The mortal remains of Clive Kunder, the co-pilot of Air India flight AI-171, which tragically crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, were brought to his residence in Mumbai on Thursday. Visuals from his residence depicted a gathering of individuals in attendance while his family stood in front of his portrait, grieving their profound loss, reported news agency ANI. Kunder resided with his parents in the Goregaon (West) area. His remains arrived earlier today at Mumbai Airport and were subsequently transported to his home. Earlier on June 12, the day of the incident, Actor Vikrant Massey expressed his condolences, stating that Kunder was a "family friend." In an Instagram post, Vikrant conveyed his sympathies to the victims and their families, disclosing that Clive was the first officer on "that fateful" AI171 flight, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. "It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder, lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the 1st officer operating on that fateful flight. May God give strength to you and your family, uncle, and to all deeply affected," he expressed grief, reported ANI. On June 12, a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat's Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The tragedy claimed 241 lives out of 242 onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. After the accident, an inquiry into the accident is underway, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ordering enhanced safety checks on Air India's 787-8/9 Dreamliner fleet and the Tata group, the owner of Air India, along with the airline company has announced a total of Rs 1.25 crore compensation to the families of the victims, according to ANI. A week after the Air India crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has released new draft rules to tighten control over structures that pose a risk to aircraft safety. The rules aim to give authorities the power to take prompt action against buildings and trees that exceed height limits in designated aerodrome zones. This is seen as a proactive step to prevent potential accidents caused by obstructions in the flight path. (With ANI inputs)
19 June,2025 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentProblems for veteran Bollywood actor Dino Morea do not seem to be getting eased out. Dino Morea, on June 19, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to record his statement in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting scam, officials said. It has been reported by PTI that Dino Morea reached the ED office situated at Ballard Estate in south Mumbai at around 10:30 am on June 19, after being summoned by the investigative agency, an official said. Dino Morea’s statement will be recorded, as some financial transactions have been found allegedly linked to him and some accused persons arrested earlier by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam, the official said. While Dino Morea was expected to visit the ED office, a large number of media persons were present outside the probe agency's office. “Earlier on June 12, Morea was questioned by the ED officials for several hours. The ED on June 6 conducted searches at more than 15 locations in Mumbai and Kochi in Kerala, including the premises of Dino Morea in the Bandra (West) area here, those linked to his brother Santino, some Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, and contractors, among others,” official sources earlier said. The searches were conducted in Kochi as one of the companies that provided desilting equipment to the BMC. Matprop Technical Services Pvt Ltd is based in this city, they said. The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources had said. The ED case stems from a Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) FIR filed in May against 13 persons, including contractors and civic officials, for an alleged Rs 65.54 crore scam in tenders awarded from 2017 to 2023 for desilting of the Mithi River, which flows through Mumbai and acts as a stormwater drainage channel for the metro city. The Uddhav Thackeray-led undivided Shiv Sena controlled the cash-rich BMC from 1997 till the party's split in 2022. After the expiry of the general body in 2022, the civic body was controlled by the state government, which was then headed by Eknath Shinde. It was alleged by the police in their complaint that BMC officials tailored the tender for the desilting contract in such a way that it benefited a particular supplier of machinery, and the contractors reportedly generated fraudulent bills for transporting the sludge out of Mumbai. The 49-year-old actor and his brother were questioned by the Mumbai Police EOW in this case last month also. The Morea brothers, it is understood, were questioned by the police about their alleged links with alleged middleman Ketan Kadam, arrested in the case along with another accused, Jai Joshi, apart from some financial transactions made in a company linked to Santino. Kadam and Joshi, according to police, were involved in the renting out of 'silt pusher' machines and multi-purpose amphibious pontoon machines to contractors who were carrying out Mithi River desilting work. The plan to desilt the river was planned by the Mumbai civic authorities following the 2005 floods, which brought the city to a grinding halt. (With PTI Inputs)
