A decades-old iron bridge over the Indrayani River at Kundmala near Talegaon Dabhade in Pune district collapsed on Sunday afternoon, triggering shock and panic across the region. The incident occurred around 3.30 pm when the bridge was packed with over 100 tourists enjoying the early monsoon. So far, 38 people have been rescued, six are in intensive care, and two bodies have been recovered. Rescue operations are ongoing, with nearly 45 to 50 individuals feared to have been swept away by the strong river currents, intensified by recent rains. Heavy footfall According to eyewitnesses, the bridge suddenly gave way under the weight of the crowd. Around 125 tourists were reportedly on the structure when it collapsed. Many remained trapped for hours. At least three individuals are believed to be trapped beneath submerged sections of the bridge A survivor said, “We were just posing for photos when the bridge gave way beneath our feet." Swapnil Kumar, another witness, said, “The tourists were all standing in the middle when the bridge suddenly collapsed. A few fell in, some were left hanging. We pulled out those we could." The bridge, once a key pedestrian link for surrounding villages, had become a popular weekend destination for visitors from Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Mumbai. It was especially favoured for pre-wedding photoshoots. Emergency response Two National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams comprising 50 personnel were immediately deployed, confirmed Deepak Tiwari, Second-in-Command of the NDRF’s 5th Battalion in Pune. Multiple emergency services responded swiftly, including Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) fire brigades, local disaster teams, and medical units. Injured individuals were rushed to nearby facilities, including Pawana Hospital, Mimer Hospital, and Atharva Hospital in Somatane Phata. According to official reports, 18 people were injured, six of them critically. At least three individuals are believed to be trapped beneath submerged sections of the bridge. Cranes are now being used to remove the twisted metal remains. Neglected warnings Preliminary investigations suggest the bridge was in a severely dilapidated condition. Though a warning sign had been placed, no barricades or active monitoring were in place. Local residents report that vehicles were still being allowed to cross despite visible rust and structural damage. No crowd control or safety arrangements had been made, even during peak tourist hours. Two NDRF teams comprising 50 personnel were deployed at the site. Pics/By Special Arrangement A local villager said, “The bridge was meant only for pedestrians. We’ve warned people repeatedly that it was unsafe, but no one listened. Today, it was overcrowded and shaking, but tourists were still busy taking selfies." Local leaders have confirmed that no structural audit had been conducted in recent years, and the absence of safety measures significantly contributed to the tragedy. Government Response Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar called the incident “deeply painful and extremely unfortunate.” He assured that a thorough investigation would be carried out and strict action taken against those found negligent. “Preliminary reports indicate the bridge was in a dangerous condition and poorly maintained. I have directed the administration to investigate the matter urgently,” he said. He also urged the public not to believe in rumours and to rely only on verified information from official sources. “All necessary medical support will be provided to the injured,” he added. Search efforts hampered Authorities confirmed that some victims may still be trapped under debris. Water Resources and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan, who visited the site in the evening, told reporters, “It is difficult to confirm how many people are missing at the moment. An extensive search is underway.” Local MLA Sunil Shelke and Pune Divisional Commissioner have also reached the site. The administration is working in close coordination with the District Collector, police superintendent, and other key officials. An alert has been issued across Pune and adjoining areas to keep disaster response teams on standby. MLA Sunil Shelke stated, “This bridge was built 30 years ago to facilitate the movement of farmers. It collapsed under the excess weight of tourists and two-wheelers. Two people have died.” He added, “We used to repair the bridge from time to time, but it wasn’t designed for such heavy footfall.” 125Approximate no. of people who were on the bridge during the collapse
