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Mumbai: Four years on, Yellow Line Metro 2B sees the light of day
The much-delayed Yellow Line Mumbai Metro 2B crossed a milestone on Sunday—four years after it was slated to be operational—when a 5.4-km stretch of the line between Diamond Garden in Chembur and Mandale in Mankhurd was live-charged. This means the overhead wires are now considered 'live'. Officials said the first train trials on the line will begin on April 16. The date coincides with the day trains first ran in Mumbai 172 years ago, an event regarded as the foundation day of Indian Railways. This will be the first new Metro to ply in the eastern suburbs in the past ten years after the Blue Line 1 had started operations from Ghatkopar. The other three lines cater to the western suburbs. Though the deadline for beginning operations had been given as December 2025, sources said the early beginning of train trial was pushed by Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, who has been reviewing the progress of all lines closely. Metro line work underway in Mankhurd, where the first train sets for the 2B line arrived in 2023 Sources said the line here had been heavily delayed due to rebidding of the systems tender and now a stretch of five stations—Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd and Mandale Metro—are finally looking up and ready for the run. The line also crosses the Mumbai Monorail at a point in Chembur. The trains The significant development will ease local connectivity between Mankhurd and Chembur. The Yellow Line Metro 2B has high-end six-coach train sets from Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). mid-day, on November 11, 2023, was the first to report the arrival of the first train sets at Mandale depot in Mankhurd. Indigenously manufactured, the passenger train sets have all-steel integral rail coaches, with an energy-friendly regenerative braking system. The trains have four doors on each side and are also designed to allow commuters to travel with bicycles. It has amenities such as mobile charging points, an IP-based announcement system and state-of-the-art surveillance systems. The trials The basic integration train trials involve various checks, including those of rolling stock, signalling systems and track traction. Following this, there are also loaded trials which simulate operational conditions by loading the train with simulated passenger weight (with gunny bags), allowing for assessment of the train’s behaviour under load. Once all the trials are complete, a final trial is conducted under the supervision of the commissioner of Metro Railway Safety after which the train service is thrown open to the public. Once this stretch is ready, the 18.2-km phase two stretch with 14 stations from Diamond Garden in Chembur to DN Nagar in Andheri, where it meets Yellow Line 2A, is expected to be operational by December 2026. Commuter Speak Arindam Mahapatra, Commuter said, “It’s of no use to me as the line doesn’t currently connect to BKC. It would be helpful for those switching from VN Purav Marg to Mankhurd and vice versa. The real potential of this line will be realised once it connects to BKC at least so one can avoid the rush at Kurla.” Rajiv Ganatra, commuter said, “I don’t know how much of local trains’ burden will be eased by opening this stretch, but those who work in areas along the line can take the Metro. It has become difficult to enter local trains at Mankhurd station as it is extremely crowded nowadays” Five stations of first phase Diamond GardenShivaji ChowkBSNL MetroMankhurdMandale Metro
14 April,2025 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Mumbai
MWTA ends its ongoing strike in Mumbai, BMC announces to suspend notices
The Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) on Monday met Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner (BMC) chief Bhushan Gagrani following which it decided to call of their ongoing strike to end the Mumbai water crisis, an official statement said. It said that the BMC has also decided to suspend the notices issued by the civic body. The statement issued by the BMC said that in view of the ongoing tanker strike in Mumbai and considering the larger public interest, the BMC had invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and decided to take control of wells, borewells, and private water tankers supplying water in the city. Following which, the representatives of the MWTA met with BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani and a positive discussion was held between both parties, after which the tanker operators announced that they were calling off the strike. The Mumbai civic body will no longer need to take control of private water sources in city, the statement said. It said that the meeting was held between Bhushan Gagrani, Executive Health Officer Dr Daksha Shah, civic officer Chetan Chaubal, and office-bearers of the Mumbai Water Tanker Association-- Secretary Rajesh Thakur, Vice-President Harbans Singh, Jitu Shah, and Treasurer Amol Mandhre. The association's representatives had put forward their demands, requesting that their concerns be conveyed to the Central Government, and that they receive support from the BMC to present their demands against the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). They also submitted a detailed memorandum of their demands to Gagrani. "After hearing the association's demands, Gagrani said that the BMC has postponed the enforcement of notices issued under the Central Ground Water Authority's regulations until 15 June 2025. It was also decided to withdraw the notices regarding cancellation of permissions for borewell and well owners, though it was clarified that those who have not yet obtained permission will still be required to do so," the statement said. It further said that the civic chief has assured that the BMC would provide administrative assistance in taking the association’s demands and concerns to the Central Government. However, he also clarified that technical matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, and the BMC cannot interfere in those areas. He added that, following directions from the state CM and Union Minister for Jal Shakti, the BMC had already adopted a cooperative stance. Therefore, he urged the association to also take a balanced and thoughtful approach, the statement said. It said that following the discussion, the MWTA had asked for a few hours to hold an internal meeting and decide their stance. They indicated that their decision would be positive. Later, the association officially announced the withdrawal of the strike.
14 April,2025 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BREAKING
BREAKING: Mumbai Water Tanker Association calls off their strike
The Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) on Monday announced that it has decided to call off its on going strike leading the city to face water crisis. The water tanker association's strike, which began at midnight on April 10 2025, was called off after almost 4 days and tanker services will resume immediately, the officials confirmed. Around 1,800 tankers supply approximately 250 to 300 million litres of non-potable water and 50 million litres of potable water daily. The strike had caused significant disruption to water supply in various parts of the city. Earlier, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had decided to take over most private tankers and groundwater sources under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, thereby ensuring that the supply of water via tankers resumes on Monday. Civic chief Bhushan Gagrani had earlier confirmed the development and told mid-day, “The BMC is taking over the tanker water supply.” Despite efforts by the BMC, tanker operators refused to resume their services. As the city reels under the intense summer swelter, a serious question has arisen regarding essential water needs. Considering this situation, and in the public interest, the BMC administration has opted to implement the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to resolve this issue. Also, under Sections 34(a) and 65(1) of the Act, the BMC administration has decided to take over and manage the supply of essential services through private tankers, civic officials told mid-day. Meanwhile, the MWTA had told earlier told mid-day that it was considering approaching the court to stay the civic body’s hand. The civic officials had on Sunday said that the decision to take over tankers was taken as their operations did not resume even after BMC put a stay on its restrictions on borewell and ring well owners operating without new Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) licences until June 15. They had said that the transport commissioner had details about the 1800 tankers that supply water to the city and officers in every ward were aware of the location where they are parked The CGWA made certain guidelines mandatory to obtain these licences and the BMC started issuing notices to borewell operators lacking them. From Thursday, April 10, the MWTA had refused to supply water via tankers, saying it wanted to avoid legal complications.
14 April,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Sameer Surve
ED's plea to declare Choksi fugitive stuck in Mumbai court for 7 years
Even as absconding diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the Punjab National Bank loan fraud case, has been arrested in Belgium, the ED's plea to declare him a fugitive economic offender has been pending before a court in Mumbai for nearly seven years. Choksi, 65, and his nephew diamantaire Nirav Modi are the prime accused in the Rs 13,000 crore PNB bank loan fraud case. Choksi was arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies, official sources said on Monday. The Enforcement Directorate had filed the application in July 2018, seeking to declare Choksi an FEO and confiscate his assets under provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. However, the matter has witnessed repeated delays owing to a barrage of applications filed by the accused in the PMLA court and the Bombay High Court alleging procedural lapses in the Enforcement Directorate's plea. "The court is kept busy with frivolous applications, and hearing on our application to declare him (Choksi) an FEO has been adjourned for the past seven years," an ED officer had said after the hearing was once again deferred this February. "The court should have continued the hearing and taken a decision on the future course of action once the application was moved," the officer had said. He had urged the court to take note of the repeated filing of similar applications and to not entertain them. Choksi's lawyer had informed the court that the accused was undergoing treatment for suspected cancer in Belgium and intended to file an application in connection with his health. Under the FEO Act, an individual can be declared a Fugitive Economic Offender if a warrant has been issued against him for an offence involving Rs 100 crore or more and he has left India while refusing to return. Once declared an FEO, the person's property can be confiscated by the investigating agency. Choksi had challenged the ED's application in the Bombay High Court, alleging that the agency "had not followed proper procedure before filing the application and, hence, it stands vitiated". However, in September 2023, the High Court dismissed his plea, ruling that the ED had adhered to the prescribed format under the FEO Act. It also vacated a stay on the special court's proceedings. Despite this, the hearing on declaring Choksi FEO could not commence, with Choksi continuing to file applications before the special court through his lawyers. While most of these pleas have been dismissed, a few remain pending. His latest attempt to stall proceedings through a plea to recall the notice issued on the ED's FEO application was rejected in December 2023. According to ED officials, Choksi left India under suspicious circumstances in early January 2018. Choksi's counsel has argued that the ED kept shifting its stance on the material grounds for declaring him an FEO and that the suspension of his Indian passport made it impossible for him to return for investigation. The court, however, rejected this argument, stating that the notice was issued based on accurate information and not based on "wrong facts or mistaken assumptions". ED claimed the accused left the country under suspicious circumstances in the first week of January 2018. Nirav Modi has already been declared as an FEO by the special court. He has been lodged in jail in London since 2019. Choksi has been arrested in Belgium following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies. The action against the second "prime suspect" in this case, after Nirav Modi, was taken on Saturday based on an extradition request moved by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), official sources said. Choksi was located in Belgium last year when he went there on the grounds of getting medical treatment. He had been staying in Antigua since 2018 after leaving India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 April,2025 05:58 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Harbour line train services disrupted after banner falls on overhead wires
The Mumbai local train services on the Harbour line of Central Railway were disrupted on Monday afternoon after banner falls on overhead wires between Mankhurd and Vashi stations. The train services were delayed for over an hour after a banner got stuck on the overhead electric wires, bringing trains to a halt. According to a Central Railway spokesperson, the incident happened around 3:44 pm on the down Harbour line between CSMT and Panvel. A Belapur-bound local train was stopped between Mankhurd and Vashi stations after the banner flew onto the live overhead wires. To safely remove the banner, the power supply to the wires had to be switched off, which caused several trains to get delayed and bunch up on the tracks, he said. The spokesperson said, "On the CSMT-Panvel on the down harbour line, a Belapur local was detained between Mankhurd and Vashi stations from 3:44 pm after a banner landed on the live overhead wires, leading to stopping of trains and switching off of power to remove the banner. This led to bunching of trains on the track. The services have resumed and peak hour will not be disturbed."
14 April,2025 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Mumbai to get India’s first modern fire training centre in Kandivali
Mumbai Fire Brigade, under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is set to enhance its emergency preparedness with the launch of India’s first modern fire training centre in Mumbai's Kandivali, the BMC announced on Monday. The announcement was made by Dr Amit Saini, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), during a solemn tribute programme held at the Mumbai Fire Brigade headquarters in Byculla on the occasion of National Fire Service Day on Monday, April 14. The Mumbai Fire Brigade, known for its prompt response and dedicated service during fire-related incidents and other rescue operations, will now focus on equipping its personnel with modern training using the latest technology. Dr Saini emphasised that firefighters’ safety is as critical as that of the citizens, and to that end, the upcoming centre will play a pivotal role in honing their skills and self-protection abilities, an official statement said. The commemorative event honoured brave firefighters who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, especially remembering the tragic explosion and fire aboard the SS Fort Stikine on April 14, 1944 at Mumbai Port, where 66 fire officers and personnel lost their lives. Since then, the day is observed across the country as National Fire Service Day. Speaking at the event, Maharashtra Director of Fire Services, Santosh Warik, highlighted the complex challenges unique to Mumbai, including high-rise buildings, congested localities with narrow roads, and a growing population – all of which demand diverse and rigorous training for the city's firefighters. He noted that the force is often required to respond not only to fires but also to urban flooding, building collapses, and other disasters, particularly during the monsoon season, the statement said. BMC Deputy Commissioner (Finance), Prashant Gaikwad, added that the Brigade is increasingly relying on modern equipment for swift and efficient operations. He announced that the upcoming centre in Kandivali is poised to be India’s first advanced fire training facility of its kind, equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure to support comprehensive firefighter training. The event witnessed with floral tributes laid at the Veer Suti Stambh (Martyrs’ Memorial) at the fire headquarters, followed by a ceremonial salute by the Fire Brigade. A poignant audio clip recounting the sacrifices made by fire officers in the 1944 incident and subsequent emergencies was played. The event also marked the official start of Fire Service Week, which includes various public awareness initiatives and demonstrations. Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar delivered the welcome address and shared insights into the Brigade’s community engagement initiatives, fire safety awareness programmes, and the detailed schedule for Fire Service Week. Present at the event were former fire service officers, dignitaries, and senior officials from the BMC and Fire Services.
14 April,2025 05:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
National Fire Service Day: TMC launches 'Fire Service Week', check details
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra on Monday said that it has launched 'Fire Service Week' to mark National Fire Service Day. The National Fire Service Day is observed every year on 14th April, in memory of the 66 fire officers and personnel who lost their lives in a massive explosion while fighting a fire on a ship at Mumbai Port in 1944. The event marked the 81st anniversary of the tragic fire on 14 April 1944, when a ship named S.S. Fort Stikine caught fire at Mumbai Port due to an explosion of ammunition. Sixty-six officers and firefighters lost their lives while trying to control the blaze. In their memory, National Fire Service Day is observed across the country every year on April 14. The National Fire Service Day honours their courage and dedication towards the nation. The statement said that said that to honour their sacrifice, Thane Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saurabh Rao offered floral tributes at the martyrs' memorial located at the Balkum Fire Station in the district. An official statement said, the Fire Service Week began on Monday morning with a tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. It said that the Thane Fire Brigade has planned several activities during Fire Service Week from 14th to 20th April across the municipal area. These include live fire safety demonstrations at various offices, societies, and establishments to raise awareness about fire prevention and safety. It further said that senior civic officials including Deputy Commissioner Umesh Birari, Deputy Commissioner of Fire Services Dinesh Tayde, Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, Chief Fire Officer Girish Zhalke, and Regional Disaster Management Cell Officer Yasin Tadvi were present at the event. "A donation box by the Maharashtra Fire Services Association was also inaugurated by the top officials during the event," the official statement said. Fire Training Centre to come up in Mumbai's Kandivali Meanwhile, On the occasion of National Fire Service Day, the Mumbai Fire Brigade also held a tribute event at its Byculla headquarters to honour the brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. During the event, Dr Amit Saini, Additional BMC Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs), announced that a modern fire training centre will soon be established in Kandivali area of Mumbai to provide advanced training to fire personnel. He stated that the Mumbai Fire Brigade works with full dedication to protect citizens during fires and other emergencies and it is equally important to ensure the safety of firefighters. He said that they need to be trained with the latest technologies and techniques. The new training centre in Kandivali will help achieve this goal.
