The Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Corporation will acquire 5,000 self-owned red buses every year as part of a comprehensive five-year plan, announced Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday. The move is aimed at modernising the State Transport corporation’s fleet while ending the practice of leasing buses. The decision was made during a review meeting held at the office of the Transport Commissioner under Sarnaik's chairmanship. The meeting was attended by ST Corporation’s Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Madhav Kusekar, along with other senior officials. Minister Sarnaik emphasised the need for a phased approach to bus replacement in an official statement, ensuring that buses due for scrapping over the next five years are considered in the procurement plan. He directed officials to draft a detailed five-year roadmap, including the prioritisation of setting up charging stations at all depots for the integration of electric buses into the fleet. To bolster the corporation’s finances, Sarnaik proposed introducing supplementary revenue-generating schemes, including a new advertising policy. The policy will enable digital advertisements on all three sides of the new buses, with a target to generate Rs 100 crore in revenue. The Minister also highlighted the importance of pursuing toll waivers for ST buses on national highways with the central government and called for a reduction in VAT on diesel from the state government. Sarnaik stressed the importance of timely salary disbursements, directing that all payments must be made by the 7th of each month without delays. He suggested preparing proposals to secure advance funds from the government to avoid financial bottlenecks. ST Corporation’s depots, which already house diesel pumps, were identified as a potential revenue stream. Sarnaik recommended commercialising these pumps by entering agreements with fuel companies to maximise their utility and profitability. The Transport Minister reiterated the need for a focused approach to modernise the fleet, enhance operational efficiency, and increase revenue streams. He assured that these measures would improve the overall functioning and service quality of the ST Corporation, benefiting commuters across Maharashtra. This ambitious five-year plan aims to strengthen the public transport system, reduce dependency on leased buses, and optimize resource utilisation.
17 January,2025 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that police have uncovered several clues in the attack case involving Saif Ali Khan and assured that the perpetrator will be apprehended soon, reported news agency PTI. Speaking to the media in Nagpur on Friday, Fadnavis, who oversees the home portfolio, addressed the situation surrounding the incident. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan suffered serious injuries after being stabbed multiple times by an intruder at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, early Thursday morning. "Police investigation is going on....they have got many clues and I feel the police will very soon zero in (on the culprit)," the chief minister said, replying to a question. Mumbai is still safe despite isolated incidents says Maharashtra CM after Saif Ali Khan attack Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reiterated that Mumbai remains one of the safest cities in the country, despite sporadic incidents that may suggest otherwise. His remarks came following an attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was injured in a confrontation with an intruder at his Bandra residence. Addressing the media, Fadnavis stated, "Mumbai is the safest place, and there is no doubt about it. It won't be right to judge the city's safety based on one or two isolated incidents. However, any such incident must be taken seriously, and we are committed to ensuring Mumbai's security." The statement followed an early-morning burglary attempt at Saif Ali Khan's residence in the 'Satguru Sharan' building in Bandra. The intruder reportedly entered through the fire escape and confronted Khan’s maid. When the actor intervened to defuse the situation, the confrontation turned violent. Saif sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment. According to ANI reports, Saif Ali Khan's team confirmed that the actor underwent surgery and is now recovering. "Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is out of danger. He is currently in recovery, and doctors are monitoring his progress. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Dr. Nitin Dange, Dr. Leena Jain, and the entire team at Lilavati Hospital. Thank you to all fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support," the statement read. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 9, Dixit Gedam, revealed further details of the incident. "The motive behind the attack appears to be burglary. The accused accessed the residence using the fire escape. So far, one suspect has been identified, and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Ten detection teams are working on different leads," Gedam said. Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, disclosed the extent of Khan's injuries. "Saif Ali Khan was brought to the hospital at 3 am with six stab wounds, two of which were deep, including one near his spine. A foreign object was also identified near his spine," he stated. (With agency inputs)
17 January,2025 09:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWestern Railway will run three and Central Railway will run two special suburban trains in connection with the Tata Mumbai Marathon on Sunday, officials said, PTI reported. As per PTI, on CR's network, one train will depart from Kalyan at 3am and reach CSMT at 4:30am, while the second special train service will start from Panvel at 3:10am and arrive at 4:30am, an official said. Western Railway said it will operate three special trains on the Virar-Churchgate, Borivali-Churchgate and Churchgate-Bandra routes. The trains from Virar, Borivali, and Churchgate will depart at 2.15 am, 3.05 am and 3.00 am, respectively, WR said, PTI cited. The five trains will halt at all stations enroute, officials informed. The routes of both the full (42.19 km) and half (21.09 km) marathons cover the stretch between the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai and western suburbs's Bandra. WR to operate jumbo block of four hours between Bhayandar and Borivali on Sunday, check details The Western Railway on Friday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a jumbo block of four hours between Bhayandar and Borivali on Sunday. In a statement, the Western Railway said that to carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of four hours will be taken on UP Fast line between Bhayandar and Borivali stations from 09:30 hrs to 13:30 hrs on Sunday, 19th January, 2025. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway – Vineet Abhishek, during the block period, all UP Fast line trains will be operated on UP Slow line between Virar/Vasai Road – Borivali Stations. "Due to the jumbo block some suburban services will remain cancelled," the Western Railway said. (With PTI inputs)
17 January,2025 08:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTourists visiting the renowned captive lion safari at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) have a reason to rejoice. A lioness named Manasi gave birth to a healthy and active cub on Thursday night at 9:40 p.m. The forest department has confirmed that the lioness began nursing the newborn cub at 2:45 a.m., marking a promising start to the cub's life in captivity. The captive lion safari, first introduced in SGNP in 1975–76, has been a major draw for tourists and an essential source of revenue for the park. Visitors flock to experience the thrilling close-up view of lions, which are otherwise challenging to spot in the wild. Interestingly, the lions currently housed in the safari were originally born to Asian and African lions rescued from circuses. Over the years, the Central Zoo Authority of India has implemented strict guidelines prohibiting mating between the two subspecies in captivity because of which the population of the captive lions in the SGNP did not increase. The tiger and lion safari at SGNP remains one of the most popular attractions in the country. Since its inception in the 1990s, the safari has offered visitors a chance to observe these majestic creatures in a secure, semi-wild environment. Tourists are transported in mini-buses to an area fenced off from the surrounding park, ensuring safety while allowing a unique viewing experience. Mumbai: Sanjay Gandhi National Park to get pair of Asiatic Lions from Gujarat If everything goes as per the plans, then soon Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) will get a pair of Asiatic Lions for its captive lion safari from Gujarat in exchange for a pair of Royal Bengal Tigers. The state forest department has given its consent for the same and has informed about the same to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). An official from the Maharashtra forest department said, “In the first week of November we have sent a letter to the member secretary, Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi, regarding the consent for exchange of animals between Sanjay Gandhi Zoological Park and Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh, Gujarat. As per the proposal, SGNP will give a breeding pair of Bengal Tigers, to Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, Junagadh, in exchange for a breeding pair of Asiatic Lions.” The Maharashtra forest department has requested CZA to accord prior permission to the said proposal as per the provisions under Sec. 38 1 (1) of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It may be noted that Dr V Clement Ben, additional principal chief conservator of forests, western wildlife region, Mumbai and SGNP director and conservator of forests G Mallikarjun have played an important role in this entire process. In the last week of November 2022, a pair of captive breeding lions had arrived at SGNP-Mumbai from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh, Gujarat. When the pair of the lions was brought to SGNP, the captive safari had only one lion left but it too died last week. In the month of October 2022, Ravindar, the oldest lion at SGNP had died due to age-related disease. The pair of lions that was brought to SGNP from Gujarat was three years old and initially they were kept in isolation and later released in the captive safari area. The captive lion safari was started in SGNP in 1975–76 and it has been an important tourist attraction, helping to generate revenue for the park. The lions in the safari were born to Asian and African lions rescued from circuses. The central zoo authority has directed not to let mating happen among the Asian and African lions in captivity, because of which the population of the captive lions in the SGNP did not increase. For many years, SGNP authorities have been trying to bring a pair of breeding lions from Gujarat for its captive lion safari. During the MVA government, the then environment minister Aaditya Thackeray, too, had instructed the SGNP authorities to initiate the process of getting captive lions from Gujarat to SGNP. In September 2022, Maharashtra forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar met with his Gujarat counterpart Jagdish Vishwakarma in Ahmedabad and discussed the exchange of two Asiatic lions from Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh for a pair of captive tigers from the SGNP. They decided to seek joint approval from the Central Zoo Authority for the same. In September 2020, the SGNP also approached the Telangana forest department for a pair of lions from Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad. However, there was no development, as the Telangana forest department wanted lions in exchange for lions. The captive tiger and lion safari at SGNP, one of the most-visited national parks in the country, was started in the 1990s and since then has been an important tourist attraction. During the safari, visitors are ferried in mini buses into an area that is fenced from all sides.
17 January,2025 08:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavMaharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday reiterated that Mumbai remains one of the safest cities in the country, despite sporadic incidents that may suggest otherwise. His remarks came following an attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was injured in a confrontation with an intruder at his Bandra residence. Addressing the media, Fadnavis stated, "Mumbai is the safest place, and there is no doubt about it. It won't be right to judge the city's safety based on one or two isolated incidents. However, any such incident must be taken seriously, and we are committed to ensuring Mumbai's security." The statement followed an early-morning burglary attempt at Saif Ali Khan's residence in the 'Satguru Sharan' building in Bandra. The intruder reportedly entered through the fire escape and confronted Khan’s maid. When the actor intervened to defuse the situation, the confrontation turned violent. Saif sustained multiple injuries and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital for treatment. According to ANI reports, Saif Ali Khan's team confirmed that the actor underwent surgery and is now recovering. "Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is out of danger. He is currently in recovery, and doctors are monitoring his progress. We extend our gratitude to Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Dr. Nitin Dange, Dr. Leena Jain, and the entire team at Lilavati Hospital. Thank you to all fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support," the statement read. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone 9, Dixit Gedam, revealed further details of the incident. "The motive behind the attack appears to be burglary. The accused accessed the residence using the fire escape. So far, one suspect has been identified, and efforts are underway to apprehend him. Ten detection teams are working on different leads," Gedam said. Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital, disclosed the extent of Khan's injuries. "Saif Ali Khan was brought to the hospital at 3 am with six stab wounds, two of which were deep, including one near his spine. A foreign object was also identified near his spine," he stated. (With inputs from ANI)
17 January,2025 08:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe latest report by think tank Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) India has revealed that there is a severe deficit of public buses in Maharashtra’s urban areas. According to the report, the state needs 28,800 buses across its 44 cities to meet the mobility demands of 5.6 crore residents. Currently, the urban bus fleet stands at a mere 8,700, out of which 3,500 buses are nearing the end of their operational life. This leaves an alarming gap of 24,000 buses, including replacements for retiring vehicles. “Introducing 24,000 new buses can lead to the removal of 19 lakh cars and 30 lakh two-wheelers trips from Maharashtra roads daily,” said Vaishali Singh, programme manager, Transport Systems and Electric Mobility, ITDP India. “This shift can significantly advance efforts to combat air pollution.” “The study pegs the reduction in CO2 emissions amounting to nearly 30,000 tonnes annually. The benefits of this would be akin to growing and nurturing 4,96,053 trees for 10 years. It can also create approximately 1.5 lakh jobs in the public transport sector for bus operations and provide high-quality affordable public transport to 5 crore citizens,” she added. It is imperative that the government urgently addresses the need for more buses in this year’s budget. Using the route of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) could be one way forward. “It's critical for Maharashtra's new government to seize this opportunity and prioritise buses in the upcoming budget. Allocating at least R1,000 crore to address 20 per cent of the fleet deficit through VGF for buses operating under gross cost contracts can make a significant difference,” said Aswathy Dilip, managing director, ITDP India. How numbers were derived “The study by ITDP conducted in December 2024 assessed the public transport requirements of Maharashtra’s urban areas. According to the Working Group on Urban Transport for the 12th Five-Year Plan recommendations by the Government of India in 2012, all cities with populations exceeding 2 lakh should have organised public transport systems. By this definition, there are 44 cities in the state with a total population of 5.6 crore people. Of these, only 14 cities currently operate formal public bus services. Even in these 14 cities, the availability of buses falls far below the benchmark set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which recommends 40-60 buses per lakh population. In these 14 cities, the average is around 15 buses per lakh population. The analysis underscores a dire need for fleet expansion and new bus services. A deeper dive Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities: There are nine cities in Maharashtra, with populations of over 20 lakh. These cities need approximately a two-fold expansion of their bus fleets. For instance, Greater Mumbai currently operates around 3,600 buses but requires at least 8,000 to meet demand. Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad operate a fleet of 2,200 buses but need to double it to 4,500 to meet the demand. Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities: There are 35 cities in Maharashtra with populations between 2 lakh and 20 lakh. They face an even greater shortfall, needing a 23-fold expansion in their fleets. For example, in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, the current fleet is just 90 buses—a fraction of the 1,000 buses needed. Limited impact of schemes While the national government’s PM E-Bus Sewa scheme aims to bolster bus services in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, it falls significantly short. The scheme’s allocation of 1,950 e-buses for 23 cities in Maharashtra covers less than 10 per cent of the 12,700 buses required. Impact on environment The introduction of 24,000 new buses can have multifold positive impacts on Maharashtra’s ecology and economy, apart from dramatically improving urban mobility and quality of life. The study found that introducing buses can remove a significant number of personal vehicles from the streets. Transport body plans MSRTC: The idea is to procure 2,640 new self-owned buses in 2025. Of these, about 150 will be procured for Thane region by January-end. MSRTC plans to procure 300 buses every month for bus depots across the state. BEST: There is a plan to buy 2,650 electric buses in 2025-26, including 1,000 electric AC double-decker buses. BEST plans to expand its fleet to 8,000 electric buses by 2027. What is ITDP Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), headquartered in New York, works with cities to create healthy and liveable communities through quality public transport including e-mobility, safe spaces for walking and cycling, traffic reduction mechanisms, and people-centred policies. Team ITDP India includes architects, urban planners, researchers, and e-mobility and transport experts, who work on making visible improvements by providing cities with technical expertise, policy solutions, research publications, and training programmes. Bus numbers 8700Existing urban bus fleet size in Maharashtra 3450Number of outdated urban buses due for retirement 5250Existing buses that can be operated 24000(approx.) Current shortage of buses
17 January,2025 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAhead of the Coldplay concert in Navi Mumbai, the Mumbai Police banned heavy vehicles in city and issued a traffic advisory for the motorists, an official said on Friday. In a traffic notification, the police said, whereas, on 18/01/2025, 19/01/2025 and 21/01/2025, Coldplay concert has been organised at DY Patil Stadium in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. During these days, in order to avoid traffic congestion in Navi Mumbai, heavy vehicles have been banned from entering the jurisdiction of Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate and Thane City Police Commissionerate. It said that it is necessary to divert the traffic of heavy vehicles going from our jurisdiction to Navi Mumbai. The above order will be in force on dates 18/01/2025, 19/01/2025 and 21/01/2025 from 12.00 hrs. to 24.00 hrs. It further said that in order to prevent danger, obstructions and inconveniences to the public the following traffic advisory was being issued. Road Closed for Heavy Vehicles- 1) Mulund Airoli Road- from Airoli Junction to Airoli Toll Naka towards Navi Mumbai. 2) Ghatkopar Mankhurd Link Road- from Chheda Nagar Junction to Mankhurd T-Junction towards Vashi Toll Naka. 3) Sion Panvel Highway- from Mankhurd T-Junction to Mankhurd Jakat Naka towards Vashi Toll Naka. Alternate Route- All heavy vehicles heading towards Navi Mumbai will use the Eastern Expressway and proceed towards Thane. "The traffic notification will not apply to vehicles carrying other essential goods, police vehicles, fire brigades, ambulances, government vehicles and other essential service vehicles, as well as vehicles holding official passes of the said event," it said. Meanwhile, the Navi Mumbai Police on Friday also issued a traffic advisory for motorists to prevent congestion on the roads in parts of the city. A traffic notification said, in view of the Coldplay concert scheduled at DY Patil Stadium, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, from January 18, 19 and 21 the traffic restrictions were being issued. The concert is expected to attract a large crowd and is set to take place at the stadium on January 18, 19, and 21. The traffic police said that to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid disruptions, the city traffic department was issuing traffic notification restricting the entry of heavy vehicles in the areas surrounding the venue in Navi Mumbai. The police said that entry of heavy vehicles coming from the Gujarat side via the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway towards Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan will be prohibited. It said parking along the roads in these areas will also be restricted to avoid traffic jams. The traffic will be diverted through alternative routes to minimise congestion around the venue and parts of the city.
17 January,2025 07:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Western Railway on Friday, while sharing Mumbai local train updates, said that it will operate a jumbo block of four hours between Bhayandar and Borivali on Sunday. In a statement, the Western Railway said that to carry out maintenance work of tracks, signaling and overhead equipment, a jumbo block of four hours will be taken on UP Fast line between Bhayandar and Borivali stations from 09:30 hrs to 13:30 hrs on Sunday, 19th January, 2025. According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway – Vineet Abhishek, during the block period, all UP Fast line trains will be operated on UP Slow line between Virar/Vasai Road – Borivali Stations. "Due to the jumbo block some suburban services will remain cancelled," the Western Railway said. Western Railway announces additional trains for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 Meanwhile, the Western Railway has announced special train arrangements to facilitate participants attending the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, scheduled for Sunday, 19th January 2025. Three additional EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) services will be operational in the early hours of the marathon day. These special Mumbai local trains have been introduced to provide seamless travel for marathon participants and ensure convenient connectivity across various stations. Special train 1 Start Time: 2:15 AM (Virar Station)Stops Include: Nalla Sopara (2:21), Vasai Road (2:26), BYR (2:37), Mira Road (2:42), DIC (2:46), Borivali (2:50), Kandivli (2:54), and more.Final Stop: Mahim at 3:26 AM. Special train 2 Start Time: 3:05 AM (Borivali Station)Stops Include: Kandivli (3:13), MDD (3:16), Goregaon (3:19), Ram Mandir (3:21), Andheri (3:29), and others.Final Stop: Churchgate at 3:55 AM. Special train 3 Start Time: 3:00 AM (Churchgate Station)Stops Include: Marine Lines (3:05), Grant Road (3:11), MX (3:16), Lower Parel (3:19), PBHD (3:22), and more.Final Stop: Bandra at 3:34 AM. The schedule covers key locations along the route, ensuring wide coverage and ease of access for participants travelling to and from marathon starting points, the Western Railway said.
17 January,2025 06:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEleven turtles were rescued from a polluted water fountain in Thane by non-governmental organisation (NGO) RAWW along with the help of Thane Forest Department officials. The rescue took place at a artificial water fountain at Majiwada Village Road, Sainath Nagar, Majiwada. Pawan Sharma, the Honorary Wildlife Warden of Thane and President of RAWW, said, "A distress call was reported to RAWW helpline by a citizen on Wednesday who informed that several dead fish were seen floating on the water surface. Many were also seen in discomfort trying to get out of the water body which was stinking." The caller also alleged that locals were seen taking out fishes and placing them in thermocol boxes for consumption and sale. "This was very shocking and surprising and reflects on how we actually dont know what we are consuming is sourced from and weather or not it is safe for consumption. Along with this there were several turtles as well seen coming on the water surface at unusual intervals trying to come out but could not." added Sharma. RAWW team members soon reached the spot with forest department officials and evaluated the situation. It was decided to rescue the turtles and rehabilitate them as that was not an ideal and safe place for them. The rescuers are of opinion that these species were released there and they did not came naturally as it was neither its natural habitat. A total of nine native species of flapshell turtles and two exotic red-eared sliders were safely rescued from the fountain. "The native turtles were medically examined and kept under observation. Later, they were released back to their natural habitat not disclosing the location for their safety. The exotic species will be under lifetime care as they cannot be repatriated to the country of their origin," added Sharma. It may be noted that city wells, ponds and artificial fountain like waterbodies are infested with invasive species and experts working in the field of wildlife feel that there is an urgent need to remove them from the natural habitat as they pose great threat to spread zoonotic diseases and also wipe our native species. Experts also point out that water quality of many such water bodies is highly polluted which need to be rectified and the flora and fauna in that needs to be studied.
17 January,2025 06:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavAhead of the Coldplay concert, the Navi Mumbai Police on Friday issued a traffic advisory for motorists to prevent congestion on the roads in parts of the city. A traffic notification said, in view of the Coldplay concert scheduled at DY Patil Stadium, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, from January 18, 19 and 21 the traffic restrictions were being issued. The concert is expected to attract a large crowd and is set to take place at the stadium on January 18, 19, and 21. The traffic police said that to ensure smooth traffic flow and avoid disruptions, the city traffic department was issuing traffic notification restricting the entry of heavy vehicles in the areas surrounding the venue in Navi Mumbai. The police said that entry of heavy vehicles coming from the Gujarat side via the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway towards Thane, Bhiwandi, and Kalyan will be prohibited. It said parking along the roads in these areas will also be restricted to avoid traffic jams. The traffic will be diverted through alternative routes to minimise congestion around the venue and parts of the city. The following routes will be affected by the restrictions: Vehicles coming from Palghar and Virar towards Thane will not be allowed to enter the Shirsat Phata area. Alternative routes: Shirsat Phata - Parol - Akoli (Ganeshpuri) - Ambadi Road. Vehicles from Palghar and Vasai will be diverted from the Chinchoti Naka to the Kaman - Kharebav - Anjurphata - Bhiwandi route. Entry to the Western Express Highway from Kashimira to Ghodbandar Road, Thane will also be closed. Vehicles will be redirected via Versova Bridge to the Gujarat National Highway and then to the alternative route via Shirsat Phata. "These traffic restrictions will be enforced from 2 pm to 12 am on January 18, 19, and 21. Emergency vehicles, including police, fire brigade, ambulances, and oxygen supply vehicles, will be exempt from these restrictions," the police said. It said that the light motor vehicles will be allowed to pass through and commuters are advised to follow the alternative routes to avoid delays. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 cops will be deployed to maintain law and order during the Coldplay concert in Navi Mumbai city of Maharashtra, the police said on Friday. As part of their 'Music of the Spheres World Tour', the British rock group has three shows scheduled at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21. Nearly 45,000 fans are expected to attend the event, for which elaborate security arrangements have been made, said a release by the Navi Mumbai police. The release said 70 officers and 434 policemen will be inside the stadium as part of their bandobast. Also, 21 officers and 440 policemen will be deployed outside the stadium each day, it said.
