concern over the soaring cost of airfare as they try to travel to Kashmir and bring the body back. “We have booked tickets, but the return flights are showing extremely high fares,” the relative said, requesting anonymity. The family remains in a state of shock, with little information about the condition of Desale’s wife, Usha Desale. Government sources have confirmed that Dilip Desale’s body is being flown back to Mumbai on an Air India flight and is expected to arrive by this afternoon. Fadnavis speaks to kin of Maharashtra victims of J-K terror attack, assures all help Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has spoken to the families of people from the state who were targeted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and assured all help to them. Also, the Maharashtra government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to arrange a special flight to bring back the bodies of five persons from the state killed in the terror attack, a release from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office said on Wednesday. Fadnavis in a post on X on Tuesday night said he had spoken to the families of some tourists from Nagpur and Pune who were injured in the terror attack and assured them of all help. Deputy CM Shinde had a telephonic conversation with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, requesting to arrange for a special flight to bring back the deceased and facilitate the return of their relatives to Maharashtra.
23 April,2025 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan
Mumbai weather updates: High heat and humidity persist, air quality remains good
The city continued experiencing hot and humid weather on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature reaching 34.9 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a clear sky on Wednesday, April 23. Temperatures will range from a cool 25 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 35 degrees Celsius during the day. The sun rose at 06:19 AM and will set at 06:57 PM. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 34.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "mainly clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'good' category On April 23, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 108 at 10:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'moderate' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 119. Sewri, Malad and Borivali recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 112, 106 and 110, respectively. Byculla, Kurla and Worli recorded 'moderate' air quality, with an AQI of 110, 135 and 116, respectively. Meanwhile, Kandivali recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 79. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 118, while Thane registered a 'good' AQI of 100. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'.
23 April,2025 10:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pahalgam terror attack
Mumbai: Security beefed up across city following Pahalgam terror attack
Security has been significantly intensified across the city in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people and left several others injured. “All DCPs and Senior PIs have been instructed to remain on high alert and maintain increased vigilance within their respective jurisdictions,” said Akbar Pathan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations). Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the police have stepped up patrolling efforts across the city. “All zones are on high alert. Patrolling has been increased and bandobast arrangements are being tightened. We are fully alert,” a police official stated. Security has also been beefed up near key public spaces. “Bandobast has been intensified at major locations such as CSMT, Bandra, and Marine Drive,” the official added. Police forces are maintaining heightened vigilance citywide, particularly at popular tourist spots, bus stands, and other crowded public areas. “Officers have been deployed at all major points and instructed to remain vigilant at all times,” said the official. Tragically, at least four individuals from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have been confirmed dead in the Pahalgam terror attack. “Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi, and Sanjay Lele—all residents of Dombivli—have been declared dead by hospitals in Kashmir,” a senior police officer confirmed to Mid-Day. Another victim, identified as Dilip Disale, a 64-year-old resident of Khanda Colony, has also been confirmed dead. “Dilip Disale, who had travelled to Kashmir, succumbed to his injuries as confirmed by hospitals in the region,” the officer said. Fadnavis speaks to kin of Maharashtra victims of Pahalgam terror attack, assures all help Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has spoken to the families of people from the state who were targeted by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and assured all help to them. Also, the Maharashtra government has requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to arrange a special flight to bring back the bodies of five persons from the state killed in the terror attack, a release from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's office said on Wednesday. Terrorists struck a prime tourist location at Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 persons and injuring several others, according to officials.The deceased included two foreigners -- from the UAE and Nepal -- and two locals, officials said. Fadnavis in a post on X on Tuesday night said he had spoken to the families of some tourists from Nagpur and Pune who were injured in the terror attack and assured them of all help. Deputy CM Shinde had a telephonic conversation with Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, requesting to arrange for a special flight to bring back the deceased and facilitate the return of their relatives to Maharashtra.