16 June,2025 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalThe idea of a new cricket stadium that can hold 1,00,000 people in or near Mumbai has gained momentum. The office of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the state sports department to identify suitable locations for the new venue — one that will be designed along the lines of the Wankhede Stadium. On May 16, Fadnavis expressed his willingness to allot land to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to build a new stadium in Mumbai with a seating capacity of 1,00,000. Within a week, the administration started moving on ground. Five days after the announcement (on May 21), Vikas Kharge, additional chief secretary to the chief minister, wrote to the additional chief secretary of urban development to immediately initiate the process to ensure implementation of the announcement at the earliest possible. On June 5, a letter was sent to the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services, directing the department to proceed with the action required to complete the formalities. “The sports and youth services department has been asked to submit the report on this to the CM’s office,” a senior Mantralaya official said. CM Devendra Fadnavis at an event on May 16, where he spoke of new stadium. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Last month, during a function organised by MCA at the Wankhede Stadium to name stands in honour of India cricket captain Rohit Sharma, former captain Ajit Wadekar and veteran politician Sharad Pawar, who is said to have contributed a lot to cricket, Fadnavis called for having another stadium in or near Mumbai. During his speech at the Wankhede Stadium, Fadnavis took a moment to reflect on his close relationship with the late Amol Kale (former MCA president), who had been a strong advocate for the idea. The CM mentioned that once Kale (then MCA president) and Ajinkya Naik had approached him with the idea and request of developing a second major stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to meet the growing demand for cricket infrastructure and fan engagement. Admitting to the importance of expanding the city’s capacity to host international cricket events, Fadnavis emphasised that the new stadium should be completed within the next four years, in time for the MCA’s 100-year anniversary (2030). “Both milestones, the opening of a new stadium and the celebrations of the centenary year, should go hand in hand,” Fadnavis told current MCA president Naik. Asked about the possible venues, the Mantralaya official said, “As international matches will be hosted and spectators would come to see the matches, the possible site for the stadium should have good infrastructure connectivity (commute as well as other facilities). Accordingly, the process to identify sites within the city or closer to Mumbai is underway.”
16 June,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarTLC for the Gateway Workers sit atop the scaffolding set up for the ongoing restoration works at the Gateway of India Correa’s vision for our times (From left) A view of Kanchanjunga Apartments on Peddar Road. File Pic: A sketch of Charles Correa. Illustration Courtesy/DOULURI NARAYANA, NIYOGI BOOKS As Mumbai continues to battle the monsoon wearily, with its never-say-die attitude, the late Charles Correa would have found it amusing. The architect and urban planner, who passed away on this day (June 16) in 2015, was among the early visionaries behind the idea of Navi Mumbai. “This was back in 1964, when the municipal council had put out a plan for the development of then Bombay,” shared architect Mustansir Dalvi (right), who authored Correa’s biography, Citizen Correa (2024). Recalling instances of Correa’s ideas that assimilated culture and context into design, Dalvi explained, “He always had the idea that architecture in India should be a product of climate, context and culture. In Kanchanjunga, he tried to create a series of apartment blocks into which natural light and air flowed. The interesting shape of the structure is a product of the terraces created; a part of his vision to give every inhabitant ‘a piece of the sky.’ You will be hard pressed to find that today.” Mumbai could do with many Correas today. Natural inks An art work by Nidhi Choudhari IAS officers Nidhi Choudhari (inset) (Maharashtra cadre) and Rajanvir Kapur (West Bengal) cadre seek to change the perception of the bureaucracy with their twin-solo exhibition, Whispers of the Woods, that opens at the Jehangir Art Gallery today. “We are batchmates, and at my exhibition in November 2024, Rajanvir offered to collaborate. We have very different styles, and so, coming together brings a visually interesting mix,” Choudhari shared. The 60 art works on display centre on the idea of nature as core to civilisation. While Choudhari draws on Indian myths to shape her portrayals, Kapur brings to the fore abstract elements of style from Aboriginal Australian to Japanese art. Coffee on canvas An artwork by Shahbaz Khan What better combination than coffee with art? Mumbai’s artist Shahbaz Khan came up with the idea and executed it at a popular coffee shop in Fort. He shared, “I was out for a cup of coffee with my wife. While waiting for it to arrive, I picked up a tissue and started scribbling on it with a pen, and putting down ideas for a new artwork. It struck me that a combination of art and coffee will be great. That’s when I decided to work on the idea.” Tango in Bali Kruti Gandhi Sarda performs with Augustin Miguele at a previous showcase. Pic Courtesy/Instagram Not everyone heads to Indonesia for a holiday. Kruti Gandhi Sarda set a record of sorts by becoming the first Indian to finish on the podium of the Indonesia Tango Championship Preliminaries last Friday. The Mumbai-based dancer finished third, “This is one of the affiliations to the World Tango competition that is open to Asians, and thereby India. I competed in the social tango category, where you change partners as you go. I was among five Indians in the competition. However, to win a podium position at the championship was quite a delight,” the dancer told this diarist. Preserving the past Dr Sophie Lewinchamp guides participants at a workshop. Pic Courtesy/FHF Come July, and Mumbai is the place to be for those interested in the classics. The Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) will join hands with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), with support from the Australian Consulate, to host a three-day workshop on film, paper and photo conservation starting July 16. Led by Dr Sophie Lewincamp, head of conservation and collection management, NFSA and Ashley Manning, audio-visual conservation coordinator, NFSA, the workshops will focus on educating a new generation of conservationists, shared Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder, FHF. “In addition to the workshops, we will also be screening PJ Hogan’s Muriel’s Wedding (1994) and Peter Weir’s The Cars That Ate Paris (1974). It is part of our continued efforts to work and train with people dedicated to film and photo conservation,” he added.
16 June,2025 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Team mid-dayFor four decades, 60-year-old Ramesh (name changed) nurtured flowers under the harsh sun, hoping to secure a solid future for his only daughter. But in March this year, the Rs 51 lakh he painstakingly saved for a “special seat” at a top medical college vanished, along with the con man's facilitator whom he gave it to. An FIR was registered at Sir JJ Marg police station on April 4, and the Crime Branch is now investigating. But the ageing flower seller has already learned the most painful lesson: conmen have no conscience. The 60-year-old flower seller continues working through pain and debt, determined to see his daughter wear a doctor’s coat. Representation pic/istock According to Ramesh, more than one person was involved in the scam. He suspects the participation of individuals posing as JJ Hospital staff. “The main man came in a Mercedes-Benz, wearing a gold bracelet and a thick gold chain. It all looked very legitimate,” he recalled. After the scam was exposed, another man from the group visited Ramesh’s home, trying to pacify him and promise repayment. But when Ramesh warned him not to cheat poor families, the man replied chillingly: “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Do whatever you want. Nothing and no one can touch us. At most, I’ll go to jail — and once I’m out, I’ll restart the business as usual.” Daughter’s karma Despite the trauma, the family held on to a silver lining. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramesh’s daughter had offered free medical aid in Virar and their native village. “She treated patients without charging a rupee. People offered money through Google Pay and all, but she always refused,” said Ramesh, his voice tinged with pride. “That’s her good karma. Maybe that’s why, despite everything, she got into a good college in Lucknow. She applied online and was selected. She’s now in her second year of MD.” Every morning for 40 years, Ramesh left Virar before sunrise, sacks of flowers in hand and one dream in heart. Illustrations/Uday Mohite Ramesh harvests flowers before dawn and used to carry them in sacks from Virar to Mumbai’s flower markets — from Dadar to Matunga — using local trains. All his efforts were for one goal: to see his daughter in a doctor’s coat. On May 15, he turned 60. But instead of celebrating, he mourned the loss of everything he’d worked for. His daughter had dreamed of being a doctor since childhood. Ramesh, who never studied beyond Std 10, sold his ancestral land, his wife’s jewellery, and borrowed heavily from friends to raise Rs 51 lakh. The scam The money was meant to secure a seat at JJ Hospital — not through merit, but via a “facilitator” introduced through her peer group. Some students claimed the man could arrange admissions in high-ranking colleges — for a price. Initially hesitant, Ramesh eventually gave in to his daughter’s desperation. Outside JJ Hospital, he waited. His daughter, inside, filled forms — believing her future was just a signature away The father-daughter duo was called to JJ Hospital for what was said to be the final step. “They were at the premises. The group made the girl fill up forms, sign documents, and assured them that admission formalities were underway,” said a police official familiar with the complaint. Meanwhile, Ramesh was made to wait at the hospital gates. By the time they realised it was a scam, the conmen had vanished with every rupee. A shattered moment Crushed by betrayal, Ramesh’s pain boiled over. “I was so blinded by shock and pain... I hit her,” he confessed, eyes lowered. His wife intervened. “She said, ‘She is our only daughter. If anything happens to her, it will be a real loss. This money will feel like nothing then.’ That’s when it struck me,” he said, breaking down. His leg aches. The trains are harder now but he sells flowers in Virar and Vasai. He says he’ll keep going till his daughter becomes a doctor and every last rupee is repaid Today, Ramesh carries the weight of both old and new debt. “I had to take a fresh Rs 50 lakh loan to pay for her MD. The total fees exceed R95 lakh. I pay R40,000 as EMI each month.” His daughter receives a R40,000 monthly stipend and tries to support him, either by repaying part of the loan or covering term fees. “Things are tough, but we haven’t lost hope. We’re still striving for a better tomorrow,” Ramesh said, quietly determined. Road ahead Until recently, Ramesh commuted from Virar to Dadar daily, but a four-year-old accident left him with a metal rod in his leg. Long train rides have become excruciating. “My leg hurts if I sit too long,” he said. Now, he manages his flower business closer to home, selling in Virar, Vasai, and nearby markets. Still, he refuses to slow down. “I won’t stop working—not until my daughter becomes a full-fledged doctor and I repay every last rupee,” he said.
16 June,2025 07:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerDo 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 June 16. Aries March 21 – April 20Positive karmas of the past bring results. An investment brings good returns. Some consider a compromise if involved in a court case (consider opting for arbitration).Cosmic tip: Keep actions restrained and within limits. Taurus April 21 – May 20Do make a phone call to follow-up on what was discussed a few days ago. Leaving office early is something quite rare and welcome.Cosmic tip: Move out of the comfort zone for progress. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Walking away from a situation is considered as a solution, but have another conversation to discuss issues once more. Cut down on coffee/ tea.Cosmic tip: Keep long term goals in mind when investing. Cancer June 22 – July 23Family property under litigation can be resolved within the family, provided everyone is willing to compromise just a little. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Do whatever is necessary to create some space for yourself. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A new relationship has endless possibilities, but take it slowly. This karmic cycle favours selling property. Looking forward to silent periods feels so good.Cosmic tip: Remember you are a 100% answerable to yourself. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23A karmic cycle for travel begins now. Be diplomatic, sharing information on a need to know basis. Cosmic tip: Remember, life moves on whether happy, sad, extra busy or just enjoying a lazy day. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Some sign a really excellent and renewable contract. Today is not good for making investments or any major decision. Cosmic tip: Spend time alone if generally irritated by people and their mind games. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Jot down all that needs to be completed today, even the most insignificant or mundane chore. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Don’t be judgmental towards people not able to cope with changed circumstances. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Being involved in a barrage of newer networking ideas brings results, whether drawing in more business or seeking employment. Cosmic tip: Hold onto a resolution. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Karma begins an upward moving karmic cycle when plans fall into place. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Share information in an empathic manner, making sure you don’t give the impression of being self-righteous. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Do drink enough water and keep blood pressure under control. Cosmic tip: Mentally and physically leave behind a friend who tries manipulation tactics on people (you don’t want to deal with this any more). Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Reaping what you sow is a karmic truth whether you believe in it or not. Resolve a relationship issue.Cosmic tip: Bring in changes gradually as most people are wary of any sudden alterations.
16 June,2025 03:48 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseGaadi Var Gaadi A mountain of discarded vehicles piled up at the Kurla depot. Blasts and smoke linger Moments and memories of that day when the mood was that of stunned disbelief. File pic/Sameer Markande The Ahmedabad plane crash took this diarist right back to June 2018, when a small plane had crashed in Mumbai’s densely populated Ghatkopar area, falling on an under-construction building. A day later, when one visited Ghatkopar, the lane where the plane fell, known as MTNL galli, had been rechristened as “plane crash galli”. One recalled a duo who were eating snacks sitting near the site speaking about hearing blasts so loud that it nearly blew them off their chair. Even as one spoke, overhead, planes seemed to skim the tops of buildings and residents stated that after that they trembled when they saw aircraft. Many said that the acrid smell of smoke still lingered in their nostrils, and that was most enduring memory, in fact. Our prayers go out to everyone affected. How to be heard Gauri Devidayal, podcaster since 2018, will host one of the sessions Whether you’re a podcasting novice or simply curious about the medium, Podcasting 101: Discover Your Voice, Share Your Stories is your chance to learn from those who’ve done it all. Hosted by Rituraj Singh, Senior Podcast Partner Manager at Spotify India, this immersive one-day workshop on June 21 at Essar House, Mahalaxmi, will walk participants through the building blocks of podcasting, from content ideation to publishing and promotion. Participants will also get a live demo of the Spotify for Creators app and hear from Gauri Devidayal, co-founder of The Food Matters Group and host of Speak Greasy, her fourth podcast, focused on the F&B industry. “In my session, I’ll cover technical aspects like quality audio-video, the content side — what makes a podcast engaging — and how podcasting can build your personal brand,” says Devidayal. Design, pitch, solve The winning team with Tanya K of Austrade, Susie Ho of Monash, and MS Unnikrishnan of IITB-Monash Research Academy Australia's Monash University, in collaboration with JBCN International School, hosted the first Indian edition of the Monash Innovation Guarantee (MIG) Programme last week. The three-day programme brought together 53 learners from Grades VIII and IX across JBCN campuses to tackle real-world challenges through collaboration and innovation. Learners worked on live briefs from organisations, guided by global mentors. The programme culminated in a pitch session judged by an industry panel, with the top team awarded in a closing ceremony. A dose of encouragement for Gill & Co Australia’s Alan Turner in the World Cup final at Lord’s on June 21, 1975. Pic/Getty Images Recently, Daily Dossier had an item on how cricket’s unexpected ways came to light when Australia drew the 1972 series in England after the pundits reckoned Ian Chappell’s visiting team were the worst side to leave Australian shores. Our snippet was aimed at offering the England-bound inexperienced Indian team some hope. The 1972 Australians sprung a surprise with wins in the second Test at Lord’s and the fifth and final Test at the Oval, where the series honours were shared although England kept the Ashes by virtue of their 1970-71 win Down Under. Our in-house cricket nut walked all the way to our desk armed with another example of an unexpected show by Australia after being written off. According to him, the man who didn’t give Australia a chance to do well in the 1975 Prudential World Cup was their captain-turned-broadcaster Richie Benaud. “Our boys [Australia] simply do not have enough experience of this kind of cricket [one-day internationals] which is vastly different to Sheffield Shield matches or Tests. There are defensive aspects of this game in field placings and bowling virtually unknown to our players,” wrote Benaud, who tipped hosts England to lift the trophy. Clive Lloyd’s West Indies took home the Cup, but they had to combat a tough Australian team in the final. As for England, they were beaten by their old enemy in the semi-finals. Shubman Gill & Co, hope you are reading this. Queerness in the printed word Parmesh Shahani Godrej Dei Lab, the diversity and inclusion initiative of the Godrej Industries Group and Westland Books, have taken the initiative to come out with an imprint for LGBTQIA+ communities. Called Queer Directions, the imprint will involve genres like non-fiction, poetry, and eventually, fiction, with publishing house Westland.We will be able to look forward to some memoirs to imaginative narratives for younger readers, Queer Directions aims to build an ever-expanding bridge between queer creators and readers this year. Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Lab and author of Queeristan, will serve as Series Editor for Queer Directions. Shahani said, “The idea is to build a bridge, not a border. At a time when queer rights are being challenged across the world, this imprint stands as both an act of solidarity and a space to nurture fresh, authentic voices from within the LGBTQIA+ communities. It will showcase the rich diversity of queer lives to straight allies and non-queer readers.” Westland Books, which has steadily built a credible LGBTQiA+ list over the years, from Queeristan to recent acclaimed fiction by Unmana and Santanu Bhattacharya, now takes a bold step forward with this focused publishing programme.
15 June,2025 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDA BEST bus conductor was allegedly assaulted by yet to be identified passenger in Mumbai's Chembur area last week, and city transport unions have alleged that the accused have not yet been arrested since the CCTV cameras inside the bus and those at the bus stops were non-functional. The incident took place on June 11, the bus conductor, Balu Suryavanshi, was working on bus route No. 367 (AC) at around 7:40 pm. While the bus was going from Kurla Bus Station East to Gadkari Quarry, a passenger argued with the bus driver. The passenger, after getting down at Swastik Chamber Bus Station, got his friends, chased the bus in an auto-rickshaw, and entered the bus before reaching Gadkari Quarry Bus Stop to attack him. Suryavanshi was allegedly hit on the head and he started bleeding. The passenger and his friends quickly fled the scene. The bus driver immediately took the conductor to the hospital for medical treatment, where Suryavanshi received four stitches on his head. "It is being observed that the number of attacks on bus conductors and drivers has increased. In connection with the above case, when the CCTV in the bus was checked, it was found to be switched off/not repaired. However, the CCTV near the bus stop at Swastik Chamber should be checked, and strict action should be taken against the attackers," Shashank Sharad Rao, President of the BEST Workers’ Union, said. "It is clear from the above incident that the number of attacks on bus conductors and drivers by passengers while they are working has increased. However, so far, no strict action has been taken against any attackers by the BEST administration. Moreover, no protection has been provided to the bus conductors and drivers. We strongly condemn the attack on the subject employee, and we demand strict action against the attackers and a plan to provide protection to the bus conductors and drivers while they are working on the bus route. We request that time be given to discuss the matter urgently," he added.
15 June,2025 08:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMaharashtra on Sunday reported 40 new Covid-19 cases, 22 of them in Mumbai alone, taking the number of positive patients since January 2025 to 2,007 in the state, the public health department's bulletin said. Mumbai has been seeing a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases lately. With addition of fresh cases reported on June 15, the total number of positive patients in Mumbai since January 2025 now stands at 851, officials said. According to the state’s health department bulletin, all patients so far have reported only mild symptoms. Since January 2025, a total number of 28 deaths have been reported in the state, out of which 27 were with comorbidities and one with other disease, officials said. Of these, 27 patients had serious underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, or stroke. One patient was a 47-year-old woman, who had symptoms of fever and shortness of breath, the health department's bulletin stated on Tuesday. It said that as of June 15, 2025, a total of 21,456 Covid-19 tests have been conducted in the state since January, with 2,007 people testing positive. Of these, 1,439 patients have already recovered, bringing the recovery rate to 71.69 per cent. On June 15, Mumbai reported 22 Covid-19 cases, Pune district-2, Pune Municipal Corporation-10, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation-2, Wardha-1, Chandrapur -2 and Nagpur Municipal Corporation-1. The bulletin further said that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been actively monitoring patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). As per recent state-level review instructions: - Regular ILI/SARI surveillance must continue in all districts. - 5 per cent of ILI patients and 100 per cent of SARI patients must be tested for Covid-19. - All positive samples should be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing to track variants. - Public hospitals and medical colleges must stay updated with testing and treatment facilities. "Covid-19 is a viral disease. Currently, ILI /SARI surveillance is being done in Maharashtra. During the survey, such patients are tested for Covid. These Covid patients are being treated regularly after positive report. There is gradual but definite increase in Covid Patients in Maharashtra. Covid patients are showing mild symptoms. Covid testing and treatment facilities are available through the Public Health Department. The public is appealed not to panic," the health department bulletin said.
15 June,2025 08:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has begun the rehabilitation process for families affected by the proposed Thane-Borivali twin tunnel project. The twin tunnel project will be connecting Thane (Tikujiniwadi) and Borivali-Magathane. An official statement said on Sunday, "Around 572 informal homes in areas such as Rupvate Nagar, Milind Nagar, Pharlewadi, SRA projects, and nearby footpaths in the Magathane region will be impacted." It said that to ensure smooth progress of the project, MMRDA is offering three resettlement options to project-affected families (PAPs). All families have been asked to submit their preferred option in writing. Three resettlement choices for affected families- 1- Monetary compensation Eligible families can receive financial compensation based on the size of their current homes, as per MMRDA’s policy. 2- Permanent housing MMRDA will provide ready-to-move flats either at the Borivali Integrated Housing Complex or in the Rental Housing Scheme at Mira-Bhayander. These homes are built by M/s. Gujarat and M/s. Sonam Enterprises. 3- Rehabilitation under SRA scheme Families can also choose to be part of a Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project by M/s. Bhardwaj Developers. In this case, they will get new homes at the same site after redevelopment. Until then, temporary housing will be arranged. "MMRDA has formally informed all affected residents to choose one of the above options and submit their written application to the Authority without delay. Once applications are received, appropriate legal and administrative action will be initiated accordingly," the official statement said. The MMRDA has asked all affected families to submit their choice in writing as soon as possible. Once the preferences are received, further legal and administrative steps will be taken to move forward with the project. For help in submitting applications or for more information, affected residents can contact Deputy Collector Rohini Akhade at 022-26597494.
15 June,2025 08:04 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said that two individuals died while 32 were injured, six of them critically, after the bridge over the Indrayani river collapsed in Pune district, reported the PTI. CM Fadnavis said that six people have been rescued so far, and a search operation is being conducted on a war footing as some people are swept away following the Indrayani river bridge collapse. The incident occurred in the Kundamala area frequented by picnickers, officials said. They said the area has been witnessing heavy rains over the last few days, sending the river in a spate. "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragedy that occurred when a bridge over the Indrayani River collapsed in Indori, near Talegaon in Pune district. According to preliminary information, 2 people have died in this incident. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them. We share the grief of their families," CM Fadnavis said on X. पुणे जिल्ह्यातील तळेगावनजीक इंदोरी येथे इंद्रायणी नदीवरील एक पूल कोसळून झालेल्या दुर्घटनेचे वृत्त ऐकुन अतिशय दुःख झाले. या घटनेत प्राथमिक माहितीनुसार 2 लोकांचा मृत्यू झाला आहे. मी त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करतो. त्यांच्या कुटुंबियांच्या दुःखात आम्ही सहभागी आहोत.या… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 15, 2025 He further said he had spoken with the Divisional Commissioner, District Collector, Superintendent of Police and the concerned Tehsildar. CM Fadnavis said that a search was launched on a war footing as some people were swept away and NDRF has been deployed at the spot. The relief work has been immediately accelerated, he added. "This was an old dilapidated iron bridge that collapsed around 4 PM. According to the preliminary information, 2 people have died and around 5-7 rescued people have been sent to the hospital... NDRF and local police have been deployed for the rescue operation..." said Zone 2 DCP Vishal Gaikwad, according to the ANI. As per officials, the NDRF, Fire Department and police are deployed for search and rescue operations. According to authorities, 10 to 15 people may be trapped in the debris of the bridge collapse that took place under the jurisdiction of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police station. So far, five to six individuals have been rescued and rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency teams deployed at the site. Heavy rains had raised water levels. Local police, fire brigade, and NDRF teams rushed to the site and has launched a massive rescue and relief operation. (with PTI inputs)
15 June,2025 07:11 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentMogarpada in Maharashtra's Thane district is set to become Mumbai’s biggest Metro depot for four key lines after the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Sunday announced that it has secured 174 hectares of land in the area. In an official statement, the MMRDA said that it has officially taken possession of over 174 hectares of land at Mogarpada in Thane district. This land will be used to build the city’s largest integrated Metro depot, which will support the operations of Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11. It said that the depot will serve as the central hub for train maintenance, stabling, and operations across a 56-kilometre network that connects CSMT to Mira Road. The official "Notice to Proceed" was issued on 13 June 2025, and construction will begin immediately. The land was handed over on an “as-is-where-is” basis, as per a government resolution passed in October 2023, it said. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all four lines were prepared by DMRC, which recommended a single, unified depot at Mogarpada to optimize integration and efficiency, the statement said. Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis said, "MMRDA’s timely acquisition of the Mogarpada land parcel is a landmark development for Mumbai’s metro network. With seamless integration of Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, this depot will serve as a linchpin for operational efficiency, smoother inter-line connectivity, and enhanced commuter convenience. This milestone accelerates our goal of expanding sustainable, multimodal transport infrastructure that meets the aspirations of New Maharashtra.” The MMRDA stated that to maintain transparency, extensive public consultations were held under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and the Thane District Collector on January 22 and February 7, 2025. Farmers’ concerns were addressed comprehensively. Subsequently, 198 offer letters were issued (167 to leaseholders and 31 to encroachers). A master layout has been prepared, ensuring connectivity through 18-meter-wide main roads and 12-meter-wide internal roads. The developed plots will be handed over within 36 months, it said. Deputy Chief Minister & MMRDA Chairman, Eknath Shinde said, “The development of the integrated metro depot at Mogarpada is a crucial step in strengthening Mumbai’s metro backbone, enabling seamless operations for four major lines -- 4, 4A, 10, and 11 -- across a 56-kilometre stretch. This project is not just about infrastructure; it reflects our commitment to inclusive development, enhanced mobility, and sustainable growth. With transparent land acquisition, farmer-centric rehabilitation, and future-ready engineering, we are delivering infrastructure that transforms lives while preparing Maharashtra for the next generation of urban transit.” The Mogarpada Depot will feature: - 10 Workshop Lines for heavy maintenance - 10 Inspection Lines for daily and routine checks - 64 Stabling Lines to house trains overnight - Underfloor wheel lathe for profiling wheels of rolling stock - Automated and heavy-duty train wash systems - Blow-down plant for de-dusting underframe and rooftop equipment - CMV Workshop for stabling and maintenance of catenary vehicles - Depot Control Centre (DCC) and training rooms - Staff quarters for essential depot personnel The Mogarpada Depot will be designed as a critical command and maintenance hub for Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality operations. Its core functions include: - Stabling of trains during non-operational hours to ensure peak-time readiness. - Heavy overhauls and routine maintenance for all trains on the lines. - Lifting and equipment replacement, followed by full testing to ensure safety and reliability. Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA said, "The Mogarpada metro depot stands as a cornerstone in Mumbai’s journey toward a more connected and commuter-centric future. As the central hub for Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, this facility will ensure seamless, reliable service across some of the city’s most rapidly growing corridors. What makes this milestone truly meaningful is the trust and cooperation extended by the local farming community, with whom we engaged transparently and respectfully throughout the process. This depot isn’t just about infrastructure -- it’s about building shared progress, where development and dignity go hand in hand.”
15 June,2025 04:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
