In a determined effort to combat drug abuse and raise awareness among the youth, Powai Police in Mumbai organised an anti-drug rally on Thursday. The event began at Milind Vidyalaya and proceeded through Filter Pada and Morarji Nagar, before returning to the starting point. Approximately 200 students participated in event to promote a drug-free lifestyle. During the event, the students took an oath to abstain from using any form of drugs and pledged to encourage their neighbours and relatives to do the same. Law enforcement officers addressed the participants over the detrimental effects of drug use and its connection to criminal activities. Senior Inspector Jitendra Sonawane of Powai Police Station said, "We organised this anti-drug rally with the help of the school management and students. Around 200 students participated, and the rally was aimed at educating the public." Around 30 police personnel were present at the event. Milind Vidyalaya Founder Sadanand Raorane, Principal Rupali Raorane, and 10 teachers also participated in the rally.
30 January,2025 11:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaAn 85-year-old woman slipped and fell into a creek while crossing a foot overbridge in Thane on Thursday. The incident occurred at Jai Bhim Nagar, near Saket Bridge in Kalwa. According to the Disaster Management Cell, the incident was reported at 5:02 pm. Local authorities, including police, fire personnel, and an ambulance, immediately rushed to the scene. Due to the low water levels in the creek, the woman, identified as Jugna Devi, was swiftly rescued and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her condition remains unclear. A pickup vehicle, a rescue vehicle, and an ambulance were deployed to assist in the operation. Mumbai: Body found in Mahim creek identified CCTV footage and a tattoo helped Mahim police identify an unclaimed body which was found floating in Mahim Creek on the night of January 14. The police initially registered a murder case as the man’s legs had been tied using a towel. “The body was ten days old and it was completely decomposed when it was found. The legs were tied and there was also a head injury. The only identifying mark was a tattoo that read ‘Prakash’ on the shoulder. Considering the facts and the seriousness of the matter we initially registered a murder case,” a senior police officer told mid-day on condition of anonymity. Six dedicated teams were formed to investigate this case. “The golden 48 hours prove crucial in such cases and hence we started to find small clues. After thoroughly investigating the body, we found that the deceased had worn trousers stitched by a tailor in Vasai. Also, we suspected the tattoo to be the name of the deceased. We visited the tailor and he provided receipts for all orders. We found a bill in the name of a person named Prakash and visited his residence, but it turned out that the man was alive,” the officer said. The police then started to check missing person reports in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and the Konkan region. “During the investigation, we found that a woman had complained about her husband going missing. We traced her to Grant Road and she informed us that her 50-year-old husband had been missing since January 4,” the officer added. According to the police, the deceased lived on the street near Grant Road railway station. “We checked CCTV footage and found that he had boarded a train at Grant Road and started tying his legs when he reached Dadar. He was nowhere to be seen when the train reached Bandra,” the officer said. The CCTV footage was shown to the woman who identified the man as her missing husband.
30 January,2025 09:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should resign, taking moral responsibility for the Maha Kumbh stampede tragedy in Prayagraj, news agency PTI reported. There is so much of "event baazi" and only banners of PM Modi and Adityanath are seen at the Kumbh, Patole claimed. At least 30 people died and 60 others were injured in the pre-dawn stampede on Wednesday in the Sangam area of Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, as millions of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'. The Maha Kumbh kicked off on January 13 and will continue till February 26. "Both Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi have turned the Kumbh into an event. You will see only their posters and banners everywhere. They must take responsibility of the tragedy,” Patole told PTI. The Maharashtra Congress chief further claimed that the death toll in the stampede was higher than the official figure, stated PTI. “Both Yogi and Modi must step down from their posts. If you see Kumbh, there is so much of 'event baazi' that you will see only their banners across Kumbh. They have to take responsibility for this incident," he added. Mahakumbh stampede: PM Modi expresses sorrow, here's what he said: A day after the stampede, the Uttar Pradesh government ramped up efforts to ensure crowd management and safety of devotees who continued to flock the Mahakumbh Nagar in large numbers for the religious gathering. Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Anshuman Mishra said the area would remain a no-vehicle zone until the crowd disperses completely. Essential services such as police administration vehicles, ambulances and suction machines would be allowed entry as they are crucial for the smooth management of the Maha Kumbh, Mishra said. Sanjay Raut slams BJP over Kumbh Mela mismanagement, questions fund allocation Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has strongly criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Uttar Pradesh government over the management of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, alleging severe lapses that led to casualties. According to ANI, Raut accused the authorities of mishandling the massive gathering, which resulted in a stampede-like situation on Wednesday, leaving several injured and dozens dead. Addressing the issue, Raut highlighted that the Kumbh Mela is a rare religious event that occurs once every 144 years, and the administration was fully aware of the massive crowds expected. However, he alleged that the government focused on political marketing instead of effective crowd management. “The authorities kept boasting that 10 to 20 crore people would attend daily, but they failed to ensure proper arrangements for such a large gathering,” ANI quoted him as saying. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)
30 January,2025 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMunicipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao has directed all concerned authorities to complete pre-monsoon works by April 30 to ensure timely execution and inter-agency coordination. A meeting was convened today (January 30) at the commissioner’s office to review the progress of these works. Commissioner Rao emphasised that all roadworks must be completed on time to prevent traffic congestion caused by potholes during the monsoon. Additionally, authorities must inspect locations prone to potholes and ensure repairs are completed before the deadline. He also instructed officials to have a contingency plan in place to promptly address any potholes that may appear during the monsoon. The meeting was attended by Additional Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Rode, officials from the Traffic Department, Metro Authority, MMRDA, and various other departments. During the review meeting, reference was made to the directives issued by Deputy Chief Minister and Thane District Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde during a previous meeting of the Planning Committee regarding pre-monsoon preparations. Following these instructions, Commissioner Rao stressed that all authorities must expedite their respective projects to prevent any inconvenience to citizens during the rainy season. Road and flyover Repairs: Every year, potholes appear on various roads and flyovers across the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) area. Executive engineers from ward committees must ensure that these locations are either concretised or repaired using advanced, high-quality techniques. Metro Project Coordination: Ongoing metro construction across the city must be expedited to ensure early completion. Any debris left behind from these works must be cleared immediately to level road surfaces for smooth traffic movement. Inspection and Debris Clearance: A thorough review of monsoon-related works must be conducted. Locations where metro stations are under construction, but certain works have been completed, should have barricades removed. Specific areas—including Majiwada, Kasarvadavali, Gaimukh, Dongripada, Anandnagar, Owla Junction, Waghbil, Kanchanpushpa Society, HyperCity Mall, and Kasarvadavali Flyover—where debris remains under metro girders must be cleared immediately. Additionally, all pillars along the metro corridor must be inspected, and any potholes near them must be properly repaired. Resurfacing of Service Roads: The service road from the Philosophy University to Manpada Junction must be resurfaced with asphalt to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Water Pipeline Works: Ongoing work to install a water pipeline by the Water Supply Department in front of Dosti Imperia must be completed at the earliest, with proper planning to avoid disruptions. Pending Infrastructure Projects: Authorities must prepare a report on civic infrastructure projects delayed due to a lack of funds. Commissioner Rao suggested that a request be made to Transport Minister and local MLA Pratap Sarnaik for necessary funding to complete these pending projects. In conclusion, Commissioner Rao reviewed the progress of all ongoing works by different authorities and reiterated the importance of coordination to ensure the timely completion of pre-monsoon preparations. He urged all agencies to work in unison to prevent any monsoon-related inconveniences for residents of Thane.
30 January,2025 06:36 PM IST | MumbaiThe state Information Technology (IT) department will distribute 4,066 new Aadhaar kits to the district collector's offices across Maharashtra on February 10, Minister Ashish Shelar said on Thursday. राज्यातील जिल्हाधिकारी कार्यालयांसाठी नवे 4066 आधार किट देणारसंपूर्ण राज्यातील जिल्हाधिकारी कार्यालयांसाठी माहिती तंत्रज्ञान विभागातर्फे नव्या 4066 आधार किट देण्याबाबत आज बैठकीत निर्णय घेतला.नवीन आधार कार्ड काढणे, आधार कार्ड नूतनीकरण करणे, पत्ता बदलणे, अशा विविध सेवा देणारी… pic.twitter.com/cQFmuweXoa — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) January 30, 2025 In 2014, a total of 3,873 Aadhaar card kits were provided to district collector offices, and e-centers offering services like issuing new cards, renewing them, and updating addresses are operational across the state. Of these, about 2,558 kits are currently in use and 1,315 kits were reported to the government for malfunctioning. Also, 2,567 new kits were ordered from the collector's office. In view of the demands from the rural areas in this regard, Maharashtra IT Minister Shelar held a meeting with the officials concerned, including the Secretary of the Department of Information Technology, Parag Jain Nainutia, at the Ministry on Thursday to review the situation. The decision to provide 4,066 new kits, which are currently undergoing Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) testing, was announced after the meeting. Of the total kits, Ahilyanagar will get 34, Akola 78, Amravati 109, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 134, Beed 58, Bhandardara 23, Buldhana 124, Chandrapur 74, Dhule 113, Gadchiroli 44, Gondia 48, Hingoli 88, Jalgaon 167, Jalna 104, Kolhapur 188, Latur 271, Mumbai City 103, Mumbai Suburban 122, Nagpur 91, Nanded 112, Nandurbar 90, Nashik 49, Osmanabad 73, Palghar 153, Parbhani 55, Pune 338, Raigad 63, Ratnagiri 59, Sangli 130, Satara 132, Sindhudurg 160, Solapur 146, Thane 400, Wardha 50, Washim 100, and Yavatmal 83. PM Modi to inaugurate Marathi literary convention in February: Fadnavis Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 98th All India Marathi Literature Convention scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 21-23, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Thursday. According to news agency PTI, Fadnavis made these remarks after inaugurating the camp office of the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (All India Marathi Literature Convention) at the old Maharashtra Sadan in the national capital. He said the PM has agreed to inaugurate the annual convention, which is being held in the national capital for the first time since the creation of the state of Maharashtra in 1960, PTI reported. The annual gathering of Marathi litterateurs from across the world was last held in Delhi in 1954 when prominent Sanskrit scholar Lakshman Shastri Joshi was the president of the convention. The convention was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, PTI reported. Writer and folk culture researcher Tara Bhawalkar has been elected as the president of the 98th edition of the convention, becoming the sixth woman to hold the post. (With PTI inputs)
30 January,2025 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Congress President Nana Patole has alleged that the ruling Mahayuti alliance is grappling with an internal power struggle, leading to disorder within the state government. Addressing the media in Mumbai on Thursday, Patole asserted that the situation in Maharashtra had become alarming due to what he described as the ineffective leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to PTI, Patole stated that ever since the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—came to power, there had been continuous infighting among its members. He claimed that this internal discord was severely affecting governance, creating chaos in the administration. “The state is in turmoil because CM Fadnavis is failing to fulfil his responsibilities. He must do justice to the chief ministerial post,” Patole was quoted as saying by PTI. The Congress leader also criticised the government for its alleged apathy towards women, particularly those benefiting from the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme that provides financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month to women. He accused the government of neglecting their struggles, especially at a time when unemployment is rampant and agrarian distress is escalating. According to PTI reports, Patole highlighted the worsening plight of farmers, stating that many were forced to take extreme steps due to financial burdens. He claimed that despite the government's assurance of ₹6,000 per quintal for soybeans, farmers were receiving less than ₹3,000. He further pointed out that the condition of paddy, onions, and cotton farmers was similarly dire. Patole also levelled serious allegations against the Mahayuti government regarding corruption, asserting that 65 per cent of its ministers had tainted backgrounds. “Maharashtra’s reputation is being tarnished daily,” he alleged, adding that corruption cases were surfacing in Beed district, Pune, and other regions. Referring to a recent controversy surrounding the crop insurance scheme, Patole took a swipe at Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s denial of any scam in Beed district. “A ruling party MLA has himself admitted to corruption in the scheme. Even the agriculture minister has acknowledged it. The investigative committee appointed to probe the matter has confirmed irregularities. If Ajit Pawar still insists that no scam took place, he is lying outright,” he said, as per PTI. The Congress leader’s statements come at a time when the Mahayuti government faces increasing scrutiny over its internal disputes, governance challenges, and corruption allegations. With Maharashtra’s political landscape becoming increasingly turbulent, concerns are being raised over the stability of the ruling coalition and its ability to address the state’s pressing issues. (With inputs from PTI)
30 January,2025 06:15 PM IST | MumbaiMaharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde inspected six redevelopment projects in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai on Thursday. After inspecting the projects, a review programme regarding the pending redevelopment of Dadar, Mahim and Prabhadevi divisions was held under Shinde's chairmanship at Swatantryaveer Savarkar Auditorium in Shivaji Park. The meeting was attended Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir Trust President Sada Sarvankar, Milind Saundkar of SRA, and other public representatives along with a large number of residents of Prabhadevi, Mahim and Dadar areas. The mass redevelopment plan will be implemented in coordination with Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Deputy CM said. "The government is committed to provide a spacious house to common Mumbaikars. Basic amenities, including gardens, health facilities, open grounds, will be provided through this mass redevelopment. The government will soon come out with a housing policy. This will include the availability of housing for senior citizens, students, working women, mill workers and affordable housing, and affordable rental housing through MHADA," he said. The Shiv Sena chief also stated that developers who left the redevelopment projects midway and failed to pay rent to the residents will be removed, Shinde stated. "If the rules and laws need to be changed to provide affordable and spacious houses to common people, then it will also be done. A decision in this regard will be taken in consultation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The stalled redevelopment works will be expedited through mass redevelopment. Similarly, a community development scheme has also been started in Thane. All the difficulties faced while implementing the collective redevelopment plan will be eliminated," he said, emphasising that everyone has a dream to own a beautiful, spacious house in their lifetime. Before beginning the inspection of the six group redevelopment projects in Prabhadevi, Shinde visited the Siddhivinayak temple. He also stated that the development plan for the temple will be implemented for which Rs 500 crore has been set aside. The revamp of the temple will provide more facilities to Ganpati devotees and the inconvenience caused to them will end, he added.
30 January,2025 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Varsova bridge over Vasai Creek on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway has turned into a tourist attraction, thanks to the arrival of migratory seagulls. The sight of these winter visitors has led to vehicles stopping on the bridge, creating a concerning situation as many people wait there to feed the birds with snacks like namkeen, sev gathia, farsan and wafers. While visitors enjoy feeding the seagulls, experts warn that this practice harms them. On Tuesday, this newspaper’s correspondent travelled along the Varsova bridge and was surprised to find the northbound stretch crowded with parked four-wheelers and trucks. Upon stopping to investigate, we discovered that most people had halted to take pictures of the creek and the migratory birds, while many were actively feeding them junk food. People are seen feeding seagulls on the Varsova bridge over Vasai creek on Monday. Pic/Anurag Ahire One person, who was feeding said, “We are feeding the chana to the pigeons, but the white birds also come to eat. We believe feeding them is a good deed.” The brown-headed seagulls spotted at Varsova bridge migrate from breeding grounds in Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia to escape harsh winters. They typically arrive in Mumbai and other parts of India between October and March. Experts speak Dr Shailesh Pethe, a wildlife veterinarian and Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry in Mumbai, said, “Feeding junk food like namkeen is unnatural and harmful for seagulls. They are piscivorous birds, meaning they primarily eat fish. Their digestive system is adapted to a high-protein diet, and consuming high-carbohydrate foods like namkeen can cause severe digestive issues and even death. We have already spoiled our children with junk food; let’s not do the same to birds.” Pawan Sharma, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of NGO RAWW, pointed out that feeding wildlife is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. “Feeding wildlife does more harm than good, and people need to understand this. Wild animals should remain independent. Junk and processed foods are unhealthy for humans, so they certainly won’t benefit wildlife. Providing easy food disrupts natural instincts and affects not just the current but also future generations of the species. Wildlife welfare is different from animal welfare; it does not require human interference, except in necessary cases,” he said. Forest Department officials are also addressing the issue. Range Forest Officer (RFO) Rita Vaidya said, “We plan to collaborate with local NGOs to launch an awareness drive educating people about the impact of feeding birds. Additionally, we will work on installing signages to discourage feeding, as processed food can be harmful to the birds’ health.” A senior traffic police official said, “Instructions have been given to the concerned traffic police officials to take action against people who stop their vehicles on the bridge to take selfies and feed the birds.” Seagull nightmares in United Kingdom . TV mogul Simon Cowell got his dogs fitted with gull-proof helmets after seagulls killed a dog and tortoise in 2015. . Former UK PM David Cameron donated . 250,000 to the Sussex Council to tackle aggressive gulls. . In 2002, an 80-year-old in Wales died of heart attack after gulls knocked him off a wall and pecked at his unconscious body. . In Cornwall, seagulls have torn food right out of the mouths of children. In March 2017, a seven-year-old boy in Plymouth had to be rushed to hospital after gulls attacked him for a doughnut
30 January,2025 04:29 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavShri Prateek Goswami has officially assumed charge as the Additional General Manager of Central Railway on 29th January 2025. An officer of the Indian Railway Stores Service from the 1990 batch, Shri Goswami brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished career spanning over 34 years. Prior to his new appointment, he served as the Senior Deputy General Manager & Chief Vigilance Officer, Central Railway, while also holding the additional charge of Chief Vigilance Officer, Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. Educational background and early career Shri Prateek Goswami is a Civil Engineering graduate from Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, and a postgraduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. He joined the Indian Railway Stores Service in 1990 and has since held several key positions within Indian Railways and other organisations. Over his career, Shri Goswami has played a crucial role in various capacities, particularly in public procurement, contract management, and material distribution. With over 18 years of experience in these fields, he has been instrumental in securing and managing critical railway components. His tenure at the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, was particularly noteworthy, as he played a vital role in procuring essential components for the Vande Bharat Express and ensuring their timely delivery. His efforts contributed significantly to the successful launch of the Vande Bharat Express trains, as announced by the Honourable Prime Minister of India. As Divisional Railway Manager of Bhavnagar Division, Western Railway, Shri Goswami spearheaded the introduction and successful operation of the first Full Double Stack Container Train on high-rise Overhead Equipment, setting a world record in railway operations. Shri Goswami has substantial experience in vigilance operations, having served as the Chief Vigilance Officer of Nuclear Power Corporation Ltd. with additional charge as CVO of Bhartiya Nagarikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. Additionally, he has served as the Deputy Chief Vigilance Officer, Western Railway. His exemplary work in this domain earned him the esteemed “Vigilance Excellence Award” in 2017, presented by the then Honourable Vice President of India. Apart from his administrative and operational roles, Shri Goswami has also made significant contributions to railway education and training. He has served as a Professor at the National Academy of Indian Railways, Vadodara, where he imparted training in material management. Shri Goswami has further honed his expertise through various training programmes in management, finance, procurement, vigilance, and administration, both in India and abroad. His international training experience includes renowned institutions such as: IIM Ahmedabad (India) ISM Hyderabad (India) ASC Hyderabad (India) SDA Bocconi (Italy) EML France (France) INSEAD Singapore (Singapore) ICLIF Malaysia (Malaysia) In his new role as Additional General Manager of Central Railway, Shri Prateek Goswami is expected to leverage his extensive experience to drive efficiency, development, and innovation within the railway network. His leadership is anticipated to contribute significantly to the continued modernisation and operational excellence of Central Railway. With his vast expertise and commitment to public service, Shri Goswami is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in his new capacity, furthering the objectives of Indian Railways in ensuring smooth, efficient, and progressive railway operations.
30 January,2025 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn official on Thursday said that the police have arrested four Bangladeshi women living illegally in Thane city of Maharashtra, reported news agency PTI. Search was underway for the owner of a house that was given on rent to the illegal migrants, he said. Acting on a tip, sleuths of the anti-human trafficking cell raided a rehabilitation chawl (row tenement) of the local civic body at Manorpada on Tuesday evening, an official said, reported PTI. They found four Bangladeshi women, in the age group of 38 to 50 years, residing in a room there. During checking, they could not produce any valid document for staying in India, he said, reported PTI. The police arrested the four women and registered a case against them and the house owner under relevant legal provisions, the official said. Nine Bangladeshis arrested from Ghatkopar for illegal stay At least nine Bangladeshi immigrants were arrested from Ghatkopar area of Mumbai for staying illegally in the city, police said on Wednesday, reported PTI. Police also found three children staying with the group of Bangladeshis and deciding on legal action, an official said. These Bangladesh nationals were held on Tuesday during raids under a special drive. Police recovered fake documents from their possession, the official said, adding that an FIR was registered, reported PTI. The Maharashtra government has cracked a whip to flush out Bangladeshi immigrants staying illegally in the state by fraudulently obtaining Indian documents. Nine Bangladesh nationals held in Palghar district for illegal stay Nine Bangladeshis, including seven women, were arrested in Maharashtra's Palghar district for allegedly illegally staying in India, an official said. Virar Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-III) Jayant Bajbale said the illegal immigrants were arrested from the Gangdi Pada locality of Dhanivbaugh in Nalasopara. The official said the Bangladeshis, aged between 27 and 45, were living without valid travel or identification documents. The arrested persons, including seven women, told police that they entered India through the Hakimpur village in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal before taking a train to Mumbai and eventually settling in Palghar, he said. They were using a mobile app to stay in touch with their kin in Bangladesh, the official said, adding that the Pelhar police have booked the individuals under the Foreign Nationals Act, Indian Passports Act, and the Passport (Entry into India) Act. (With inputs from PTI)
30 January,2025 02:03 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentMumbai emerges as one of the key contributors to supply addition, collectively accounting for over half of the total supply in CY2024 in a report released by CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, a real estate consulting firm on Thursday. CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd, released its report, ‘CBRE Industrial and Logistics Figures H2 2024’, highlighting the strong leasing momentum witnessed by the Industrial and logistics sector. According to the report, Industrial and logistics sector leasing in the country reached a peak of 39.5 mn. sq. ft. in CY 2024 across the top eight cities, supported by a robust supply addition of 38.6 million sq. ft. during 2024. According to the report, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Kolkata accounted for almost 60 per cent of the leasing activity during the year. Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru emerged as the key contributors to supply addition, collectively accounting for over half of the total supply in CY2024. The Industrial and logistics sector space take-up was predominantly steered by the third-party logistics (3PL) players, accounting for a 41 per cent share in the overall leasing activity in CY 2024. Engineering and manufacturing (E&M) firms also remained active, registering a space take-up share of 18 per cent during the year, the report stated. The majority of space uptake in 2024 was led by small-sized transactions (under 50,000 sq. ft.), representing 43 per cent of the total leasing volume. As per the report, medium-sized transactions (50,000–100,000 sq. ft.) and large-sized transactions (exceeding 100,000 sq. ft.) each accounted for 28 per cent of the overall absorption. Leasing remained strong from July to December, 2024 at 23 million sq. ft., recording a 17 per cent Y-o-Y growth. This was driven by a revival in demand from leading e-commerce companies, the expansion of quick-commerce operators aimed at enhancing customer service and minimising lead times, and the aggressive growth initiatives by 3PL and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) players. Consistent with the trend observed throughout 2024, 3PL providers led the space take-up in H2 2024, accounting for a 42 per cent share. They were followed by E and M firms at 18 per cent, with retail and e-commerce companies each accounting for around 10 per cent of the total leasing volume. With a 40 per cent share in the total space take-up during H2 2024, leasing was primarily driven by small-sized deals (under 50,000 sq. ft.), the report stated. “The impressive growth in the industrial and logistics sector highlights its resilience, even amidst global economic uncertainties. Leasing activity remained strong across key cities in 2024. The dominance of 3PL providers, capturing a significant 41 per cent share of leasing activity during 2024, underscores their pivotal role in shaping the sector's future. Additionally, we expect the in-city warehousing and quick-commerce concept to become even more significant in 2025. Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are anticipated to lead the absorption activity in 2025,” said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE. “Acknowledging the opportunities in untapped tier-II markets, occupiers are increasingly focusing on establishing local distribution networks to enhance proximity to a larger population and optimise their operational costs. Occupiers and investors are expected to remain active in India’s leading tier-II cities, with Chandigarh, Hosur, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Vishakhapatnam projected to be the key focal points for warehousing expansion in these emerging regions,” said Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory and Transaction Services, CBRE India. Industrial and logistics sector Outlook 2025 Leasing activity expected to remain buoyant Building on the momentum observed in the latter half of 2024, we anticipate strong I&L leasing activity in the upcoming quarters, supported by the introduction of high-quality supply, the finalisation of outstanding transactions, and the resurgence of e-commerce demand. Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are anticipated to lead absorption activity in 2025. In terms of the tenant sectors, 3PL firms are anticipated to maintain dominance in the logistics space as occupiers continue to outsource their supply chains to optimise operational efficiency. Government initiatives fostering India’s manufacturing ecosystem and growing consumer demand could bolster the shares of E and M, FMCG, retail, and e-commerce companies. Major e-commerce companies primarily concentrated on optimising their portfolios over the past two years are now resuming their expansion into key cities. The concept of in-city warehousing and quick-commerce is expected to become even more significant in 2025. Organised players likely to further expand their footprint Driven by increasing demand for 'flight-to-quality' and green spaces, institutional investor-backed developers are expected to continue capitalising on attractive opportunities in key markets. This is anticipated to result in the development of state-of-the-art warehouses equipped with sustainable features. Overall, new supply is projected to remain range bound to 2024 levels in 2025. Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are expected to be the primary contributors to the supply pipeline. These cities are likely to account for more than half of the overall development completions throughout 2025. Despite increasing land costs and extended acquisition timelines, prominent developers / investors would continue exploring acquisition opportunities across key warehousing hubs in both tier-I and tier-II cities.
30 January,2025 02:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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