23 April,2025 10:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva Agashe
Five tourists from Maharashtra killed in Pahalgam terror attack: Eknath Shinde
Five tourists from Maharashtra have lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, said a statement from the office of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Deputy CM has requested Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to arrange a special flight to evacuate stranded tourists from Maharashtra. Responding to the appeal, the Union Minister assured Shinde that once the list of stranded individuals is shared with the Ministry, efforts will be initiated to transport them to Mumbai as a priority, reported news agency ANI. "Five tourists from Maharashtra lost their lives in the recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had a phone conversation with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu regarding arrangements to bring them back to the state. During the conversation, Shinde requested Naidu to arrange a special flight to bring back the tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Jammu and Kashmir. Accepting the request, Naidu assured that once a list of the stranded tourists is provided, arrangements will be made to bring them to Mumbai via a special flight. The DCM's request has been accepted," the statement said, reported ANI. Among the five deceased in the attack, three persons hailed from the Dombivali area of Thane district of the state, said the District Information Officer of Thane. The deceased have been identified as Hemant Joshi, Sanjay Lele and Atul Mone. One of the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack, Atul Mone, was a Senior Section Engineer in Indian Railways, reported ANI. The district administration is trying to help the families of these 3 deceased persons. The district administration has issued helpline numbers to help Thane residents who are stuck in Kashmir after the terror attack, the official added. Apart from these casualties, several tourists hailing from Maharashtra were also injured during the Pahalgam terror attack. A statement from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' office stated that two people, one from Nagpur and another from Pune, had been injured in the incident. The Chief Minister has assured the state government that it will provide all possible assistance to the tourists The who are stranded in Pahalgam. Taking to social media post on X, the CMO wrote, "A family from Nagpur was present at the site during the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Upon hearing the sound of gunfire, they jumped off the mountain in panic, during which Simran Rupchandani was injured after slipping and suffered a fracture in her leg. Tilak and Garv Rupchandani were also with her. All three are safe. They have been contacted and are being provided with all necessary assistance." In another post, the CMO wrote, "Santosh Jagdale from Pune sustained bullet injuries in the cowardly terrorist attack in Kashmir and is currently undergoing treatment. It has also been reported that his wife was injured. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to their family members in Pune over the phone and assured them of all possible assistance from the state government." Earlier on Tuesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that the attack was aimed at derailing Jammu and Kashmir's path towards progress and development. Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasised that neither Jammu and Kashmir nor the rest of India would be deterred by such acts of terror. "Esi shaktio ko kuchalna, ye Bharat janta hai," he asserted, adding that the people of India know how to crush such destructive forces. The incident, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage across the country, with several political leaders condemning the attack. Security agencies are on high alert following the incident, and a probe is underway to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and paid condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice. "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected," PM Modi said. "Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies following the Pahalgam terror attack. Home Minister Shah reached Srinagar on Tuesday evening for the security review meeting. He said earlier that those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared. Meanwhile, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. Delhi Police has also been instructed to keep a close watch on tourist places and other important places. (With inputs from ANI)
23 April,2025 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra: Cabinet nod for housing stock to accommodate PAP
As Mumbai is witnessing largescale infrastructure and development work, the state government cleared a proposal to ensure that housing stock is created for project-affected people (PAP). On Tuesday, the state cabinet gave its nod to make changes in the housing policy. An expert committee, which was formed to study the issue, in its report suggested creating a large number of housing stock to accommodate (provide shelter to) PAP. In another development, the cabinet also cleared the proposal to give those in the fishing business, except for processing units, a status equivalent to agriculture. According to the release issued by CM Devendra Fadnavis’s office, fishermen and those in fish farming will benefit from facilities like water, electricity, and various concessions that are given to farmers by the government. However, the government made it clear that these changes would not apply to those in the processing industry. States like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Karnataka have given agricultural status to this sector, which has led to a significant increase in their fish production. Now, with similar benefits extended to those with fish farms, the state expects to increase its fish production, too.