14 April,2025 03:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti 2025: Shinde joins TMC officials to pay tributes
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Maharashtra on Monday celebrated the 134th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and an event was joined by Maharashtra deputy CM Ekanth Shinde, an official statement said. The TMC officials and Shinde along with Member of Parliament Naresh Mhaske, District Collector Ashok Shingare, and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, during an event held at Court Naka in Thane district, paid floral tribute at the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, it said. Former MP Anand Paranjpe, former Mayor Sanjay More, former corporator Pawan Kadam, and Deputy Commissioners G.G. Godepure and Shankar Patole, along with a large number of local citizens attended the event, the statement said. The TMC officials also paid tribute at Dr Ambedkar's statue at Thane Railway Station. Present on this occasion were Deputy Commissioners Umesh Birari and Shankar Patole, along with Assistant Commissioner Sopan Bhaik, it said, adding that a tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar was also paid during an event held at the Narendra Ballal Auditorium inside the Thane Municipal Headquarters. Deputy Commissioner Umesh Birari, Public Relations Officer Ravindra Manjrekar, and Assistant PRO Prachi Dingankar, along with other officers, staff, and citizens, took part in the event, it said. Maharashtra Guv, Devendra Fadnavis pay tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday paid floral tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai on his 134th birth anniversary. Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, legislative council chairperson Ram Shinde, state cabinet ministers Ashish Shelar and Sanjay Shirsat also paid homage to Ambedkar at Chaityabhoomi, the final resting place of the Constitution's chief architect, located at Shivaji Park in Dadar area of Mumbai. Earlier, CM Fadnavis in a post on X said, "Salutations to an eminent economist, global icon of social justice and father of the Indian Constitution, Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary." The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule, who paid tributes at Chaityabhoomi earlier in the day, told reporters that Ambedkar laid the foundation stone of how a country's administration should be run. "His vision for social justice, power projects, education continues to guide the country," she said. Meanwhile, thousands of people on Monday morning arrived at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur to pay tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 134th birth anniversary and take part in various programmes scheduled to mark the occasion.
14 April,2025 03:34 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Fire breaks out in 7-storey residential building in Thane; no injuries reported
A fire broke out in a seven-storey residential building in Thane district on Monday morning, civic officials confirmed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. According to the Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC), the fire erupted around 11:02 AM in the meter room located on the ground floor of Eco State Tower, situated near Phadke Pada Lake in Chaudhary Compound, Diva. Personnel from the Diva Fire Station promptly responded to the emergency and brought the situation under control. As a safety measure, the electricity supply to the building was temporarily disconnected. The fire was fully extinguished by 11:40 AM, and all residents were reported to be safe. Authorities have since confirmed that the situation is now completely under control. Five vehicles gutted in fire at Thane residential building Earlier this month, a civic official said that four motorbikes and a car were destroyed in a fire that broke out on the premises of a Thane residential building in the Panchpakhadi area. Nobody was injured in the incident at Nav-Ramrajya Society, opposite Mahadev Mandir, Chandanwadi, said Disaster Management Cell chief Yasin Tadvi. The fire at the Thane residential building was reported around 2.30 am on April 2. Besides vehicles, plywood kept on the window grill of a first-floor flat was also damaged. The fire was extinguished by 3 am and the cause was being probed, the official said. Fire in Thane building damages shop and motorbikes Last month, a fire broke out in a six-storey residential building in Maharashtra’s Thane city, causing damage to a shop and three motorbikes but resulting in no injuries, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at around 4:23 am at a building in Siddharth Nagar, located in the Majiwada area of Thane. The fire originated on the ground floor, where a shop was situated, and quickly spread to the nearby parked vehicles, Thane Municipal Corporation’s disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi stated. After the fire broke out, thick smoke engulfed the lower portion of the building, creating panic among residents. Fortunately, no one sustained injuries, as authorities were able to contain the blaze before it spread to the upper residential floors. Upon being alerted, the fire brigade and regional disaster management cell teams swiftly arrived at the scene. Firefighters acted promptly, working to douse the flames and prevent further escalation.
14 April,2025 02:20 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra: Injured golden jackal rescued near Junnar makes full recovery
A golden jackal found injured by the roadside in Otur Forest Range near Junnar has been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. This took place after the jackal received a month of intensive medical care at the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), jointly run by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Wildlife SOS. The female jackal, believed to have suffered a road accident, had sustained severe fractures in the left hind leg. Due to the swift action of the Junnar Forest Division and the dedicated treatment provided by the Wildlife SOS team, the animal has made a remarkable recovery. A 2-year-old female golden jackal (Canis aureus) was first spotted by the Junnar Forest Division staff during patrolling, who saw visible injuries and promptly transported the distressed animal to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for urgent medical attention. A thorough examination, including an X-ray, revealed a complete fracture in her left hind leg. The veterinary team, after mild sedation, carefully set the bone and applied a plaster bandage to support healing. Over the following weeks, the jackal was kept under close observation, receiving pain management, a controlled diet, and regular check-ups to monitor progress. As the weeks passed, the jackal displayed significant improvement, regaining strength and responsiveness. After a final health assessment confirmed the mammal’s full recovery, the Wildlife SOS and Maharashtra Forest Department teams released the jackal back into the wild. Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, remarked, “Rescuing and rehabilitating wild animals affected by human activity is at the core of our mission. This golden jackal’s journey from injury to recovery highlights the importance of rapid intervention and expert medical care in safeguarding India’s diverse wildlife.” Smita Rajhans, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) of Junnar Forest Division, also commented, “Wild animals frequently face threats due to road accidents and human encroachments. This successful treatment and release effort underscores the importance of quick response and collaborative care in preserving our native species.” Mahendra Dhore, Project Manager- MLRC, Wildlife SOS said, “After arrival, the jackal was in a severely weakened state, and our first priority was stabilising her condition. The fact that she has now fully recovered and been released back into the wild is a happy moment for our team.”
14 April,2025 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet Jadhav
Mumbai: Western Railway completes Bandra bridge work
April 13, Sunday, marked a milestone with the Indian Railways' last remaining bridge on screw pile foundation at Bandra in Mumbai completely removed by rebuilding the bridge with brand new state-of-the-art abutments. The upgradation work on this historic bridge, located between Mahim and Bandra stations, is now fully complete. “The project to upgrade bridge No. 20 between Mahim and Bandra stations is complete. It marks a milestone in Western Railway history and is an end of an era of old cast iron screw pile foundation bridges on Indian Railways,” an elated Vineet Abhishek, Western Railway’s chief public relations officer said. “The cast Iron (CI) screw pile foundations are old-design foundation on bridges which give away suddenly without giving distress warning; hence it was decided by the Railway Board, as a policy matter, to rebuild all railway bridges to enhance safety,” he said. “There was only one Railway bridge left on Cast Iron (CI) pile abutments on Indian Railways, which was Bridge 20 on the Mithi River at Bandra in Mumbai under WR, which has been successfully upgraded today,” he said. Challenges: 1. Finalization of suitable scheme so as to have least possible impact on very busy Mumbai suburban traffic as both local and through lines were impacted. 2.Construction of coffer dam on both side (East & West side) of existing abutment/pier in Mithi River (having bi-directional flow due to high tides from coastal area). 3.No direct approach to bridge site was available; hence movement of all machinery and material done by blocking 03 Nos stabling lines. Execution: Tender was awarded on Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode in March 2023 and the work has been executed in two phases. Phase-I:(Completed on 26.01.25) -De-launching of existing steel girders by lowering and shifting OHE wire of 04 Nos suburban lines.-Launching of 4 sets of relieving girders (20.4 m).-Shifting of 2 Nos OHE portal from bridge pier.Phase-II:(Completed on 13.04.2025)-Dismantling of abutments on Cast Iron piles and Re-building the abutments.-De-launching of the restricted height girders.-Launching of existing steel girders.-Re-installation of Electrical and S&T gears. Now, Phase-II of work has been successfully completed in mega night blocks of 9 hrs 30 min each on two successive nights 11/12 & 12/13.04.25. The work has been executed by deploying 700MT crane (with one standby crane), 10 dumpers, Poclain, 02 JCB, tamping machine, 2 tower wagons, 10 bogie rail truck wagons and about 150 manpower. Work is completed well before monsoon as committed by WR. Benefits: The safety of the running trains is enhanced as the Cast Iron pile foundations collapse without giving distress warning.
14 April,2025 12:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar