Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik on Friday night stated that India will take firm action in retaliation for the "cowardly" terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, the majority of whom were tourists from other states. Three of the victims – Sanjay Lele, Hemant Joshi, and Atul Mone – were from Dombivli in Thane, which is also Naik's home district. "This was not merely an attack on tourists, but a direct assault on the very soul of our nation," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister said, warning that India would not remain silent in the face of such violence. Naik visited the families of Lele, Joshi, and Mone to offer his condolences and support, news agency PTI reported. काश्मीर मधील पहलगाम येथे झालेल्या भ्याड दहशतवादी हल्ल्यामध्ये डोंबिवली येथील स्व. अतुलजी मोने, स्व. संजयजी लेले व स्व. हेमंत जी जोशी यांच्या कुटुंबीयांची सांत्वन पर भेट घेऊन संवेदना व्यक्त केली. या हल्ल्यामध्ये ज्यांनी आपले प्राण गमावले त्यांच्या कुटुंबियांसाठी हा अत्यंत कठीण काळ… — Ganesh Naik (@NaikSpeaks) April 25, 2025 Speaking to the media later, Naik reaffirmed that all of India’s military forces had been put on high alert and that the country was prepared to take decisive action. "Unless Pakistan is made to pay for this cowardly act, the nation and its people will not find peace," the minister said, adding, "This is not an ordinary incident... it marks a turning point." Describing the Pahalgam terror attack as a grave assault not only on innocent lives but on the spirit of the nation, Naik assured that India’s leadership would ensure the perpetrators faced justice. "The people of India are united against terrorism. This unity is our strength, and the message is clear – we will not let this go unanswered," he stated. The BJP leader also condemned the alleged communal motive behind Pahalgam terror attack, which saw terrorists specifically target victims based on their religion. "There is no place for politics here. The terrorists murdered innocent people. The nation must respond not with division, but with unity," Naik emphasised. He also expressed confidence that the collective anger and grief of the Indian people would translate into determined national action. "This wave of solidarity from across the country will ensure that such evil forces are held accountable. The people of this nation have spoken with one voice, and that voice demands justice," said Naik. (With PTI inputs)
26 April,2025 02:23 AM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentDo 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 April 26. Aries March 21 – April 20For some, a relationship begins a new phase. Spending quiet time by yourself helps focus on issues that emerge repeatedly..Cosmic tip: Don’t put off learning from mistakes (we all make them). Taurus April 21 – May 20Defuse a situation at work with diplomacy laced with practical ideas. A relationship develops to a new level of trust.Cosmic tip: Make use of this karmic cycle of spiritual growth which also enhances intuition. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Wanting to do something more challenging gets you thinking of many different ideas.. Cosmic tip: Sift through memories to help remain in the now and this moment. Cancer June 22 – July 23A friend from the past resurfaces, much to your delighted surprise (this is a good turn in life).Cosmic tip: Be optimistic, not focusing on missed opportunities, but accepting new energy that comes in. Leo July 24 - Aug 23There is less stress as two self-set goals are reached much earlier than expected. Tweaking time saving techniques helps achieve that much more each day. Cosmic tip: Be aware of thoughts and words. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Self-study of a fascinating subject is something you are enjoying so much. Meeting friends for a coffee in the evening is enjoyable..Cosmic tip: Speak what is true, but in a tactful manner. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Pay attention to finances. Regularly hosting friends maybe a bit of a chore.Cosmic tip: Be aware life is not in black and white, but in blurred myriad shades that sometimes don’t have explanatory words. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22The day moves at a fast pace with fewer delays, especially news from present clients.Cosmic tip: Don’t mix friendship and business, as you don’t want a perfectly great friendship to limp to a halt. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22The universe steps in to change the karmic cycle to one which brings good news. A lateral move within the organisation is possible.. Cosmic tip: Gain trust with openness and sincerity. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Advice from someone creative helps keep the focus on what works in today’s world. Make time to discuss consumer durables needed for the home with your spouse.Cosmic tip: Keep plans fluid. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Sometimes an issue has no immediate solution, so keep it on the back-burner for now. A promotion is discussed with the boss. Cosmic tip: Enjoy this karmic cycle of a wish coming true. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Genuinely trying to do your best is the ideal way to bring life back on track. Sometimes unrealistic hopes materialise when least expecting it.Cosmic tip: Wait patiently till karmic justice is received..
26 April,2025 12:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseSeveral residents of Parel on Friday evening gathered at Elphinstone Bridge in Mumbai to protest as the civic officials began preparations to shut down the the crucial road. As per latest development, Elphinstone Bridge was kept partially opened for traffic at 10 pm. The lane at the Parel-end was blocked by the protesting residents and JCB machines, leading to closure of traffic moving towards Prabhadevi. However, the traffic movement from Prabhadevi to Parel is functional as usual. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) On Friday evening, locals had stopped the movement of the vehicles on Elphinstone Bridge, causing traffic jam-like situation on the route for a brief period. Some locals fear that, once the bridge is demolished, their homes will be lost and hence on Friday evening gathered at the bridge to stop its closure. Locals questioned the timing of closure of the bridge without a clear rehabilitation plan. Sriram Pawar, a resident said, "We are not against development, we are protesting because the authorities are executing the the closure of the bridge without clarifying our rehabilitation. The officials not taken any joint meeting of the residents as yet to inform their rehabilitation plan." Residents protest at Elphinstone Bridge, stopping all vehicles—except an ambulance. Bridge closure now set for midnight instead of 9 PM. PC/VC: @rajtoday @raje_ashish #ElphinstoneBridge #MumbaiTraffic #ProtestUpdate pic.twitter.com/pRSBuoqROS — Mid Day (@mid_day) April 25, 2025 The closure of Elphinstone Bridge has been planned on Friday night, sparking a wave of concern among local residents and commuters alike. A local resident told mid-day, "We have been living here for the past 80 years, where will we go. The authorities must clarify how do they plan to relocate the local residents. Despite multiple attempts we have not yet heard from the authorities to clarify on our future." As per one of the local, the pillar of the new bridge is going to be impacting two buildings. Another resident said, "Once the bridge is demolished, what will happen to the residents homes. The civic authorities and the state government must first clarify and then execute the demolition or closure of the bridge." The traffic police has officially given the green light for the bridge to be shut down from tonight. The closure is set to last two years and is expected to significantly impact travel routes, emergency access, and the lives of local residents and businesses. After several postponements, the NOC for road closure was granted to the traffic police. The officials has planned to close the Elphinstone Bridge on the night of April 25. The bridge is scheduled to be closed for a period of two years, the officials said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia)
25 April,2025 11:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar | Katyayani KapoorMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has extended financial assistance to the Kashmiri youth who lost his life while saving the tourists in the Pahalgam terror attack, an official statement said on Friday. It said that Shinde has extended a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to 20-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah’s family. Syed lost his life while selflessly saving tourists during the terrorist attack. The statement said that a cheque was personally delivered by Shiv Sena workers, Sarhaadh Sanstha karyakartas and the Border authorities, who travelled to Pahalgam to express solidarity. Eknath Shinde interacted with Syed’s family via video conferencing, offering heartfelt condolences and reassurance, it said. Syed Adil, who earned a living by offering horse rides to tourists in Pahalgam, displayed bravery during the attack, when terrorists opened fire, Syed attempted to protect a tourist by trying to snatch the weapon. He was fatally shot during the struggle. In the aftermath of the attack, several tourists from Maharashtra were stranded in the region. Earlier, Shinde flew to Srinagar on Wednesday to oversee relief efforts. He visited a relief camp near the airport and also met with the stranded tourists. Many tourists spoke highly of Syed’s heroic act, which deeply moved Eknath Shinde and led to the swift decision to provide aid to the bereaved family, it said. Shinde described Syed’s actions as a beacon of humanity and valor. He assured the family that Syed’s sacrifice would be remembered and honored, the statement said. It said that Shinde also pledged government assistance to help reconstruct the family’s dilapidated home, reaffirming his commitment to support them during this difficult time. Shah, was among 26 persons, mostly tourists, who lost their lives in the deadly terrorist attack in south Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had turned up at his funeral and hailed his courage to stand up against the armed assailants. Syed, was laid to rest at the ancestral graveyard at his Hapatnard village in Pahalgam with hundreds of mourners bidding him a tearful adieu and saluting his sacrifice. "I visited Pahalgam today to offer 'fatiha' (prayer after burial) for brave-heart Shah, who was shot dead while trying to snatch a weapon from one of the terrorists in a courageous attempt to protect the tourists he had ferried on horseback from the parking area to Baisaran meadow. Met his grieving family and assured them of full support. Adil (Shah) was the sole breadwinner, and his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice will forever be remembered," Omar Abdullah wrote in a post shared by his office on X.
25 April,2025 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Navi Mumbai builder whose son is allegedly accused of involvement in a massive drug syndicate died by suicide at his residence in the early hours of Friday, a police officer said. "The man is the father of an accused who is being pursued by the Narcotics Control Bureau as part of its probe into a massive drug syndicate operating in several nations. The accused is believed to be holed up abroad," the officer added. He also said that a suicide note was recovered from the room where the man died by suicide. The contents of the note were being analysed, PTI reported. "The weapon used by the victim and a personal computer have been seized from his Navi Mumbai residence as part of the probe," the officer added. Delhi man dies by suicide after stabbing ex-wife to death A man allegedly died by suicide after stabbing his ex-wife to death and setting her body on fire at her residence in East Delhi's Patparganj area, police said Thursday. The incident occurred on Wednesday when a police control room (PCR) call was received at Pandav Nagar Police Station reporting the murder of a woman. When the police reached the spot, they found her charred body lying between two beds, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania said. "Preliminary medical examination revealed four stab wounds - one in the abdomen and three in the chest. She was rushed to LBS Hospital, where she was declared dead. The body was subsequently moved to the mortuary for post-mortem examination," he informed. According to the police, the victim was first married in 2020. She has a four-year-old daughter from her first marriage. She then tied a knot with another man in 2023. This year, she got married for the third time. However, the second and the third marriages were not registered, PTI reported. During investigation, the police analysed CCTV footage and saw a man entering and exiting her house around the time of the murder. Her current husband identified the man as her husband, who was out on bail for allegedly molesting the victim’s daughter, the police said. He told the police that the victim had been receiving repeated threats from her second husband, who blamed her for the molestation case and his inability to find employment. He had allegedly warned her of dire consequences if she did not withdraw the complaint, reported PTI. The police also discovered that the accused used to tell her friends about killing his ex-wife. A case was registered under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Pandav Nagar Police Station following the murder, and three teams were formed to nab the accused, PTI reported. However, the police later discovered that the accused had allegedly died by suicide at an under-construction building in Noida World One, Sector 90. (With PTI inputs)
25 April,2025 08:13 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentIn preparation for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday approved the construction of two helipads and eight parking areas at Shirdi airport, an official statement said. The decision was made during the 91st board meeting of the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) held at the Sahyadri Guest House in south Mumbai on Friday. CM Fadnavis also directed officials to present a detailed plan for the runway expansion of Amravati airport, recognising the rapid growth of industries in the region. He pointed out the potential of the area to generate revenue through improved airport infrastructure, it said. At the meeting, MADC’s Vice Chairperson and Managing Director Swati Pandey gave a detailed presentation on various ongoing and upcoming airport projects in Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present at the meeting. Mentioning about the location of Shirdi airport, which is close to Nashik, CM Fadnavis said that during the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra's Nashik district, the airport would be highly convenient for pilgrims from different parts of the country arriving by air. Considering the expected rise in passenger traffic and the limited capacity of Nashik airport, the Shirdi expansion proposal was approved, the statement said. The plan includes modernisation of the terminal, two new helipads, and eight additional parking zones to manage increased footfall and facilitate helicopter services during the Kumbh Mela. CM Fadnavis has also asked the officials to develop Latur airport, which would benefit not only Latur, but also nearby districts like Beed and Dharashiv (Osmanabad). He instructed officials to speed up development work at Karad Airport, including the creation of night landing facilities. The runway at Chandrapur airport will be extended to accommodate chartered aircraft, while alternative sites are being considered for the proposed Gadchiroli airport, the official statement said. The meeting also reviewed airport projects in Ratnagiri, Akola, Kolhapur, Nanded, and Dhule, it said. It further stated that under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), flights are currently operating on 16 routes across Maharashtra. The state has also sent eight new proposals to the central government for approval under this scheme, the statement said.
25 April,2025 07:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbaikars are likely to witness major disruptions this weekend as the city faces a combination of train cancellations, road closures, and a planned water cut in parts of the city. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), traffic police and the railways in city has planned civic works, traffic diversions and mega block on some suburban train routes. Here are the complete details of the planned works in city as Mumbai braces for major disruptions this weekend. Train Services: Western Railway has announced a major block on April 26 and 27. In an official statement, the Western Railway said that it will carry out the re-girdering work of Bridge No. 61 between Kandivali and Borivali stations for which a major block of 35 hours from 13:00 hrs of April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to 00:00 hrs of April 27th/28th, 2025 (Sunday/Monday) will be undertaken on the 5th line, the Carshed line and Kandivali Traffic Yard line. Impact: 35-hour mega block due to maintenance between Mumbai Central and Borivali. Check complete details here Cancelled Services: 163 local train services, including slow and fast locals. Advice: Avoid non-essential travel via Western Railway lines. Train Services: Central Railway to operate mega block The Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a mega block on its Harbour line and between Vidyavihar and Thane station on Sunday. An official statement said that the Central Railway's Mumbai Division will operate mega block on its suburban sections carrying out various engineering and maintenance works on April 27 as under: At the 5th and 6th lines between Vidyavihar and Thane from 8.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs. Check details here Elphinstone Bridge Closure: The Mumbai Traffic Police has officially given the green light for the bridge to be shut down from tonight. The closure is set to last two years and is expected to significantly impact travel routes, emergency access, and the lives of local residents and businesses. Date: April 25 (Friday onwards) Reason: Structural work and demolition. Impact: Major traffic disruptions near Lower Parel; key link for north-south Mumbai commute. Check complete details here Advice: Use alternative east-west connectors like Delisle Road or Currey Road. Water Supply Disruption: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed various water supply works in Ghatkopar (West). These works will be undertaken from 10 am on Saturday for a 24-hour period. As a result, the water supply in some parts of the N and L Wards will be suspended during this period Dates: April 26–27 Reason: Pipeline maintenance work by BMC. Impact: Complete water cut for 24–48 hours in Ghatkopar (East and West) and possibly neighboring areas. Check full details here Advice: Store water in advance; minimise water usage. Traffic to be affected in Thane Apart from Mumbai, Traffic movements on Ghodbunder Road in Thane district of Maharashtra will be hit as the road repair works scheduled on April 26 will begin on Saturday, the officials said. In a traffic notification, the Thane Traffic Police said the road repair works at the Gaimukh Ghat section on the Thane-Ghodbunder Road (State Highway No. 84), is being undertaken from April 26, 2025 to April 27, 2025. The notification further said, the repair work, which will be done using Cement Grouted Penetration Macadam (CGPM) and Cement Base (CB) methods, is scheduled to begin this weekend. Check complete traffic restrictions and diversions here.
25 April,2025 07:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a stringent crackdown on Pakistani nationals overstaying in the state, following a Central government decision to suspend visa services for citizens of Pakistan, news agency ANI reported. Speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, "The Central government has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals who have come to India. We have sought a list (of Pakistani nationals who have come to India), they are being identified and police officials have been instructed to ensure that no Pakistani national stays in Maharashtra for more than 48 hours...Action will be taken against Pakistani nationals who overstay [in Maharashtra]." #WATCH | Mumbai | #PahalgamTerroristAttack | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "The central government has decided to suspend visa services for Pakistani nationals who have come to India. We have sought a list (of Pakistani nationals who have come to India), they are being… pic.twitter.com/KizN2j62Li — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2025 The CM emphasised that all district police units have been directed to conduct strict surveillance and ensure compliance with the new directive, ANI reported. "We will monitor it fully and send them out. Those who overstay will face legal action," he said. Fadnavis also confirmed that he held a detailed discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the issue. "I had a detailed talk with the Union Home Minister and action will be taken as per his guidance," he informed. Earlier in the day, the Union Home Minister spoke with all the CMs and asked them to identify the Pakistani nationals in their respective states and take steps to ensure their prompt return to Pakistan. A decision has been made to cancel all types of visas, effective immediately, for Pakistani nationals. The move comes amid a slew of decisions taken by New Delhi following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, died. Pahalgam terror attack: As tourists are flown back, allies BJP, Shiv Sena jostle for credit The elaborate efforts to bring back of tourists to Maharashtra following the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday seems to have triggered a game of one-upmanship between Mahayuti allies Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. While the CM’s Office on Friday posted on social media platform X that 500 tourists had been brought back to the state so far in special flights arranged by the state government on the instructions of Devendra Fadnavis, the Sena credited Shinde for it. The Shiv Sena said it brought back 520 passengers from Srinagar on four different flights, with Deputy CM Shinde personally overseeing the relief efforts, reported PTI. "The air expenses for 520 tourists were borne by the Shiv Sena," a functionary from Shinde's office said. Meanwhile, the CMO statement said another batch of 237 tourists will land in Maharashtra on Friday, adding that Fadnavis reviewed the situation with cabinet minister Girish Mahajan on Thursday. If more flights were needed to bring back the remaining tourists, the state government will bear the expenses, Fadnavis was quoted as saying. (With ANI and PTI inputs)
25 April,2025 07:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Railway, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, on Friday said that it will operate a mega block on its Harbour line and between Vidyavihar and Thane station on Sunday. An official statement said that the Central Railway's Mumbai Division will operate mega block on its suburban sections carrying out various engineering and maintenance works on April 27 as under: At the 5th and 6th lines between Vidyavihar and Thane from 8.00 hrs to 12.30 hrs. Down Mail / Express trains viz. Train no 11055, 11061 and 16345 will be diverted on down fast line at Vidyavihar station and will be re-diverted on 5th line at Thane station and will run 10 to 15 minutes behind schedule during the block period. UP Mail / Express trains viz. 11010, 12124, 13201, 17221, 12126, 12140 and 22226 will be diverted on UP Fast line at Thane station and will be re-diverted on 6th line at Vidyavihar station and will run 10 to 15 minutes behind schedule during the block period. UP Harbour line from 11.10 hrs to 16.10 hrs and Down Harbour line from 11.40 hrs to 16.40 hrs between CSMT Mumbai and Chunabhatti / Bandra stations Down Harbour line services to Vashi /Belapur/Panvel leaving CSMT Mumbai from 11.16 hrs to 16.47 hrs and Down Harbour line services to Bandra/Goregaon leaving CSMT Mumbai from 10.48 hrs to 16.43 hrs will remain suspended. UP Harbour line services for CSMT Mumbai leaving Panvel/Belapur/Vashi from 9.53 hrs to 15.20 hrs & UP Harbour line services for CSMT Mumbai leaving Goregaon/Bandra from 10.45 hrs to 17.13 hrs will remain suspended. Special services will run between Kurla-Panvel at 20 min frequency during the block period. Harbour line passengers are permitted to travel via Main Line & Western Railway from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm during block period. "Maintenance mega blocks are essential for infrastructure upkeep and safety. Passengers are requested to bear with the railway administration for the inconvenience caused," the statement said. Meanwhile, the Western Railway on Thursday said that it will operate a major block on Sunday and Monday due to which several trains will be cancelled. The Western Railway said that it will carry out the re-girdering work of Bridge No. 61 between Kandivali and Borivali stations for which a major block of 35 hours from 13:00 hrs of April 26, 2025 (Saturday) to 00:00 hrs of April 27th/28th, 2025 (Sunday/Monday) will be undertaken on the 5th line, the Carshed line and Kandivali Traffic Yard line.
25 April,2025 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Friday, Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that there is outrage at the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam and India has shown its resilience time and again. At least 26 people were killed in the terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday. "We are all united in grief. We pray for the departed. We wish all those who are injured an early recovery and hope God gives strength to the families of all those who were deeply impacted by this extremely heinous and criminal act of these terrorists from across the border," the minister said at a steel industry conference, reported PTI. From Kargil to Kanyakumari, there is outrage at the dastardly attack on India's very fabric, Goyal said and added that India has shown its resilience time and again. "I hail from Mumbai, this is my home city. We had faced a very severe terrorist attack on 26th of November 2008. We emerged stronger after that. After the Pulwama attack on our army jawans, we gave a befitting reply to their sponsors. Just like the steel industry is the backbone of our economy," Piyush Goyal stated, reported news agency PTI. Pahalgam attack: Four Mumbai civic hospitals to provide mental health services to the injured Four municipal hospitals in Mumbai will provide mental health services to those injured in the Pahalgam terror attack and their kin to tide them over trauma, an official said on Thursday. At least 26 people were killed and several injured when terrorists opened fire at a meadow near Pahalgam town in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Tuesday afternoon. "The hospitals are Nair, KEM, Sion and Cooper. Services will be provided from 9 am to 4 pm. It will include counselling, assessment of acute stress, and screening for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It will provide medication and hospitalisation if required," an official release from the Mumbai civic body said. "Emergency counselling and medication for stress, insomnia, restlessness, and flashbacks of the incident will also be available from 4 pm to 9 pm. Suicide prevention helpline HITGUJ (022-24131212) will be operational from 9 am to 4 pm. Trained counsellors will assess mental health symptoms and refer patients to the hospital if needed," the statement added. (With PTI inputs)
25 April,2025 07:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 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. "A joint inspection by traffic police and BMC officials has already taken place, and the decision to open the bridge to traffic will be made in coordination with the police," the officials said. The roadworks under the Juhu-Vile Parle Development Project (JVPD) are ongoing. A narrow side road near Barfiwala Bridge is being widened to ensure smoother traffic flow from the newly operational section, they said. Bangar advised that enough road width should be made available for safe vehicle movement in that area. He also inspected the Vikhroli flyover, which is being constructed near the Vikhroli Railway Station on the Central Railway line. The flyover is 615 metres long and 12 metres wide, with 565 metres of it being built by the BMC. It includes 19 pillars, with 12 on the east side and 7 on the west. A total of 18 girders, each weighing around 25 metric tonnes and spanning 25–30 metres, have been installed in three phases. The remaining 5 per cent of the work includes installing the deck slab over the final three spans near a school and due to the busy location near the school and the railway station, BMC is taking extra precautions to complete the project safely, it said. The work is expected to be finished by May 31, 2025. The Vikhroli flyover will also be fitted with crash barriers, noise barriers, railings, road markings, lighting, and signage in parallel, to ensure that the flyover is ready before the monsoon season. When operational, the Vikhroli flyover will significantly reduce travel time and fuel usage for commuters heading from the Eastern Express Highway to Powai, as well as benefit drivers in the Ghatkopar, Vikhroli, and Kanjurmarg areas, the BMC said.
25 April,2025 06:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