23 April,2025 08:16 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Dialysis rate hike in Pune could cut sessions by nearly one-third
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health department is facing criticism for recommending a hike in dialysis treatment rates under its Urban Poor Medical Assistance Scheme. However, PMC health officials have denied claims of any misunderstanding among citizen activists. Citizen activists argue that the proposed hike could place an additional burden on the civic health budget and result in significant out-of-pocket expenses for economically weaker patients. Vivek Velankar, president of Sajag Nagrik Manch, has issued a detailed notice to the PMC Municipal Commissioner. In it, he alleges that the newly appointed committee disregarded the recommendations of a previous expert panel and arbitrarily increased the per-session dialysis rate. He has demanded an immediate rollback of the revised rates. PMC operates two key health schemes: the Urban Poor Medical Assistance Scheme and the Contributory Medical Aid Scheme, which cater to current and retired staff, corporators, and residents of slums and low-income areas. Dialysis services are offered through eight civic centres run in partnership with private entities, as well as 37 empanelled private hospitals. Dialysis rates, however, vary significantly among these centres. While hospitals such as Ruby Hall, Poona Hospital, and Krishna Hospital charge around Rs 1350 per session, others like Ratna Hospital demand up to Rs 2900. PMC reimburses hospitals based on their individual rates, leading to inconsistencies in expenditure and inequities in service delivery. To resolve the issue, PMC’s health department, with approval from the then additional commissioner, formed an expert committee on January 19, 2024, to rationalise dialysis charges. The committee, which included senior experts and a Government of India advisor, submitted its report on March 13. It recommended a maximum rate of R1130 at PMC-private centres and Rs 1350 at empanelled hospitals, inclusive of all consumables, ensuring quality and financial sustainability. PMC Assistant Health Officer Dr Sanjeev Wagare said, “I suggest that activists study the recommendations properly. Earlier, dialysis was charged at R1350, with additional fees for the dialyser, tubing, and necessary injections. The committee proposed a uniform rate of R1950 that includes all these charges. The committee also included officials from Sassoon Hospital and private hospitals.” Velankar, however, criticised the PMC for what he described as a "shocking U-turn." He said, “Despite having a comprehensive expert report, PMC’s health department constituted a second committee on November 22, 2024—eight months later. This new committee ignored the previous findings and proposed a steep hike, setting the dialysis rate at Rs 1950, nearly 50 per cent more than what was earlier recommended.” He further pointed out that many major hospitals, including Ruby Hall and Poona Hospital, continue to charge Rs 1350 per session, questioning the need for any increase. “The new rate seems designed to benefit a few private hospitals that charge higher fees. It’s a misuse of public funds and a blow to poor patients,” he said. Under the existing scheme, PMC allocates upzx to R2 lakh annually per patient for dialysis. At the earlier rate of Rs 1350, a patient could undergo around 148 sessions a year. With the new rate of Rs 1950, the same budget would only cover approximately 102 sessions—a reduction of 46 sessions annually. Once the Rs 2 lakh cap is exhausted, patients would have to bear the remaining costs themselves. For low-income families, this could result in treatment discontinuation or severe financial distress. “The financial burden of these inflated rates will ultimately be borne by taxpayers and the civic health budget,” Velankar added. Sajag Nagrik Manch has urged the PMC commissioner to reject the second committee’s recommendations, citing the economic harm it would cause. They called for the immediate adoption of the first committee’s rational, data-backed proposals, asserting that the revised rates are unnecessary, unjust, and harmful to both the civic body and the urban poor.
23 April,2025 08:13 AM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Mumbai: Opposition spreading lies about Waqf (Amendment) Act, says Kiren Rijiju
Defending the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Union government hit back at the Opposition for allegedly spreading a fake narrative over changes made to the Waqf Act, 1995. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed Congress and members of the Communist Party for claiming that the law was amended to seize masjid and kabristan properties. “The amendments are aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties,” the Union minister stated, while addressing the media in Mumbai on Tuesday. Stating that there are 9.72 lakh Waqf properties in India, Rijiju said they were not being used for the welfare of underprivileged members of the Muslim community. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working to uplift the poor, and changes to the Waqf rules were nothing but an effort to pass on the benefits to members of the community. “People were robbed and deprived of their rights. But, PM Modi is working hard to give these rights to those who deserve them. That’s the reason people have voted Modi-ji to power for the third consecutive term,” Rijiju added. Early this month, after fierce debate, the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government passed the amendment Bill in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Shedding light on the amendments, the Union minister made it clear that changes have been made to ensure that Waqf properties function with proper management and documentation. “Now that the Act has been amended, we will draft the rules accordingly,” he said. Several Muslim leaders and Opposition parties claim that the bill, which seeks to regulate endowments, is “unconstitutional’ and infringes on the rights of the minority community. The changes have been challenged in the Supreme Court. The apex court will now hear the case on May 5. Speaking about widespread protests against the amendments to the 1995 law, the minister said a negative picture was being created by those who view the community as a vote-bank. “One should not be under the wrong impression that all Muslims are against the changes made to the Act. Many of them have come forward to welcome the changes and have even thanked the government for making it happen,” the minister added. Rijiju went on to warn the Opposition that his government was coming out with a list detailing how Waqf properties had been “looted and the Muslim community had been robbed of its rights”.
23 April,2025 08:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Mumbai: Citizen forum calls public meet to discuss issues with BEST bus services
The big red bus, Mumbai's transport saviour on numerous occasions, 'four-wheeled hero' of the commuting landscape, especially in the monsoon season, now needs some saving itself. Aamchi Mumbai, Aamchi BEST (AMAB), a citizens' forum pushing for a publicly-owned, affordable, accessible and decent bus transport in the city, has invited people for a public hearing/meeting on the BEST on April 26 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, opposite BMC building (CST) at Azad Maidan. The deficits The AMAB cited in its invitation, doing the rounds on social media, that there is a “worsening crisis in the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST)”. It added, “In 2017, the BEST management and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared Mumbai's public service as inefficient and loss-making and introduced private operators as a way of reducing its mounting deficits. However, the AMAB stated that this policy has ‘worsened the situation’, as apart from BEST's deficits (which continue to mount), the bus service is faced with all the problems that private operations have unleashed on commuters and citizens, such as defaulting contractors, breakdown of buses, discontented workers, inconvenienced commuters and inadequate and poor-quality services.” Hussain Indorewala, co-convenor, AMAB The AMAB added, “The public hearing aims to bring together individual commuters and organisations from different parts of the city, document their experiences with public transport, trace the root causes of the present crisis, and find solutions which are pro-people and sustainable.” The awareness Vidyadhar Date, convenor AMAB, clarified, “When we say solutions, you must realise that not everything is automatic or instant. The public meeting is about creating awareness that the big red bus needs to be saved. Life for commuters will be miserable without these buses. We need to find our voices and have a platform to express our views.” When asked about the Metro that is and will add a new dimension to Mumbai's transport, Date insisted, “Travelling via Metro means one will have to switch different lines to the destination. So, the BEST bus is the mode of transport that gives complete connectivity.” Date added that with decreasing buses, etc “the public transport system will be systematically killed and motorised options encouraged”. Answering a specific question about the financial problems of the BEST, Date said, “It is the state government that has to take full responsibility for the service. A substantial amount has been given to the Metro, why not funds to the BEST? It is unjust to favour one mode of transport over another.” The crunch Co-convenor of AMAB, Hussain Indorewala said of the financial crunch besetting the bus service, “It is important to remember that the financial crisis of BEST is a creation of the authorities, the BEST management and the BMC. The financial crisis will disappear if the BMC agrees to subsidise and operate BEST as a part of its budget, which it is legally mandated to do anyway. But the plan seems to be to manufacture a crisis and through it a pretext to hand over operations to contractors, force people out of buses and into metros, and hand over BEST land to builders.” Our demands Indorewala added, “We should all demand that BEST be restored as a fully publicly operated service (no contractor operated or private buses), that the number of buses should be increased to at least 6000, that bus lanes are provided on major routes and used primarily for buses, that the BMC operate BEST as part of its budget, and that the plans to sell depots to builders (euphemistically called ‘monetisation’) should immediately be withdrawn.” In the end, Indorewalla said about the ‘jan sunwai’: “We will be preparing a report of people's testimonies as well as comments of the panellists at the meet and submit a report to the authorities.” ‘Jan Sunwai’At: Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh, opposite BMC building, CSMTOn: Saturday, April 26From: 3 pm to 6 pmEntry: Open; no registration needed
23 April,2025 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal Ashar
Bombay High Court forms panel for ways to make airports senior citizen friendly
There cannot be any laxity, negligence and sufferance on basic requirements of senior citizens and specially-abled persons at the airports, the Bombay High Court said on Tuesday while appointing a special panel to examine the issue. A division bench of Justice G S Kulkarni and Justice Advait Sethna set up a three-member special committee to examine from every angle the issues faced by senior citizens and specially-abled people at airports, and submit a report to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The panel would be headed by former Andhra Pradesh High Court judge Goda Raghuram, consumer activist Shirish Deshpande and a representative from the DGCA. The bench said it was really concerned over the issues and problems faced by senior citizens and specially-abled people and even those who need wheelchair facilities at the airports, and added that one of the most fundamental human requirements was that appropriate facilities for ‘persons in need’ were provided by the airlines/airport operators. The court said there was nothing adversarial in the order and that a thorough deliberation was required on the issue of facilities, including wheelchairs at the airports for senior citizens and specially-abled persons. The DGCA has fairly supported the cause and expressed its willingness to deliberate on such issues, which day in and day out vitally affect thousands of air travellers, so as to have an appropriate mechanism and for a lead model to be introduced and followed, which can even achieve an international recognition, the court said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
23 April,2025 07:50 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies