In a sigh of relief to the residents living near the Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced that it will redevelop 19 buildings in the area and provide them with new homes at the same location, an official statement said. According to the statement, the decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai amid the ongoing Elphinstone Bridge row. Senior officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), etc were also present at the meeting, the statement said. Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar said that local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalidas Kolambkar and a delegation of residents had requested that the redevelopment take place without displacing them from their area. Following this, the issue was raised during Tuesday's meeting. According to the official statement, initially, the construction work for Elphinstone Bridge was expected to affect all the 19 buildings in the locality. However, with a new plan by the government, only two buildings will now be directly affected. However, the residents continue to worry that the remaining 17 buildings might also face a risk due to the construction work. To address their concern, Shelar requested that the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) carry out the redevelopment of all the 19 buildings under Section 33(9) without waiting for a private developer. CM Fadnavis has accepted the request. It was also demanded that the residents of the two affected buildings be provided with redeveloped houses at the same location instead of shifting them to Kurla or paying them compensation. This demand has also been met by the CM and the deputy CM, the statement said. As per the plan, only the residents of two buildings will be temporarily relocated to the transit accommodation in Kurla. Once the redevelopment of the remaining 17 buildings is complete, these residents will also be given permanent homes at the same location, the official statement said. "Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have given great relief to the people especially the locals by ensuring in-situ housing for the affected residents," said Shelar.
28 April,2025 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe depositors of the scam-hit New India Cooperative Bank staged a protest in Maharashtra's Thane city on Monday, demanding urgent action on the revival or merger of the institution, news agency PTI reported. The protestors, under the banner of the NICB Depositors' Foundation, marched to the bank's Majiwada branch, carrying placards of their demands. The foundation has been demanding urgent measures to restore depositor confidence and alleviate the financial strain faced by thousands of account holders since February 13, after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed restrictions on the financial institution, PTI reported. A delegation representing the foundation met the branch manager and submitted a detailed memorandum outlining their apprehensions regarding the bank's future. The memorandum stressed that despite earlier meetings with the central bank-appointed advisors and senior officials, there is "considerable ambiguity" about the bank's prospects, reported PTI. The depositors also voiced concerns about the safety of their deposits, particularly amounts exceeding Rs 5 lakh insured under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), and demanded specific timelines for either the bank's revival or its merger with a stable financial institution. The memorandum further stated that depositors have demanded an increase in the withdrawal cap from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh, full repayment of fixed deposits beyond the insured limit, updates on forensic and special audits, an assessment on the impact of non-performing assets (NPAs), and early recovery of funds from attached properties linked to fraudsters, reported PTI. Depositors warned of intensifying their agitation if authorities continued to delay action, and urged the bank management to immediately forward their concerns to the NICB Administrator and seek RBI's intervention for urgent relief. In the memorandum, they also appealed that the bank must request the central bank to announce the removal of restrictions and roll out a revival or merger plan before the DICGC disburses insurance money on May 14. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has arrested eight people so far in the Rs 122-crore New India Cooperative Bank scam case. The bank’s absconding former vice-chairman, Hiren Bhanu, and his wife Gauri — both currently believed to be abroad — have submitted written statements to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), denying any involvement in the New India Cooperative scam. The couple has also formally requested permission to appear before the agency via video conferencing. Officers, however, are yet to take a call on whether such virtual statements will be permitted. (With PTI inputs)
28 April,2025 09:58 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentFour people were injured after a fire broke out at a bakery in Byculla area of Mumbai, the civic officials said on Monday. The officials said that the blaze was reported at Super Bakery, located on Seth Motishah Lane in Byculla (East). After receiving the information regarding the blaze, the Mumbai Fire Brigade officials rushed to the spot and began a firefighting operation. "A Level-1 fire broke out on Monday evening and the incident was reported to the civic authorities at around 5:27 pm," the officials said. The fire was confined within the bakery premises and was brought under control and fully extinguished by 6:40 pm, they said. Four people sustained burn injuries in the incident they were identified as Jayesh Parab, 46, Zuber Siddique, 25, Javed Mohammad, 23 and Shahariyar, 36. The injured were shifted to Masina Hospital for medical treatment, the officials said. Fire breaks out at ED office in Mumbai Earlier, a massive fire broke out at the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) office building at Ballard Estate in south Mumbai during the early hours of Sunday. The firefighting operations continued for over six hours, the officials said. The fire, reported at approximately 2.31 am at the Kaiser-I-Hind building, involved a fire that was initially confined to wooden furniture and office materials located on the fourth floor of the building. The structure, a basement-plus-ground-plus-upper-four-floors building with an attic, faced significant challenges due to smoke logging on the fourth floor. Firefighters struggled to access certain areas because of obstructing furniture stock that was kept in common passages and balconies. The Mumbai Fire Brigade had initially declared it a Level I (minor) fire at 2.46 am and later upgraded the incident to Level II blaze by 3.30 am and subsequently upgrading it to Level III– indicating a major fire – at 4.17 am. A team of fire personnel, including 12 fire engines, seven jumbo tankers, two water tankers, an ALP (Aerial Ladder Platform), and various other rescue and firefighting vehicles, were deployed to the site. The team included fire officers from MFB, along with senior officers and other administrative staff. The fire was later successfully contained and brought under control. No injuries were reported in the incident.
28 April,2025 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special heritage tour-- 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit' by Bharat Gaurav Train, the officials said. The tour, a 5-day journey, has been designed to showcase the life, legacy, and landmarks associated with the great Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. An official statement said that the tour, starting on June 9, 2025, will be conducted aboard the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, offering travellers an immersive experience across key historical and spiritual sites linked to Shivaji Maharaj’s life. The journey will begin and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, with boarding also available at Dadar and Thane, it said. The IRCTC shared the details of the tour, with the itinerary including visits to the following- - Raigad Fort – the site of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and former capital of the Maratha kingdom. - Lal Mahal and Kasba Ganpati in Pune – significant to Shivaji Maharaj’s early life. - Shivneri Fort – his birthplace. - Pratapgarh Fort – site of his legendary battle with Afzal Khan. - Panhala Fort – remembered for Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s bravery. - Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple and Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur are also included as part of the pilgrimage aspect of the tour. The tour duration and its schedule include the following- - The journey spans 5 days, with early morning arrival in Mumbai on the 6th day. - Key destinations include Mumbai, Raigad, Pune, Shivneri, Bhimashankar, Pratapgarh, Kolhapur, and Panhala. Additional Pilgrimage Sites included in the itinerary: - Bhimashankar- Jyotirlinga Temple. - Kolhapur- Mahalakshmi Temple: an important Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is worshipped by locals as Ambabai The tour is available in three categories: Economy (Sleeper Class): Rs 13,155 Comfort (3AC): Rs 19,840 Superior (2AC): Rs 27,365 - AC/Non-AC hotel stays based on package - Onboard and offboard vegetarian meals - Local sightseeing with entry fees - Ropeway charges at Raigad and entry to monuments - Not included are personal expenses, optional sightseeing, tips, and adventure activities. Earlier this month, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had announced tour train, aimed to showcase rich heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. CM Fadnavis had made the announcement during a joint press conference which was held on April 11 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai along Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
28 April,2025 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe work on the much-awaited ‘missing link’ project on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway has reached 95 per cent completion, the officials said on Monday as Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde held a project review meeting in the city. The final stage involving construction of the tallest bridge in the project was now underway, an official statement said. At a review meeting held at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, Eknath Shinde instructed engineers and officials to carry out the final bridge work with utmost care and no compromise on quality. “This is a critical phase. The tallest bridge must be built with continuous safety testing, especially considering wind pressure and height,” Shinde said. The review meeting was attended by Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod, Minister of State for Public Works Meghna Bordikar, Deputy CM’s Principal Secretary Naveen Sona, and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) Managing Director Anil Gaikwad, among other senior officials, the statement said. The 13.3 km-long 'missing link' is divided into Package 1 and 2. The final stage focuses on constructing a high-altitude bridge, which will significantly improve travel time, it said. Once completed, the new link is expected to reduce travel time between Mumbai and Pune by 20 to 25 minutes. Shinde emphasised that no shortcuts should be taken, especially with safety and testing. “Work must be tested at every level,” he said. The missing link project is seen as a major step towards easing congestion and improving road safety on one of busiest expressways in the state. Elphinstone Bridge row: Residents of all 19 buildings to get homes at same location, announces Maharashtra govt Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced that it will redevelop 19 buildings in the area and provide them with new homes at the same location, an official statement said. According to the statement, the decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai amid the ongoing Elphinstone Bridge row. Senior officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), etc were also present at the meeting, the statement said. Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar said that local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kalidas Kolambkar and a delegation of residents had requested that the redevelopment take place without displacing them from the area.
28 April,2025 08:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo law students from the University of Mumbai Law Academy (UMLA) have secured the second place at the inaugural World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) IP Moot Court competition, which was held at the WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Arya Gautam, a fifth-year BBA LLB Hons student, and Sanskriti Sharma, a fourth-year BBA LLB Hons student, represented UMLA and the University of Mumbai in the final rounds of the competition, held from April 23 to 25. The students were guided by Dr Rajeshri N Varhadi, UMLA’s In-charge Director. According to officials from the University of Mumbai, the final rounds featured three rigorous selection stages. In the quarter-finals, eight teams were selected from around the world, followed by the semi-finals – where only two teams advanced to the final. Both the finalist teams were from India. As a reward, the students will receive career guidance courses from the WIPO Youth Forum. An official statement from the institute highlighted, “This victory is a proud moment for both UMLA and the University of Mumbai, and it was made possible by the unwavering support and guidance from Hon'ble Professor Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Ajay Bhamare, Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Dr Prasad Karande, Registrar of the University of Mumbai.” Union Minister for Industry and Commerce, Piyush Goyal, congratulated the students on their outstanding achievement. In a tweet on social media platform X, he wrote, “Many congratulations to our young champs for their outstanding achievement. The fact that both the teams in the final were from India, makes this accomplishment even more special. It highlights our nation's growing influence in international legal competitions and underscores the strength of our education system. My best wishes to all the participants. May this experience serve as a valuable stepping stone, helping them keep pace with the evolving Intellectual Property (IP) landscape and propel their careers in this dynamic field.” Many congratulations to our young champs for their outstanding achievement. The fact that both the teams in the final were from India, makes this accomplishment even more special.It highlights our nation's growing influence in international legal competitions and underscores… https://t.co/EyhNzZXvb7 — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 26, 2025
28 April,2025 08:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA major engineering milestone is underway at Gandhi Nagar junction in Vikhroli, where four layers of transport infrastructure are coming together — the Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Road, the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) flyover, Mumbai Metro Line-6 (Swami Samarth Nagar to Vikhroli), and now Mumbai Metro Line-4 (Wadala to Kasarvadavali). विक्रोळीतील गांधीनगर जंक्शन येथे महत्त्वपूर्ण पायाभूत सुविधा उभारणीचे कार्य सुरू आहे. येथे एलबीएस रोड, जोगेश्वरी-विक्रोळी लिंक रोड (JVLR) उड्डाणपूल, मेट्रो लाईन ६ आणि मेट्रो लाईन ४ अशा चार वाहतूक मार्गांचा संगम होत आहे.या ठिकाणी, २४ मीटर उंचीवर आणि चालू वाहतुकीदरम्यान सुमारे… pic.twitter.com/P4JZ7YILgQ — MMRDA (@MMRDAOfficial) April 28, 2025 In a challenging high-precision operation, engineers have begun installing a massive 62.7-metre-long steel span, weighing around 540 metric tonnes, at a height of 24 metres over the busy JVLR-LBS junction — while also managing live traffic on both sides. Taking into consideration the extremely limited working space for cranes and heavy traffic movement on the ground, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has planned the installation in three phases – a 30-metre launch over JVLR and below Metro Line-6, followed by a 17-metre section towards Vikhroli and a 15-metre section towards Mulund. This engineering feat is crucial for Phase II of Metro Line-4, which will connect Cadbury Junction (Thane) to Gandhi Nagar, and is expected to be operational by December 2026. Once completed, Metro Line-4 will offer seamless connectivity from Gaimukh on Ghodbunder Road through Thane, Mulund, and Kanjurmarg, thereby reducing travel time significantly for thousands of commuters across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. 'Andheri's Gokhale Bridge construction almost complete; Vikhroli flyover nearing completion' The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday said that the construction of the Gopal Krishna Gokhale Bridge in Mumbai's Andheri was almost complete and the work of Vikhroli flyover was nearing completion. The Gokhale Bridge connects Andheri East and West and is a vital link for daily commuters. The civic body said that around 95 per cent of the Vikhroli Railway Station flyover has also been completed. Both projects are progressing on schedule, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijit Bangar stated after an inspection of the ongoing works of the two bridges. An official statement, issued by the BMC, said that Bangar visited the Gokhale Bridge on Friday to review its progress and he confirmed that the main structure is 100 per cent complete, and all remaining work will be finished by April 30, 2025. This includes work within the railway limits, access ramps on both sides, and the connector to the C.D. Barfiwala Bridge. It said that the final touches such as crash barriers, noise barriers, railings, painting, thermoplastic marking, cat eyes, electric poles, and signage are being completed quickly.
28 April,2025 08:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA woman died after suffering severe burn injuries while performing a religious ritual at her home in Maharashtra's Kalyan area in Thane district, the police said on Monday, reported the PTI. The woman was identified as 48-year-old Archana Dharmendra Kumar, a resident of Kalyan town on Mumbai's outskirts. She was lighting lamps near deities during 'puja' at home when her dress accidentally caught fire, according to an officer from the Manpada police station in Dombivli, according to the PTI. The fire quickly engulfed her clothing, causing severe burn injuries to the woman in the incident which took place on Saturday, he said, citing information provided by her husband. Family members rushed the woman to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to burn injuries on early Sunday, said the officer, as per the PTI. Her body was sent for post-mortem examination, and a case of accidental death has been registered for now, he added. Madhya Pradesh: Woman burnt to death in stubble fire Meanwhile, in an another incident, a woman lost her life after getting trapped in a stubble fire in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district, following which the authorities suspended a revenue department staffer, an official said on Sunday, reported the PTI. The incident occurred at Khamharia village in Satna district within the jurisdiction of Kotar police station on Friday, the official said. A Kotar police official said that victim Janaklali Singh was in a field with her husband to collect their already harvested mustard crop and a fire in the stubble spread rapidly, and she was trapped in a fire-induced tornado, he said, as per the PTI. The fire caught the bundle of crop she was carrying on her head. Janaklali was somehow rescued by her husband and rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa, where she died during treatment, the police official said. According to the PTI, the district administration suspended Kamlesh Choudhary, the 'patwari' (a revenue official) of the area, for allegedly being lax on duty and not reaching the spot. He also didn't inform the senior staffers about the incident, the official added, the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
28 April,2025 07:49 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) will make around 15 crore official documents publicly accessible and the initiative will reduce need for Right To Information (RTI) applications, Sanjeev Jaiswal, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of state housing body said on Monday. The announcement was made by Jaiswal during the launch of several citizen-friendly services at its headquarters in Bandra East area of Mumbai. Jaiswal inaugurated the Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC), Visitor Management System (VMS), and Office Navigator, aimed at making MHADA more open, efficient, and easier for citizens to navigate, an official statement said. “The initiative will reduce the need for RTI applications and make access to information simple and hassle-free,” Jaiswal said. He said that scanned documents would be uploaded within a week to MHADA’s official website, although sensitive documents will remain protected. MHADA is also stepping up its digital transformation. "Being a public institution, MHADA committed to serving citizens more efficiently. The newly launched services aim to simplify public interactions. We are taking consistent steps to make MHADA more open and accessible,” Jaiswal said. He added, “Our goal is to simplify interactions and make information easily available to all citizens.” MHADA is also pushing forward its digital transformation agenda by promoting grievance redressal through online platforms, thus minimizing the need for physical visits. To assist citizens without digital access, especially from rural areas, MHADA has appointed dedicated staff. Public grievance meetings, or Janata Darbars, have also been organized to address concerns directly. MHADA engaged an external agency to gather feedback across departments, helping the organisation better align its services with public expectations. Citizens can now file grievances online, reducing the need to visit offices. For those without digital access, especially from rural areas, dedicated staff will assist in person. Regular Janata Darbars (public grievance meetings) are being held to directly hear and resolve complaints. To further improve its services, MHADA brought in an external agency to collect public feedback across departments. The steps are part of a 100-day action plan guided by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister and Housing Minister Eknath Shinde. The plan focuses on improving citizens’ ease of living and making MHADA’s website more user-friendly, an official statement said. Jaiswal also provided updates on MHADA’s housing projects. He said that a key distribution ceremony will be held on May 15 for beneficiaries in Naigaon, Worli, and Ghodapdeo. He further said that the eligibility of over 1 lakh mill workers under the Girni Kamgar scheme has been finalised. Looking ahead, MHADA aims to deliver 6.5 lakh homes across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with a major focus on the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) to MIG (Middle Income Group) categories. Redevelopment projects are progressing in Motilal Nagar, GTB Nagar, Sindhi Society, and PMGP Jogeshwari, supported by 2.5 FSI regulations, the official statement said. He said that seven cluster redevelopment projects are under development in Prabhadevi, South Mumbai. In the Konkan Board, 3,000 houses will be completed soon, and another 7,000 are already sold. A further 7,000 homes will be ready for sale in the next two years. MHADA is also planning rental housing schemes for senior citizens, women, and students, along with the construction of 42,000 rehabilitation tenements. Under Jaiswal’s leadership, MHADA is taking strong steps to ensure transparent governance, better housing delivery, and improved public service across Maharashtra.
28 April,2025 06:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWith an aim to reduce the wait time and expedite the hearing before MahaRERA, the real estate regulatory body has come up with a priority list of exceptional circumstances, where complainants will be given preference over others. Unlike regular complaints, which are heard on a seniority basis, MahaRERA has issued a circular detailing the conditions and exceptional circumstances under which cases will be given priority out of turn or irrespective of their seniority. Confirming the same, a MahaRERA official listed seven reasons for exemption and priority. These include: - If the complainant is suffering from a life-threatening illness. - If the complainant or respondent has filed a complaint for review or rectification of the order passed, or for non-compliance with an order. - When an Appellate Tribunal or a High Court directs that the complaint be disposed of in a time-bound manner, or directs that the case be heard afresh. - If the dispute has been mutually settled before the Conciliation Bench or out of court. - If the complainant wishes to withdraw the case. - Where the issue of maintainability of the complaint arises. - If there are multiple petitions from the same project. The seniority of the first petition filed will be considered while clubbing the remaining complaints. In such exceptional circumstances, the regular practice of following the chronological order of the filing date will be relaxed, and hearings may be conducted on a priority basis. “An applicant requesting a priority hearing due to a life-threatening illness will have to mandatorily submit a certificate from a relevant specialist doctor. Furthermore, in all other petitions, the complainant will have to file the complaint along with appropriate supporting documents. Without such documents, the request for a priority hearing will not be entertained,” the official said. The decision has been undertaken by MahaRERA with the aim of delivering relief to complainants undergoing exceptional and specific circumstances. The circular unambiguously elaborates these exceptional circumstances and comes into force immediately. Additionally, if necessary, it will be the MahaRERA Chairman’s prerogative to decide, based on the merits of the case, whether seniority can be bypassed,” the officer stated.
28 April,2025 06:26 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Navi Mumbai Police in Maharashtra have registered a case against a man for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman he met on a dating application, an official said on Monday, the PTI reported. The police said that it has filed an FIR against the 26-year-old suspect but was yet to make arrest in the case. The official said that based on a complaint, the police have registered a first information report under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code for the alleged assault that took place in September 2020. The complainant claimed that the accused, a resident of Seawoods in Navi Mumbai, became acquainted with her on a dating app, he said, adding that the woman has alleged that the accused sexually assaulted her at a building in Kharghar. "No arrests have been made in the case. We are gathering evidence and ascertaining facts," he said. Further investigations were going on. Mother-son duo booked in rape, assault case in Thane district Meanwhile, in an another incident, last week, the Thane Police had said that a case has been registered against a mother-son duo for alleged rape and assault on a 36-year-old woman in Maharashtra's Thane district, reported news agency PTI. Based on a complaint, the Kalwa police registered a first information report under sections 69 (sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc.), 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, an official said, reported PTI. He said that the alleged crime took place between June 6, 2023 and February 2025. The complainant has alleged that the accused man, a resident of Kalwa, befriended her on social media and lured her into a physical relationship with the promise of marriage. The accused, who was already married, allegedly raped the woman on multiple occasions with his mother's knowledge, the official said, according to the PTI. He said that later, the victim saw photographs of other women on the accused's mobile phone and confronted him, and he assaulted her. The police said that it was further probing into the allegations, and was yet to make any arrests in the matter.
28 April,2025 05:15 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