19 June,2025 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA recent report released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) stated that dengue, malaria and chikungunya cases are on the rise this year as compared to the numbers reported in the previous year. While 1612 cases of malaria were reported between January and May 2024, a total of 1973 cases were reported this year in the same period. In terms of dengue cases, 347 cases were reported in the same period this year against 338 cases reported in the same period last year. The number of chikungunya cases has seen a massive increase, with 115 cases reported in the first five months of this year against just 21 cases that were reported last year in the first five months of 2024. Also, as per the data shared by the state public health department, as on Wednesday, 61 people tested positive for Covid, with Mumbai having the maximum number of cases with 19 patients. Speaking about one of the biggest challenges that the doctors are facing, Dr Abhijit Ahuja, pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, said, “Considering that it is ‘the season of illnesses’, some people start self-medicating at home at least for the first two-three days. So, by the time the patient reaches a specialist, the health condition has deteriorated further. So, at the specialists’ level, this is the most common problem that is faced.” Health experts from across specialities say that in the current situation, where Covid cases and monsoon-related illnesses are both on the rise, vigilance and timely differentiation are key to ensuring proper treatment. How doctors differentiate? “The type of fever for each illness is different. If the person has a combination of high fever and chills, then it is mostly a case of malaria. If the combination is of high fever and jaundice, it is usually a case of dengue. If the combination includes cold, cough and low fever, it is generally considered regular flu. Thus, the doctors have to ask the correct questions and dig out from the patient what exactly he/she is experiencing. In case of Covid, the differentiating factor is that the fever persists for over three days,” said Dr Mohan Joshi, dean, Sion Hospital. Another differentiating factor is the change in symptoms of Covid itself. “This time, Covid has additional symptoms of headache and loose motions. And this has also become a distinguishing symptom for doctors,” said Dr Vasant C Nagvekar, director of infectious diseases, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. When to get Covid test? “If the patient is diagnosed with regular flu and does not show signs of recovery even after flu medication, then he/she can be tested for Covid. However, the patients must not self-test for Covid at home,” said Dr Ahuja. Another situation is where the patient has had a history of Covid or other respiratory illnesses. “Those who had been diagnosed with Covid during the pandemic or those who have acute respiratory illnesses or chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, such patients, if they complain of cold, cough, fever, chills, nausea, stomachache, headache, then we ask them to get tested for Covid,” explained Dr Nagvekar. Complaints of chest pain are another factor that helps doctors decide whether a Covid test is needed. “Back in 2020, when the medical community first encountered the Covid virus, it was found to be a type of advanced pneumonia caused by a special strain of virus. This strain was deadly because it released chemicals that damaged the lung parenchyma (lung tissues responsible for inhaling and exhaling). Covid pneumonia caused severe chest pain and appeared very differently on X-rays. If someone had Covid pneumonia, multiple patches were seen in the lungs, unlike regular respiratory infections. So, if a person reports severe chest pain, doctors should do an X-ray along with a Covid test. However, so far, there are no such cases, and neither BMC nor the central government has reported signs of Covid pneumonia,” explained Dr Joshi. Advice to general physicians “Do not waste time,” say specialist doctors. “It’s a difficult situation to handle because the patients panic if we immediately ask them to get tested for Covid. And if we delay, their condition might worsen. Thus, the general physicians must ask the patient if they have self-medicated at home and if yes, then they should ask for how many days and which medicines the patient has taken. In case the patient has self-medicated for over two days and still has fever, a blood test for dengue and malaria must be advised immediately. In case the patient tests negative for both, a Covid test should be prescribed,” said Dr Apeksha Malekar, an MD who runs her clinic in the city.