17 January,2025 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) awarded 1.3 lakh square feet of retail commercial space at 27 Mumbai Metro Line-3 stations. These spaces, offered through an open tender process, cater to diverse commercial segments, including office food & beverage (F&B), retail, banking ATMs, and vending machines. The available spaces include 40,000 square feet large floor plates to smaller kiosks of about 100 square feet. The commercial spaces are strategically located in high footfall areas of the metro stations and attracted prominent bidders across various sectors. Major retail players such as Tata Trent, India Retail & Hospitality, Naman Group Rozeus Retail, Mystical Group and individual brands like Amar Tea, Warna Sahakari, Delicia Foods, and Chitale Bandhu participated in the bid. The response underscores the attractiveness of the location, the exclusivity of large spaces, and the high anticipated ridership once the metro line is fully operational. The annual lease rentals from this transaction would offset the O&M cost and JICA loan repayments. The Non-Fare Box Revenue (NFBR) transactions are being facilitated by Auctus Advisors. “By maximising revenue from non-fare sources, we can keep ticket fares in check, ensuring that the metro remains affordable and accessible to a larger segment of the public. This is critical to making public transport in Mumbai more sustainable and promoting its use. As more and more passengers opt for environment-friendly modes of transportation, we will contribute to decongesting the city and improving Mumbai's liveability ranking," said Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRCL, on the development. Mumbai Metro lines 7 and 2A receive CCRS nod for full-speed operations In a significant milestone for Mumbai's metro network, the Chief Commissioner of Rail Safety (CCRS), New Delhi, has granted safety certification for the regular operation of Mumbai Metro Line-7 (Red Line) and Metro Line-2A (Yellow Line). This certification marks the successful compliance with all conditions set during the provisional authorisation, enabling unrestricted operations at a full capacity speed of 80 kmph — an increase from the previous temporary speed limits of 50 to 60 kmph at certain locations. Both lines, operated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), play a crucial role in reducing congestion on Mumbai’s busiest routes. Metro Line-2A stretches 18.6 km from Dahisar to DN Nagar, with 17 stations, while Metro Line 7 spans 16.5 km from Andheri (East) to Dahisar (East), with 13 stations. Together, they cater to over 2.5 lakh daily passengers, with cumulative ridership exceeding 15 crore since the start of operations. MMRDA has implemented cutting-edge technology on these lines, including driverless-capable trainsets, CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) signalling, platform screen doors, and advanced ticketing systems. These initiatives demonstrate MMRDA's commitment to creating a safe, eco-friendly, and efficient metro network, aligning with the Hon. Chief Minister’s vision of “Mumbai in Minutes.” Hon. Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “The regular authorization for Metro Lines 7 and 2A is a step closer to transforming Mumbai into a world-class city with an efficient transport network. This achievement reflects our government’s commitment to providing sustainable, time-saving, and eco-friendly mobility options for Mumbaikars. With this development, we are delivering on our promise to make Mumbai’s public transport system the backbone of its progress.” Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of MMRDA, Shri Eknath Shinde, added, “Mumbai’s metro expansion is a game-changer for the city, and the regular authorization of Metro Lines 7 and 2A is a testament to MMRDA’s dedication to its vision. This development will significantly reduce congestion on key routes and improve the quality of life for commuters. We remain committed to further developing Mumbai’s metro network to meet the demands of our ever-growing city.” Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee stated, “This milestone reflects MMRDA’s relentless efforts to adhere to the highest safety standards and operational excellence. The removal of speed restrictions and the safety certification by CCRS will enhance the metro experience and help achieve our goal of ‘Mumbai in Minutes.’”
17 January,2025 06:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
