Ahead of the polling for BMC Election 2026, Thackeray cousins, Aaditya and Amit Thackeray, on Tuesday jointly campaign and joined a bike rally for MNS candidate in Byculla area of central Mumbai. In a post on X, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray wrote that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray and he took part in a bike rally organised to campaign for Sonam Jamsutkar, the alliance candidate from Ward No. 210. A public outreach campaign was held in Byculla and was attended by several party workers and supporters as part of the ongoing civic election campaign. Sharing details of the rally on X, Aaditya Thackeray wrote that he had attended the bike rally along with Amit Thackeray to campaign for the MNS candidate. In his post, Aaditya Thackeray described Byculla as a stronghold of Marathi unity and said that this unity would strengthen the fight to protect Mumbai. आज महाराष्ट्र नवनिर्माण सेनेचे नेते अमित ठाकरे ह्यांच्यासह वॉर्ड क्र. २१० मधील अधिकृत उमेदवार सोनम जामसूतकर ह्यांच्या प्रचारार्थ बाईक रॅलीस उपस्थित राहिलो. भायखळा हा मराठी माणसाच्या एकजुटीचा बालेकिल्ला आहे. इथे हिच एकजूट मुंबई रक्षणाच्या लढाईला बळ देणार. @amitrthackeray… pic.twitter.com/R5rA8pvR8T — Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 13, 2026 Emphasis on Marathi identity Political leaders and party workers present at the rally stressed the importance of unity among Marathi-speaking people. They said Byculla has always stood together in matters related to Marathi identity and Mumbai’s interests. They expressed confidence that public support in the area would play a key role in the upcoming civic elections. The bike rally was part of wider efforts by political parties to reach voters at the grassroots level ahead of the civic polls. Aaditya and Amit jointly share alliance's vision for Mumbai Earlier this month, Aaditya Thackeray and Amit Thackeray had jointly presented the alliance’s vision for Mumbai to party candidates on on January 2. The two leaders were seen sharing the stage at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar area of Mumbai. Affordable housing, financial support for women, and stronger public services are among the key promises made by the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS alliance ahead of the Mumbai civic elections scheduled for January 15. ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ for domestic helps and Koli women The alliance announced a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 under a proposed ‘Swabhiman Nidhi’ scheme for women working as domestic helps and for Koli women. The scheme is on the lines of the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides financial support to eligible women. Subsidised food through 'Maa Saheb' kitchens The Thackeray cousins also announced the launch of ‘Maa Saheb’ kitchens, named after their grandmother Meenatai Thackeray. These kitchens will offer breakfast and lunch at Rs 10, similar to the Shiv Bhojan Thali scheme. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
13 January,2026 10:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentElections to 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra will be held on February 5, 2026, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 7, a senior official said on Tuesday. The election programme was announced a day after the Supreme Court extended the deadline for completing Maharashtra local body elections by two weeks beyond the earlier January 31 timeline. With the announcement of the schedule at a press conference addressed by State Election Commission (SEC) Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the concerned districts. Polling arrangements across districts The elections will cover Zilla Parishads in 12 districts along with their corresponding 125 Panchayat Samitis. The SEC is making arrangements for approximately 25,482 polling stations across the state. Polling will be conducted from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm on February 5. Nomination and election timeline According to the SEC, nomination papers will be accepted from January 16 to January 18. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 19, while the last date for withdrawal of candidatures is January 21. Election symbols will be allotted on January 22, and the final list of candidates will be published on the same day. Voter list and voting machines The voter list prepared by the Election Commission of India as of July 1, 2025, will be used for these elections. The voter lists have been bifurcated for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti constituencies as per rules. “No additions or deletions can be made to the voter list at this stage,” Waghmare said. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including ballot units and control units, will be used extensively to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls. Special facilities for voters The SEC said special facilities will be provided at polling stations for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and voters with infants. Facilities will include ramps, wheelchairs, drinking water and toilets. Where feasible, all-women polling stations will be set up in areas with a high concentration of women voters. Administrative arrangements and MCC Extensive administrative preparations have been made, including the appointment of thousands of election officers and staff. The SEC has also specified expenditure limits separately for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti candidates, based on the size of the electoral divisions. Waghmare warned that strict action will be taken against violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Election campaigning will end 48 hours before polling begins. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
13 January,2026 09:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), one of Mumbai’s premier wildlife attractions, continues to play a vital role in wildlife conservation and public awareness. SGNP is unique in being the only national park in India where citizens can observe and learn about all three of India’s big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards, within close proximity to a metropolitan city. Currently, SGNP is home to 13 tigers and five lions in captivity, while over 50 leopards roam freely within the park, giving it one of the highest leopard densities in the world. SGNP celebrates birth of three lion cubs Adding to this conservation success, SGNP celebrated the birth of three healthy lion cubs on the night of January 11. The cubs were born to Lioness Bharati and Lion Manas, who were brought to SGNP from Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh, Gujarat, as part of the exchange programme under the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi. The development follows another successful birth in the park last year, when Lioness Mansi and Lion Manas gave birth to a female lion cub on January 16. The new arrivals have further strengthened SGNP’s role as a centre for conservation, education, and wildlife research, while continuing to inspire wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers across Mumbai and beyond. Speaking about the joyous moment in the national park, Anita Patil (IFS), SNGP's director, said, “The birth of these lion cubs is a proud and encouraging moment for Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It reflects our continued commitment to scientific animal management, conservation breeding, and providing the highest standards of animal care. Such milestones strengthen our efforts to conserve endangered species while fostering awareness among citizens.” “Each successful birth at SGNP is the result of dedicated teamwork by our veterinary staff, animal keepers, and forest officials. These cubs symbolise hope for the future of wildlife conservation and highlight the importance of well-planned inter-zoo cooperation,” added Kiran Patil, deputy director, SGNP.
13 January,2026 09:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that people of Mumbai have decided to ensure the victory of the Shiv Sena-BJP-Mahayuti candidates in the local civic elections, news agency IANS reported. While speaking to the media on Tuesday during an election campaign, the deputy CM said that there has been an overwhelming response from the public. "There has been a very positive response, and people are happy. The people have decided to make the Shiv Sena-BJP Mahayuti candidates win and are determined to bring change in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. The Mahayuti will come to power in the BMC, and the mayor will also be from the Mahayuti,” said Shinde. ‘Mahayuti is expected to win more than 150 seats’: Shaina NC Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also expressed confidence in the alliance’s prospects, stating that the Mahayuti is expected to win more than 150 seats in Mumbai city, IANS reported. “Mumbaikars have chosen the politics of progress and will surely support the Mahayuti in this journey of development. Our respected leaders, Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, have done remarkable work on the ground in areas such as the environment, healthcare, education, improved sewage treatment, and making Mumbai free of potholes. This is not mere talk; we have delivered tangible results,” she said. Shaina NC, while hailing Mahayuti workers on ground presence and preparations ahead of the civic polls, highlighted that BMC Election 2026 is not about showcasing crowd size, IANS reported. She said, “Our workers are present on the ground, each working diligently in their respective areas. This election is not about showcasing crowd size. In the speeches delivered by Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, nearly 90 per cent of the discussion was focused solely on development.” “We have motivated our workers, and I can say with confidence that when people come out to vote in Mumbai on January 15, ask me again on January 16 whether numbers or work decide victory. The answer will be clear -- it is the work that determines the outcome,” Shaina NC added. The official poll process began with the notification of elections in December 2025. The state election commission (SEC) announced on December 15, 2025, that elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will be held in a single phase on January 15, 2026. Voting will take place between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm, and the results will be declared the next day. (With inputs from IANS)
13 January,2026 09:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the government will not release the January instalment under the Ladki Bahin Yojana in advance for eligible women, following a directive from the State Election Commission (SEC), reported the PTI. Previously, the government had a practice of providing advance instalments during major festivals to women beneficiaries. However, the monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 will now be credited only after January 16, the day votes from 29 municipal corporation elections are counted. SEC enforces Model Code of Conduct The SEC had barred advance disbursal of the January instalment, citing compliance with the model code of conduct for the upcoming civic polls on January 15, 2026. The clarification followed complaints over media reports suggesting that beneficiaries would receive Rs 3,000, covering December and January payments, before Makar Sankranti as a festival gift, according to the PTI. Fadnavis told reporters in Pune, “We are releasing regular instalments. Since the commission has directed not to release advance payments, they will be credited after January 16.” SEC seeks report on claim of Ladki Bahin aid disbursal Meanwhile, the SEC has sought a report from the chief secretary on a minister's claims that the Ladki Bahin Yojana financial aid would be disbursed to beneficiaries before Makar Sankranti, amid allegations of violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The move followed complaints by Opposition parties, which alleged that the timing of the proposed disbursal amounted to an inducement to women voters ahead of elections to 29 municipal corporations scheduled on January 15. The State Election Commission (SEC) has asked Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to submit a report on Monday, sources told PTI. Congress' complaint Maharashtra Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar submitted a complaint to the SEC on Saturday, claiming the payment was proposed for January 14, a day before polling, and sought its intervention to stop the transfer. Maharashtra government's flagship scheme The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship welfare scheme of the Maharashtra government providing monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women. The programme is widely credited with helping the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly polls 2024. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward (with PTI inputs)
13 January,2026 09:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA biker suffered a deep cut to his neck and was left seriously injured in Borivali area of Mumbai by a sharp kite string, commonly known as manja. The incident has raised concerns ahead of the kite flying festival, Makar Sankranti 2026. Prince Keshari, a resident of Gorai Village, suffered a deep cut to his neck while travelling on a two-wheeler on Wednesday morning at around 10 am. The incident took place on the stretch between Suvidha and Gorai Bridge Road in Borivali. Rider injured despite wearing helmet According to Keshari, he was riding at a speed of around 20 to 30 kmph when he suddenly came into contact with the manja. “I was riding at a speed of 20 to 30 when I suddenly got trapped in manja. I did not even realise what happened. Thankfully, I left my scooter instead of riding it faster, or else I may have lost my life,” Keshari said. The sharp string caused a deep wound on his neck, which required six stitches. Despite wearing a helmet, the injury could not be avoided, highlighting the severe risk posed by manja, especially to two-wheeler riders. Victim urges caution among commuters Speaking after the incident, Keshari urged fellow commuters to remain extremely cautious while travelling, particularly in areas where kite flying is common. He advised riders, especially those who regularly commute towards Borivali and nearby areas, to take basic safety measures such as covering their neck with a scarf or cloth while riding. “It may look like a small step, but it can save a life. I have been advised complete bed rest for the next 12 days, after which the doctors may remove the stitches,” he said. Growing safety concern Manja-related incidents have been reported repeatedly in the city, raising concerns about road safety and the enforcement of bans on dangerous kite strings. Residents and commuters have once again called for stricter action to prevent the use of sharp and illegal kite strings that pose a serious threat to both riders and pedestrians.
13 January,2026 08:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarMumbai Police on Tuesday said that over 28,000 cops will be on the streets in city and senior police officials will be monitoring the polling and voting counting in the city as part of the elaborate security measures for BMC Election 2026. Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will be held on January 15, 2026, across all 227 wards in Mumbai. The counting of votes will take place on January 16, 2026. Mumbai Police said that it have made extensive security arrangements to ensure that the election process is conducted in a safe and peaceful manner. Security arrangements under senior cops The law and order arrangements have been planned under the guidance of the Mumbai Police Commissioner and under the supervision of the Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Mumbai. Police officials said special measures have been taken for both polling day and counting day to maintain the law and order across the city. Over 28,000 police officials to be deployed According to the Mumbai Police, a strong security force will be deployed on polling day. This includes 10 Additional Commissioners of Police, 33 Deputy Commissioners of Police and 84 Assistant Commissioners of Police. In addition, more than 3,000 police officers and over 25,000 police personnel will be deployed across Mumbai. Special units such as the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Quick Response Teams (QRT), Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS), Rapid Control Police (RCP) platoons and Home Guards will also be stationed at sensitive and important locations. Police helpline numbers for citizens The Mumbai Police have appealed to citizens to cooperate with the authorities and report any emergencies or suspicious activities. For immediate police assistance, citizens have been advised to contact the helpline numbers 100 or 112, the police said. Traffic arrangements in place Mumbai Police have also made traffic arrangements for smooth voting and vote counting process in parts of the city. Polling will be completed at 6 pm on January 15, after which Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be collected and stored in the Strong Room. The counting of votes will be held at the same location on January 16, 2026. Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
13 January,2026 08:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said that the people have already made up their minds to ensure the victory of Shiv Sena-BJP Mahayuti candidates in the upcoming BMC Election 2026. Speaking to IANS during an election campaign, Eknath Shinde said the public response to the alliance has been overwhelmingly positive. "There has been a very encouraging response, and people are happy. They have decided to make the Shiv Sena-BJP Mahayuti candidates win and are determined to bring change to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The Mahayuti will form the leadership BMC, and the mayor will also be from the Mahayuti," Shinde said, the news agency reported. Shaina NC predicts big win for alliance Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also expressed strong confidence in the alliance’s prospects, stating that the Mahayuti is expected to win more than 150 seats in Mumbai. "Mumbaikars have chosen the politics of progress and will surely support the Mahayuti in this journey of development," she said, according to the IANS. Shaina NC credited the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde for delivering visible improvements across the city. "Our respected leaders have done remarkable work in areas such as environmental protection, healthcare, education, improved sewage treatment and making Mumbai free of potholes. This is not just talk; we have delivered real results," she said. Focus on development, not crowd size Shaina NC added that Mahayuti workers are actively campaigning across Mumbai and are focused on development rather than showmanship. “Our workers are on the ground, each working sincerely in their respective areas. This election is not about crowd size. In the speeches of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, nearly 90 per cent of the discussion is focused on development,” she said, reported the IANS. “We have motivated our workers, and I am confident that when people vote in Mumbai on January 15, the results on January 16 will clearly show that work, not numbers, decides victory,” she added. Polls on Jan 15 The election process began with the notification issued in December 2025. On December 15, 2025, the State Election Commission (SEC) announced that elections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will be held in a single phase on January 15, 2026. Voting will take place from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, and the results will be declared on January 16, 2026. The SEC has advised voters to visit their designated polling centres during polling hours in city. January 15 has been declared a public holiday in municipal corporation areas to encourage higher voter turnout. Large-scale polling exercise in Mumbai The civic elections are being conducted under the Model Code of Conduct and in accordance with directions from higher judicial authorities to complete long-pending local body polls in Maharashtra. More than one crore voters are eligible to vote in the BMC elections across all 227 wards. In Mumbai, a total of around 1,700 candidates are contesting the elections. (with IANS inputs) Get all BMC Election 2026 updates here | Your ward info below Read more: All about BMC Election Read more: Know Your Ward
13 January,2026 08:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWith just two days to go for BMC Election 2026, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday questioned the Adani Group's rapid expansion across key sectors in Maharashtra. Thackeray’s view on the Adani Group’s expansion has sparked debate over corporate consolidation and the long-term control of strategic state assets such as airports. The MNS chief, in a post on social media platform X, highlighted that over the past few years, the conglomerate has significantly increased its footprint in sectors ranging from power generation and transmission to ports, logistics and other large-scale infrastructure projects. Over the past few years, the Adani Group has expanded at an extraordinary pace—be it the power sector, ports, airports, or almost every major sphere within the state. One by one, critical sectors are being handed over to a single corporate conglomerate.As Maharashtrians, if we… pic.twitter.com/wfZ48ICDKp — Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) January 13, 2026 In a post that drew widespread reactions,MNS chief Raj Thackeray warned that the pace and scale of the conglomerate’s expansion could threaten the state. Critics argue that the pace and scale of the expansion reflect a growing concentration of economic power in the hands of a single corporate group, with several key sectors and vast tracts of land gradually shifting to one conglomerate, raising concerns over competition, transparency and public interest. Adani's expansion across various sectors The MNS leader, while hinting at the ruling party’s indirect collaboration with the Adani Group, also highlighted that if such consolidation is not closely examined now, Maharashtra could see increasing control of essential infrastructure and resources by one corporate entity. “As Maharashtrians, if we fail to view this rapid consolidation with the seriousness it demands today, inch by inch, vast stretches of land and key assets of this state will slip into the hands of one corporate group,” his tweet further said. The video posted by Thackeray highlights the Adani Group’s involvement in multiple large-scale projects and assets across the state, prompting calls for greater public scrutiny and informed debate. Furthermore, a video shared by the MNS chief shows the graphical representation of how the Adani Group has taken over key projects. The video also indicates that the group's expansion is not limited to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region but has also been expanded in key districts such as Nagpur, Pune, Chandrapur, Amravati, Wardha, Satara, and Baramati. The MNS chief has made the Adani Group’s expansion across Maharashtra a key poll plank ahead of the BMC Election 2026.
13 January,2026 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentElections for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra are scheduled for Thursday, January 15, with the campaigning coming to an end on Tuesday, January 13, at 5 pm. All political parties are making their last push to reach voters ahead of the polling day. To ensure smooth voting, the state government has declared a holiday on Thursday. In Mumbai, 1,700 candidates are contesting for 227 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards. As per the state election commission guidelines, polling will take place from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm on January 15, and results will be announced the next day. On the last day of campaigning, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-energy roadshow in Nagpur. Riding a bullet motorcycle under heavy security, he traversed from Bharat Mata Chowk through Vividh Chowk, concluding near the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal. Speaking to a TV channel, Fadnavis asserted that a Mahayuti Mayor would take charge in Mumbai following BMC Election 2026. 'Marathi manus in danger because of BJP': Sanjay Raut lambasts Devendra Fadnavis' critique of Thackeray brothers Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday lashed out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his remarks claiming the “existence” of the Thackeray brothers was in danger, asserting that the Thackeray family was capable of handling any threats and did not need lessons from the BJP leader, news agency ANI reported. Addressing a press conference, Raut said Fadnavis’ comments questioning the Thackeray brothers’ contribution to the Marathi manus were effectively a challenge to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. “Devendra Bhau, don’t worry about us. The Thackeray family is capable of handling threats. We are not scared like you. We don’t create bogus voter lists to win elections or distribute money. You should worry about yourself,” Raut said according to ANI. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said the issue of the “son of the soil” had remained relevant in Maharashtra for over six decades and accused the BJP of undermining Bal Thackeray’s legacy. He claimed the BJP gained prominence in the state only because of Bal Thackeray’s support. “If the Marathi manus is in danger today, it is because of the BJP. This issue has been there for 60 years. This is not about the Thackeray brothers. Fadnavis is challenging Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray,” Raut said. On Monday, Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed a joint rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, launching a sharp attack on the Thackeray brothers. Fadnavis questioned their contribution to the welfare of the Marathi manus over the past three decades. “If the Marathi manus is in danger, what have you been doing for 30 years?” Fadnavis asked, asserting that it was not the Marathi community but the Thackeray brothers whose political existence was at stake. The chief minister also said the next Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor would be from the Mahayuti alliance and would be both Marathi and Hindu. Rejecting opposition claims, Fadnavis maintained that Maharashtra belonged to all Marathi people and not any single political group. “It is not the Marathi manus whose existence is in danger. It is certain political forces whose existence is at stake,” he said. (With ANI inputs)
13 January,2026 07:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the BMC Election 2026, Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued temporary traffic diversions in parts of Dadar (West), Worli and parts of western suburbs. In a traffic notification, the police said that a Election Office and Strong Room have been set up at Dr Antonia D’Silva High School on Rao Bahadur S. K. Bole Marg, Dadar (West). The distribution of polling station materials will take place at the school between January 13 and January 15, 2026. Polling will be completed at 6 pm on January 15, after which Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be collected and stored in the Strong Room. The counting of votes will be held at the same location on January 16, 2026. Traffic restrictions from Jan 14 to Jan 16 To ensure smooth conduct of the election process and for the convenience of the public, traffic restrictions will be in force from 8.00 am on January 14, 2026, to 11 pm on January 16, 2026. No entry except for locals During the restriction period, entry will be prohibited for vehicles, except those belonging to local residents, on the following roads -- - Rao Bahadur S. K. Bole Marg, from Gyan Mandir Junction to Hanuman Mandir Junction, Dadar (West) - Ashok Vruksh Road, Dadar (West) - Ranade Road: From Dr Antonia D’Silva High School to Kirtichandra Surishwarji Maharaj Chowk From Baba Sawarkar Chowk to Anna Tipnis Chowk No Parking xones Parking will not be permitted on the following roads during the same period -- - Rao Bahadur S. K. Bole Marg, Dadar (West), from Gyan Mandir Junction to Hanuman Mandir Junction - Ashok Vruksh Road, Dadar (West) - Ranade Road, Dadar (West) Advisory to motorists The traffic police have advised motorists to avoid the affected roads during the restriction period and to follow traffic diversions and instructions issued by traffic personnel on duty. Traffic restrictions in Worli The Mumbai Traffic Police have announced traffic restrictions in parts of Worli during BMC Election 2026. Vote counting will be carried out at the Strong Room located at the BMC Engineering Hub on Dr E. Moses Road, Worli. As a large crowd is expected near the counting centre, traffic regulations have been imposed to ensure smooth and safe movement. No entry and no parking on Dr E. Moses Road Traffic restrictions on Dr E. Moses Road will be in force from 5 am on January 16, 2026, until midnight. Parking will not be permitted on both lanes of Dr E. Moses Road between Worli Naka and Dainik Shivner Marg. Entry will also be prohibited on both lanes of this stretch as per requirement. However, essential services, government vehicles, police vehicles, fire brigade vehicles, ambulances, and vehicles authorised by the Election Commission will be allowed. Alternate routes during vote counting Motorists are advised to use the following alternate routes during the restriction period: Vehicles travelling from Mahalaxmi Railway Station to Worli Naka should take a right turn at Nehru Science Centre and proceed via Dainik Shivner Marg and Shiram Mill Naka. Vehicles travelling from Worli Naka to Mahalaxmi Railway Station should proceed via Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Shiram Mill Naka and Dainik Shivner Marg. EVM distribution and collection at Jambori Maidan Separately, the Traffic Police have also announced restrictions for the distribution and collection of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and election materials at Jambori Maidan on G. M. Bhosale Marg, Worli. These restrictions will be in force from 12.01 am on January 14, 2026, until midnight on January 15, 2026. Traffic Curbs on G. M. Bhosale Marg During this period, parking will not be allowed on both lanes of G. M. Bhosale Marg from Worli Naka to Kurane Chowk. Entry will be restricted on the same stretch as per requirement. Only essential services, government and emergency vehicles, and vehicles authorised by the Election Commission will be permitted. Alternate routes for G.M. Bhosale Marg Motorists travelling from Worli Naka to Kurane Chowk are advised to use Dr Annie Besant Road or Ganpatrao Kadam Marg to reach their destinations, the traffic notification said. Traffic restrictions in western suburbs In a separate traffic notification, the police announced temporary traffic restrictions in parts of Santacruz. Police said that several polling booths within the Santacruz Traffic Division are located close to public roads. To ensure that voting is conducted peacefully, smoothly and safely, traffic curbs will be imposed on select roads. On polling day, January 15, N.S. Road No. 06 and T.P.S. Road No. 03 will remain closed to traffic from 6 am to 7 pm. Vote counting will take place on January 16, 2026, at the strong room located in the Administrative Building of S.N.D.T. Women’s University on Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz (West). "As a large gathering of candidates, party workers and citizens is expected, both carriageways of Relief Road — from Juhu Tara Road to Sane Guruji Road — will be completely closed to traffic from 6 am to 7 pm on counting day," the notification said. Motorists have been advised to use the extended Linking Road and S.V. Road as alternative routes.
13 January,2026 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