19 June,2025 11:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarWelcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Stock markets decline in early trade on weak global peers amid Middle East tensions Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Thursday in-line with weak trends from global markets as the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict continue to weigh on investors' sentiment. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 253.62 points to 81,191.04 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 73.95 points to 24,738.10. However, later both the benchmark indices faced heavy volatility and were trading flat. The BSE benchmark traded 39.09 points higher at 81,483.75, and the Nifty quoted 22.70 points up at 24,835.70. Mumbai: 117 CR stations to get panic buttons in case of unusual occurrences Panic buttons will soon be installed at either end of 117 railway stations (some already have these buttons) on Central Railway’s (CR) main and harbour lines on an experimental basis, enabling commuters to alert railway staff, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and control rooms during incidents such as accidents, overcrowding, or criminal activities. The measure, first planned in 2023, assumes significance following the June 9 Mumbra tragedy. Read more. Mumbai: Just how do potholes form on new asphalt roads? Following a few spells of rain, potholes, the bane of all commuters, have once again started appearing on the city’s tar and asphalt roads. To understand why this phenomenon is unfailingly witnessed every monsoon season, mid-day turned to experts, who said craters primarily form due to water infiltration through cracks or poor drainage. Read more. Big Test on grass For India’s new class! A nip in the air, a lush-green outfield, a nice covering of grass on the 22-yard strip. The English summer is well and truly underway with a fresh diet of potentially sumptuous Test cricket on the menu, the appetiser having already been thrown up last month when the hosts defeated Zimbabwe in a one-off, four-day Test in Nottingham. Read more. Original or adaptation? Ajay Devgn to decide on Shaitaan 2 script Shaitaan’s (2024) final moments teased a sequel as Ajay Devgn’s character locked up the antagonist, essayed by R Madhavan, in an underground chamber. Where can the story go from this point? The way Devgn sees it, in at least two dramatically different directions. Yesterday, it was reported that writer Aamil Keeyan Khan was scripting the horror drama’s second instalment (Back to black magic, June 18). Now, mid-day has learnt that while Khan’s script — an original — is ready, actor and producer Devgn is also contemplating making the sequel a straight adaptation of the upcoming Gujarati movie, Vash Level 2. Read more.
19 June,2025 10:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule has urged the Maharashtra government to provide clarity on the reported move to mandate Hindi as the default third language in schools across the state, reported news agency ANI. "There is no clarity on it...I request that the Maharashtra government hold a proper press conference and make a clear clarification of what the policy really is," Sule told ANI. Earlier, the Maharashtra government, in its Government Resolution (GR), stated, "Hindi will be the third language. For those who want to learn another language, at least 20 willing students are required." Speaking on the issue of the state government mandating Hindi as default third language in schools, Maharashtra Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said, "Let me clarify that in all medium schools, Marathi, which is our state language, is mandated by the government to be taught in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India. In many schools, a third language has been taught for several years. Therefore, the Maharashtra government has decided that any third language will be taught based on the demands of students and their parents," reported ANI. Earlier, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray issued a stern warning to the educational institutions in the state not to support the Fadnavis government's plan to impose the language that is "spoken in some northern provinces." Thackeray asserted that if schools' actions support the government's "hidden agenda," then MNS will consider it a "betrayal" of Maharashtra. In a letter written to all the principals of schools in Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray said, "While we are raising this issue with you, we have also sent a similar letter to the government. We have firmly told the government that we need a written letter stating that the Hindi language or any third language in general will not be taught. They may or may not issue such a letter, but if your actions support the government's hidden agenda, we will surely consider it a betrayal of Maharashtra..." "Do keep in mind that there is growing discontent in Maharashtra regarding this imposition of languages! Word to the wise! What more can I say?" it added. Referring to recent developments in the education department, Thackeray alleged that since April, the situation in Maharashtra has been "chaotic". The letter dated June 12 reads, "Since April, the education department has been in a state of chaos in Maharashtra. First, it was decided that three languages should be taught from class one in schools following the Maharashtra State Board of Education curriculum, and Marathi, English and Hindi should be made compulsory. This decision was strongly opposed by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which formed a public opinion..." "There is no question of making Hindi compulsory. Because Hindi is not the national language. It is a language spoken in some northern provinces, so in a sense it is a state language. In the states where it is spoken, there are many local languages, which are starting to come under the sway of Hindi and there is a fear that the local dialects there will disappear over time. Anyway, it is their decision whether they wish to let their local dialects die or not. It is of no concern to us," the letter reads. The MNS chief accused the Maharashtra government of planning to impose Hindi language in the state "discreetly" and urged the schools not to cooperate with this. He said, "But when such a compulsion was forced upon Maharashtra, we raised our voice and will continue to raise it. The government further said that only two languages will be taught from class one. But where is the written order? If one has been published, we haven't seen it yet. A government good at playing around with documents will play with this one as well. Then our question is, if the children do not want to learn a third language, then why are textbooks getting printed, as noticed by my Maharashtra Sainiks. This means that the government is planning to impose the language discreetly. Your schools should not cooperate with this." Raj Thackeray went on to say that the people of the north want to "capture" Maharashtra and language imposition is an easy way to do that. In April, a row was erupted over the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language. (With inputs from ANI)
19 June,2025 10:04 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe water levels in lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai have risen following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) data, the combined stock in the seven reservoirs that provide water to the city now stands at 13.18 per cent. As per BMC records on Thursday (June 19), the collective water stock in these reservoirs is 1,90,771 million litres, which amounts to 13.18 per cent of their total capacity. The BMC supplies drinking water daily from Upper Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Middle Vaitarna, Bhatsa, Vihar, and Tulsi lakes. Of these, Tansa has 9.99 per cent water stock, Modak Sagar 35.18 per cent, Middle Vaitarna 13.54 per cent, Upper Vaitarna 12.25 per cent, Bhatsa 7.41 per cent, Vehar 37.71 per cent, and Tulsi 36.28 per cent. Lower (Modak Sagar), Middle and Upper Vaitarna lakes, along with Tansa, supply water to the western suburbs from Dahisar Check Naka to Bandra and to the western parts of the city from Mahim to Malabar Hill. Bhatsa, Vehar, and Tulsi together form the Bhatsa system. Water from this system is treated at the Panjarpur Water Treatment Plant and distributed to the eastern parts of Mumbai, covering the eastern suburbs from Mulund Check Naka to Sion and further to Mazagaon. Mumbai weather updates: Heavy to very heavy rain likely; IMD issues orange alert Mumbai is set to witness heavy to very heavy showers today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Thursday. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city and its suburbs will remain under generally cloudy skies, with intense rainfall likely at a few locations. The IMD's Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.1 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Colaba observatory reported a high of 31.6 degrees Celsius and a low of 25.6 degrees Celsius, as per the latest Mumbai weather updates. As per official data, Mumbai recorded an average rainfall of 86 mm between 8 am on June 18 and 8 am on June 19. The eastern suburbs received 65 mm, while the western suburbs recorded 53 mm during the same period. Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain wet for the rest of the week, with cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall dominating the forecast. Meanwhile, high tide is expected at 5:44 pm today, reaching 3.92 metres. On Friday, high tide will occur at 7:09 am at 3.52 metres. Low tides are predicted at 12:31 am and 12:40 pm on June 20, measuring 1.39 metres and 2.04 metres respectively.
19 June,2025 09:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai is set to witness heavy to very heavy showers today, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Thursday. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city and its suburbs will remain under generally cloudy skies, with intense rainfall likely at a few locations. The IMD's Santacruz observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.1 degrees Celsius on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Colaba observatory reported a high of 31.6 degrees Celsius and a low of 25.6 degrees Celsius, as per the latest Mumbai weather updates. As per official data, Mumbai recorded an average rainfall of 86 mm between 8 am on June 18 and 8 am on June 19. The eastern suburbs received 65 mm, while the western suburbs recorded 53 mm during the same period. Looking ahead, the weather is expected to remain wet for the rest of the week, with cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall dominating the forecast. Meanwhile, high tide is expected at 5:44 pm today, reaching 3.92 metres. On Friday, high tide will occur at 7:09 am at 3.52 metres. Low tides are predicted at 12:31 am and 12:40 pm on June 20, measuring 1.39 metres and 2.04 metres respectively. Mumbai's Powai Lake overflows after heavy rains The scenic Powai Lake in Mumbai overflowed on Wednesday morning following heavy rains in its catchment areas for the last two days, a civic official said. Its water is not potable and is used only for industrial purposes. Having a storage capacity of 545 crore litres, the lake started overflowing at 6 am, the official said. "The lake has reached its capacity and started overflowing due to heavy rainfall in its catchment areas over the past two days," the official said, adding the water level was at 195.10 feet. The water body, a popular recreation spot surrounded by greenery and high-rises in Powai area, has started overflowing 20 days earlier compared to last year. When the lake is full, the water area is around 2.23 square kilometres, while the catchment area is 6.61 sq km. Located 27 km from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters, the Powai Lake was built in 1890 at a cost of Rs 12.59 lakh. Seven reservoirs, namely Bhatsa, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Tansa, Modak Sagar, Vihar and Tulsi, supply 385 crore litres of potable water to the megapolis.
19 June,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal has voiced strong opposition to the Maharashtra government's decision to implement a three-language policy for students in classes 1 to 5. In a statement issued Wednesday, the apex Marathi literary body argued that the move contradicts the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), which does not mandate such a framework. The Mahamandal's objection comes amid political backlash from the Congress and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, following an amended government order issued on Tuesday. The order stated that Hindi would "generally" be introduced as the third language in primary school classrooms. "It is clearly mentioned (in NEP) that a third language should be introduced from Class 6," a release from the Mahamandal said., reported news agency PTI. It also questioned the need to teach a third language when many schools do not have enough teachers, and students of higher classes struggle to read Marathi books at the Class 2 level. "Instead of improving the quality of education, attempts are being made to make a third language compulsory," it claimed, according to news agency PTI. Though the state government has provided that students can opt for any other Indian language instead of Hindi, it would be practically impossible as teachers of these languages will have to be brought from a respective state, which is very difficult, it said. The Mahamandal claimed its opposition to Hindi was for cultural reasons, as Hindi's "invasion" of Marathi was increasing. It also asked why the Maharashtra government has adopted such a policy when Hindi is not compulsory from Class 1 in any other state. A government resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday said Hindi will "generally" be a third language, instead of being mandatory, but gave an option to opt out if 20 students per grade in a school express the desire to study any other Indian language. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said, "We had earlier made Hindi compulsory, but in the GR issued yesterday, that compulsion has been removed... students can now opt for any Indian language as a third language," reported PTI. CM Fadnavis questions opposition to Hindi, and not English Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are at loggerheads in the Hindi language row. While the MNS chief has accused the government of ignoring Marathi, Fadnavis slammed the former for opposing one of India’s languages, Hindi and not English. Hours after Thackeray warned the government to withdraw the three-language education format that makes Hindi technically compulsory for many in the state or face its wrath, Fadnavis hit back. (With inputs from PTI)
19 June,2025 09:00 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentAt least 12,000 families living in 240 buildings in Chandivli’s Sangharsh Nagar have been facing problems arising from garbage accumulation on every street and corner of their locality. A total of 67 employees from self-help groups (SHGs) contracted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are responsible for cleaning this locality every day as part of the Swachh Mumbai Prabodhan Abhiyan (SMPA). According to the residents of this area, no one turns up to clean their locality. “The result is the accumulation of piles of garbage, household solid waste, plastic and other recyclable waste materials, such as bedding, and construction debris. During the monsoon, these piles of garbage become breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Gautam Shirsath, 28, a resident of Sangharsh Nagar. The locality houses those rehabilitated from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) about 15 years ago, and has been informally categorised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as vertical-slum dwellers. Due to this, civic services, such as solid waste management, are provided to the residents through the SMPA, a scheme re-purposed from the Slum Adoption Scheme in 2013. Under SMPA, BMC contracts SHGs to provide waste management services to such localities. Four such groups, comprising 67 cleaners, have been contracted at a cost of Rs 600 per person per day by the civic body. SHGs are responsible for cleaning internal roads, internal drains, dustbins, carrying out health and cleanliness awareness programmes, holding public meetings, conducting awareness programmes for women and children, and submitting regular status updates to the BMC. In response to complaints from the residents, BMC on Wednesday issued notices to the four self-help groups responsible for cleaning the area, giving them seven days to provide explanations for not completing work they have been contracted for. Assistant Commissioner of the L Ward, Dhanaji Herlekar, said, “After this was brought to our notice, we have issued notices to the SHGs for not doing their work. We have given them seven days to provide an explanation and complete the work. As a one-time measure, BMC’s ward office will clean this area so residents do not face any issues going forward.”
19 June,2025 08:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSDetailing the response from the police department, Additional Commissioner Vidhi Chaudhary of Ahmedabad police spoke with mid-day about the department’s role in securing the site, assisting other agencies and the grieving families while keeping rumour mills at bay. Can you detail the police department’s response during the critical first hour after the crash?We created a double-layer green corridor for the rescue teams within a one-kilometre radius of the crash site. A total of 600 police personnel assisted in establishing this corridor. We received information about the incident at 1.43 pm on June 12 and reached the site by 1.48 pm. The entire staff — including DCPs, ACPs, Senior PIs, and constables — was present at the scene. We also coordinated with radio jockeys to spread the message advising people not to travel on this route. An emergency helpline was set up for the families of the victims to provide information and updates. We received 129 distress calls and provided callers with contact details and the address of the Civil Hospital.When we arrived at the site, the temperature due to the flames was extremely high — nearly 1000°C —making it impossible to enter the area. What protocols are in place to ensure victims are accurately identified and their families informed in a timely, respectful manner?We have deployed PSI-rank officers to assist the families of victims. Each PSI is responsible for ensuring the body is transported to the family’s home. Green corridors have also been created to facilitate faster transport of DNA samples to FSL laboratories in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, so that the identification process can be expedited. Once a DNA match is confirmed, the families are informed immediately. The government has arranged accommodation facilities for the families near the identification centres. What specific responsibilities does the police department have in securing and preserving the crash site for the official aviation investigation?After the crash, we immediately barricaded the entire area within a one-kilometre radius. Only police personnel, NDRF, SDRF, municipal corporation staff, and other emergency personnel are allowed inside the barricaded zone. We have deployed teams in two security layers and are coordinating closely with all investigative agencies, including the ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), and DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). An Accidental Death Report has been filed at the Meghani Nagar Police Station, and further investigation is underway. The full investigation will be led by the AIB. How is the police department managing the handling of the deceased, particularly in terms of dignity, sensitivity, and coordination with forensic and medical teams?We are assisting in the transportation of remains from the crash site to the forensic labs, ensuring that they are handled with respect and dignity. Police teams are providing full protection and logistical support to the forensic and medical teams. Most of the bodies have now been recovered, although search operations are still ongoing. Human remains are still being discovered by NDRF and SDRF teams, and we are helping ensure that these remains are safely and respectfully delivered to the hospitals for further examination. Have there been any challenges related to public order at the crash site, such as crowd control issues, misinformation, or the spread of rumours?Since the incident, many people have tried to visit the crash site, but we are not allowing anyone to enter the barricaded area. The entire site is under strict security. Initial rumours included false claims that it was a terrorist attack. Our cybercrime unit quickly removed such misinformation from social media. We also collaborated with radio jockeys and used social media platforms to inform citizens and urge them not to spread rumours.
19 June,2025 08:22 AM IST | Ahmedabad | Shirish VaktaniaAt a time when lakhs of commuters are packed like sardines in Mumbai’s overcrowded local trains and Central Railway (CR) repeatedly claims a shortage of rakes, it has come to light that a fully operational 15-car local train lies idle in the Kalyan yard for 17 hours and 25 minutes daily. CR sources confirm that of the two 15-car rakes currently available, one is being optimally utilised, making 16 trips daily between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar and Kalyan. The other, however, is drastically underused, with just six trips a day. A troubling timeline The rake departs from CSMT at 11.37 am, arrives at Dombivli by 12.32 pm, and heads to Kalyan yard by 12.40 pm — only to remain parked for the next 17 hours and 25 minutes, until it begins its next service at 6.14 am the next day from Dombivli to CSMT. This massive underutilisation comes even as commuters regularly face stampede-like situations, especially between Thane and Kalyan, one of the busiest stretches on the CR network. Commuter anger The revelation has sparked outrage among commuters and passenger associations. Lata Argade, secretary of the Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh, minced no words, “One rake is doing 16 trips and the other is resting for nearly 18 hours? This is criminal negligence. Passengers are pleading for relief. Why isn’t this rake being used during peak hours or at night?” Laxmi Pranesh, a traveller who wants more 15-car trains on the Kalyan-Thane stretch; (right) Vinay Kadam, rail commuter who frequently travels to CSMT She also questioned the railway administration’s silence after the recent mishap near Mumbra station. “Why hasn’t any official been held accountable? Where is the transparency? We see no urgency from the administration,” she added. Ground voices Vinay Kadam, who boards a morning train from Kalyan to CSMT at Dombivli station, said, “This is the only train I can enter easily because it starts from Kalyan. All other fast locals from Badlapur, Karjat, Ambernath, Titwala, Asangaon, and Kasara that are operated between 7.20 am and 8.30 am are impossible to board. We badly need more 15-car trains starting from Kalyan.” Another commuter, Laxmi Pranesh, a daily traveller on the 7.25 am 15-car local, urged swift action. “After the recent Mumbra incident, Railways should immediately add 15-car trains on the Kalyan-Thane stretch. Even ensuring fast services halt only at Dombivli will provide huge relief.” Simple fix, but no will Railway experts say a solution already exists — use the idle rake to introduce at least 10 more fast trips between Kalyan and Thane, halting only at Dombivli. “No new rakes, no major cost, no new infrastructure — just efficient planning. Why is CR ignoring this?” asked a senior suburban rail analyst. Additionally, running mail and express trains on the 5th and 6th lines during peak hours would free up space for suburban locals — a long-pending demand. Politics over progress? The Kalwa-Airoli rail link, crucial for decongesting the mainline, has been in limbo for nearly a decade. Sources blame political interference and slum rehabilitation delays. “If slum issues are stalling the project, the area’s MP must raise this directly with the railway minister. Commuters are losing patience,” said a passenger leader. Outer suburbs Beyond Kalyan, commuters from Titwala, Badlapur, and Ambernath say they feel forgotten. With Western Railway operating over 100 15-car services, many of which start from Andheri, the CR’s apparent inertia is drawing criticism. “They say there are no slots or rakes, but new express trains are launched from CSMT all the time. Clearly, priorities are skewed,” a Titwala commuter said. Activists argue that unless all MPs from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMRDA) come together and raise this issue with the railway minister or the CR general manager, commuters will continue to suffer. MP’s voice needed This correspondent tried to reach MP Dr Shrikant Shinde, who represents the Ambernath-Kalwa belt and is known for raising railway issues. However, a response was not received by press time. Given Dr Shinde’s influence in railway matters, commuters are hopeful he will intervene and press for better use of existing infrastructure, especially the underutilised 15-car rake. Final word Mumbai’s central suburbs are bursting at the seams. With rising population and urban sprawl, efficient railway operations are no longer optional — they are a necessity. According to commuters, not putting the fully functional 15-car rake is not just a planning failure — it’s a betrayal of the working-class millions who rely on Mumbai’s lifeline. Official Speak When contacted, CR Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said, “At present, we do not have stabling space at Kurla, Kalwa, or Sanpada car sheds. Currently, one 15-car rake is stationed overnight at CSMT, while the second 15-car rake is kept at the Kalyan end for repairs. Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation has informed us that stabling facilities at these three car sheds will be ready by the end of 2026. Once that infrastructure is in place, we will be in a position to introduce more 15-car rake services on the Main Line section.”
19 June,2025 08:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Shrikant KhuperkarADVERTISEMENT
