Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray will meet the family of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, whose murder has sparked a huge political row, in the first week of January, reported news agency PTI. Thackeray will also meet the kin of Dalit man Somnath Suryavanshi who allegedly died in judicial custody after his arrest in connection with violence over the desecration of a replica of the Constitution in Parbhani. "The Sena (UBT) president will visit Parbhani and Beed to meet the families of Somanth Suryavanshi and Santosh Deshmukh, respectively," Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Saturday, reported PTI. NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar met the families of Suryavanshi and Deshmukh last week. The leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also met Suryavanshi's family in Parbhani, reported PTI. Police have so far arrested four persons, including former tehsil chief of Ajit Pawar-headed NCP Vishnu Chate, in connection with the sarpanch Deshmukh's murder. Police are on the lookout for three others who have been named as wanted accused for kidnapping Deshmukh and brutally killing him on December 9. Preliminary investigation by police shows that Deshmukh's murder was a fallout of his bid to oppose extortion from a windmill company in Beed. Following Deshmukh's murder, there were protests across Beed, especially after photographs of his body with injury marks were shared widely on social media. Parbhani city in central Maharashtra witnessed violence after a glass-enclosed replica of the Constitution near Dr B R Ambedkar's statue outside the railway station was vandalised on the evening of December 10. Suryavanshi (35), who was lodged in the Parbhani district central jail after his arrest, died on December 15 at a state-run hospital after complaining of chest pain and uneasiness. Rahul Gandhi alleged that Suryavanshi was killed because he was a Dalit who was trying to protect the Constitution. (With inputs from PTI)
28 December,2024 02:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a bid to further enhance the commuting experience of passengers, the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has made significant strides in modernizing suburban railway stations with the installation of lifts and escalators. Up until 2023, MRVC had successfully commissioned 15 elevators and 16 escalators across various suburban stations in Mumbai. In 2024 alone, the corporation has installed 4 new lifts and 9 escalators, continuing its commitment to making travel safer and more accessible for passengers. Over the next few years, MRVC has ambitious plans to add 119 more lifts and 183 escalators by 2027, resulting in a total of 138 lifts and 208 escalators at suburban stations throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This is part of a larger initiative to provide greater convenience, especially for elderly passengers, women, and those with disabilities. These additions will not only improve the flow of commuters during peak hours but also enhance the overall travel experience, ensuring safer, faster, and more comfortable movement within stations. In addition to MRVC’s contributions, Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) have also undertaken similar projects at various suburban stations. They too have committed to expanding their lift and escalator facilities in the coming years, focusing on stations not covered by MRVC’s plans. CMD of MRVC, Subhash Chand Gupta, remarked, “At MRVC, our focus is on transforming the travel experience for Mumbai’s esteemed commuters. These initiatives not only promise greater accessibility but also ensure that our stations keep pace with the growing needs of the city’s dynamic railway network. We remain committed to providing safe, efficient, and comfortable travel for all.” The phased installation of lifts and escalators at various suburban stations (Station details are provided in the enclosed annexure) will significantly ease daily commutes for millions of passengers. With these ongoing and upcoming enhancements, MRVC is paving the way for a more efficient, accessible, and modern Mumbai suburban railway system.
28 December,2024 02:26 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarMumbai remains blanketed by smog, severely reducing visibility and pushing air quality indices into unhealthy levels. On Saturday, the city experienced a slight rise in temperatures, with the minimum temperature reaching 21 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a cloudy sky on Saturday, December 28, with temperatures ranging from a cool 18 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 32 degrees Celsius during the day. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai's Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 30.3 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 21.6 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates by the IMD, the maximum temperature will likely be around 32 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature will likely be around 20 degrees Celsius. The relative humidity is 77 per cent. The sun rose at 07:11 AM and will set at 06:10 PM. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "partly cloudy sky with haze" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On December 28, the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app reported in its latest Mumbai weather updates that the city’s air quality remained in the 'moderate' category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 160 at 9:05 AM. As per the SAMEER app dashboard, many areas across Mumbai showed 'moderate' AQI. Bandra Kurla Complex recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 167. Colaba, Chembur and Ghatkopar recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 129, 133 and 145, respectively. Borivali and Byculla recorded 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 245 and 203, respectively. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 122, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 131. The air quality index from 0 to 100 is considered 'good', 100 to 200 'moderate', 200 to 300 'poor', 300 to 400 'very poor' and from 400 to 500 or above 'severe'. Meanwhile, as air pollution levels continue to rise in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revised guidelines issued last year for construction sites. The civic body will also form squads at the ward level to visit construction sites and act if guidelines are flouted. Sensor-based air pollution monitoring systems will be installed at all construction project work sites and immediate action to be taken if pollution levels are detected above the limit.
28 December,2024 10:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA fire broke out at scrap godowns in the Sakinaka area of Kurla on Saturday morning. The blaze has spread across an area of 1,000 x 500 square feet. No casualties have been reported so far. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire broke out at Wajid Ali Compound on Khairani Road in Sakinaka, Kurla West. The blaze is confined to scrap and plastic materials stored in the godowns. The Mumbai Fire Brigade has declared the blaze a 'Level-3' fire. "The fire is confined to scrap and plastic materials in the godowns, covering an area of 1,000 x 500 square feet on the ground floor and part of the first floor. A total of 10 small hose lines are in operation," the MFB said. Eleven fire engines, nine jet tanks, aerial work platforms, along with other firefighting machinery and an ambulance, have been deployed at the scene. Fire breaks out in scrap godown in Mankhurd A massive fire had broken out in a scrap godown in the Mandala area of Mankhurd, Mumbai, on Monday evening. The blaze was spread over a 1,000X1,000 square feet area. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the blaze was confined to the electrical wiring, wooden scrap, and plastic materials in various scrap material storage units. MFB had declared the blaze a 'Level-2' fire. Four fire engines, 10 water jets and other firefighting machinery, along with an ambulance, were deployed at the scene. A team of the local ward of the Mumbai civic body was also at the spot. Water filling points were opened at Baiganwadi Signal in Deonar, Deonar Abettor, Panjarpol filling point in Chembur and Cheda Nagar in Ghatkopar. According to the official, the cause of the fire was not known. However, he said the fire was spreading rapidly due to the compostable materials stored in the godowns, adding that, as most of the structures was load-bearing and made of tin, it was risky to enter them, which was creating challenges during firefighting. Several incidents of fire have been reported from locality in the past.
28 December,2024 09:52 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Urban Development Department has issued a notice (dated Sept 30, 2024) inviting suggestions and objections for the proposed modification and incorporation of an addendum to the Model Building Bye-Laws 2016, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), as part of the Development Control and Promotion Regulations - 2034 for Greater Mumbai. In a bid to enhance digital connectivity infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburbs, the Maharashtra Urban Development Department has issued a notice inviting suggestions and objections from architects, developers, and town planners for the incorporation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans. What does the Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s notice say? The notice asks architects, developers and planning authority officials to ensure that a plan for the creation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure including a common duct to access the common space used as a telecom room inside the building is included in new building proposal plans. The notice issued by the Maharashtra Urban Development Department states that an Occupancy or Building completion certificate to a building is to be granted only after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure as per the prescribed standards is in place. This is in line with the addendum to Model Building Bye-laws 2016 and has been issued under Section 154 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act (MRTP). "Notice under section 37 (IAA) of the Maharashtra Regional & Town Planning Act, 1966. Proposed modification for Incorporation of addendum to model building Bye-Laws 2016 issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) Development Control and Promotion Regulations -2034 for Greater Mumbai," the notice reads. The Maharashtra Urban Development Department has sought inputs from various stakeholders for the creation of a Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans. In 2022, the Telecom Regulatory Authority finalised a framework for the creation of an ecosystem for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI), making it a part of the building development plan similar to other building services like water, electricity or fire safety systems. "Plan for the creation of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure including the common duct to access the common space used as telecom room inside the building is also a prepared and separate set of draw drawings showing the inter / intra connectivity access to the building with the distribution network," the notice reads. The circular specifies that buildings with more than 465 sq mt of built-up area should have a minimum 3.0 m X 2.4 m telecom room. Buildings with a built-up area of less than 465 sq mt, should have a 0.6 m x 2.6 m or 1.3 m x 1.3 m telecom room. The notice further states that the telecom room should not be susceptible to flooding. It should not be exposed to water, moisture, fumes, gases or dust. It should be able to withstand the designed equipment load (to be specified in the design). It should be located away from any vibrations to avoid dislocation/dislodgement. At the layout stage, the UDD notice says, the placement and sequence of above-and below-ground utilities at the appropriate location in the right-of-way to be ensured for unconstrained movement as well as easy access for maintenance. Empty pipes (large-size Hume pipes / HDPE pipes) should be laid before planting trees in order to accommodate additional Infrastructure. It also suggests that telecom cables should be ideally placed below the parking area or service lane which could be easily dug up without causing any major inconvenience. The notice also asked developers to submit a service plan for IBS infrastructure in consultation with a telecom networking hardware consultant. "The layout plans should clearly indicate the telecom as Utility Infrastructure lines. While submitting the proposed Building plan seeking approval from the relevant sanctioning Authority, the applicant shall also submit a complete Service Plan for In-Building Solutions (IBS) -Infrastructure along with required specifications in consultation with, and certified by a credible Telecom Networking hardware consultant," the notice reads. “Occupancy / Building Completion certificate to a building to be granted only after ensuring that the Common Telecommunication Infrastructure as per the prescribed standards is in place,” it said. What do officials have to say? An official from the Urban Development Department confirmed that the department has issued a notice seeking inputs from various stakeholders for the creation of a Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans. "This is in line with the Central government's framework for creating an ecosystem for digital connectivity. We have now sought suggestions and objections from various stakeholders," the official said. He further said that depending on the suggestions and objections, the department will proceed with the directive. "After the department receives suggestions and objections, we will discuss them with stakeholders and finalize the plan. This generally takes about a month after receiving input from the stakeholders," he added. Thumbs up from the stakeholders Stakeholders from various sectors have welcomed the Urban Development Department’s move to enhance digital connectivity. Jitendra M. Mehta, President of CREDAI MCHI Thane, said, "We are a developing country, and digital technology is a very important platform. Today, the internet connection is at the heart of our lives. In every home, internet users include senior citizens, children, and housemaids. Just a few years ago, there was a telephone connection." "As developers, we should always upgrade facilities for our flat purchasers. Now, locker facilities should be provided so that we can operate the lockers at our convenience, and not just during banking hours. CCTV should be mandatory in every building, covering all floors, lobby areas, and other common spaces, and it should be easy to operate from a centralised room," he added. Manju Yagnik, Vice Chairperson at Nahar Group and Senior Vice President of NAREDCO—Maharashtra, said, "The Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s directive to include Common Telecommunication Infrastructure (CTI) in new building plans is a forward-looking initiative aimed at enhancing Mumbai’s connectivity as the city prepares for a more aggressive 5G rollout in 2025. This policy ensures that residential and commercial spaces will be equipped for the growing demand for high-speed internet and smart technologies, positioning Mumbai as the key city in India’s tech-driven urban development. For developers, integrating CTI may involve an initial investment, but it presents long-term benefits, including enhanced property value and marketability. This investment not only aligns with the increasing buyer preference for digitally equipped spaces but also boosts the competitiveness of developers in a rapidly evolving market." "The government will be engaging with the developers and urban planners during the planning phase and this collaboration will help identify potential challenges that may arise during the design and execution stages, ensuring that the directive is both practical and feasible. Furthermore, integrating such infrastructure can stimulate the growth of the technical sector, providing opportunities for innovation and creating new markets. This will, in turn, contribute to the country's overall economic development, driving the GDP higher and positioning India as a technologically advanced, globally competitive nation," she added. Sandeep Ahuja, Global CEO of Atmosphere Living, said that the directive from the Maharashtra Urban Development Department to mandate Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in new building plans is a step in the right direction. "It aligns with the growing demand for seamless connectivity, which has become an essential part of modern living. While the requirement for telecom infrastructure before granting Occupancy or Completion Certificates adds an additional compliance layer, it also ensures that residents have access to uninterrupted digital services from day one. However, effective implementation will require collaboration between developers, civic authorities, and telecom providers. Early consultations and clear guidelines can prevent delays and streamline the process. If the government facilitates a practical framework with adequate timelines, it will help the real estate sector incorporate this change more efficiently. Ultimately, this initiative reflects a future-focused approach to urban planning, enhancing the overall quality of living in Mumbai's developments," he said. Abhishek Tharwani, Director, Tharwani Realty, said, "Inclusion of Common Telecommunication Infrastructure in building new buildings would be a positive move to complement the rising needs of a non-disjoint connectivity network within urban regions. Given that people depend increasingly on digital services, proper telecom infrastructure should be ensured during the initial development stages, both for people living and operating their businesses within these spaces. The directive also underscores the need for more holistic urban planning. As cities grow smarter, integrating utilities like telecom, power, and waste management systems should be part of a larger vision for sustainable development." Tharwani further said that while the intent is commendable, the directive could pose challenges in terms of execution. "Developers will need clear guidelines and technical assistance to incorporate CTI efficiently, especially in projects where space and cost considerations are already tight," he added. Echoing similar sentiments, Sunny Bijlani, Joint-Managing Director of Supreme Universal, said, "The Maharashtra Urban Development Department’s directive to include Common Telecommunication Infrastructure (CTI) in new building plans is a proactive step in line with India’s expanding digital landscape. With over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers in India as of 2024, as per TRAI, ensuring robust connectivity is essential for modern urban living and future-ready smart cities. A collaborative approach between the government and the developers and the urban planning community can help address challenges like space constraints and cost models, ensuring compliance without compromising on project efficiency. This initiative can lead to long-term benefits, fostering smarter and more connected communities that contribute to the growth of a sustainable urban infrastructure."
28 December,2024 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Ronak MastakarMumbai's Rashna Imhasly-Gandhy has been enjoying the sun slip away in a blaze of orange tinged with yellow and red at Sunset Point, Matheran. Like the hordes of tourists, many from Mumbai and Gujarat, the psychologist-author is wrapping up 2024 at a stunning property co-inherited from her great-grandfather. It is located at the last house on Porcupine Point, now famously known as Sunset Point in Matheran. Said Imhasly-Gandhy, “Since childhood, it has been our family ritual to visit the point every evening to watch the sunset. On full moon nights, as the sun sets in the West, one can witness an almost golden moon rising in the East above Panorama Point. This magical interplay of nature has been a source of unending joy and wonder.” Uplifting experience One day before Christmas though, on Tuesday, December 24, Imhasly-Gandhy witnessed something that made her heart sing. She said, “At Sunset Point, a large group of school children, both boys and girls—I learnt they were local students all looking like they were under-12—accompanied by their teacher, had walked up from the valley below Matheran, and were actively cleaning up the litter from various points. I approached their teacher to congratulate him on this fantastic initiative. It reaffirmed my belief that true change begins when we teach our children to care for the environment. Only then can we hope to change the unconscious disregard with which waste is treated in our society.” Rashna Imhasly-Gandhy, psychologist and author Deterioration As a regular visitor to the red mud hill station or ‘Forest on the Hill’ as Matheran translates to, Imhasly-Gandhy said she has witnessed a slow “deterioration” of one of Mumbai's most cherished getaways. She said, “The iconic rock at the end of the promontory has been enclosed by railings, which are taller than the human eye. This development has marred the experience of the breathtaking views, now seen only through these caged barriers. Even these railings have been vandalised by visitors over time. Many roads leading to various viewpoints are in equally poor condition, rendering it almost impossible for nature lovers to enjoy the serene horse rides through the wooded landscape.” Mounting garbage To compound the situation is the mounds of rubbish that tourist traffic leaves behind. The psychologist said, “Earlier, when bottled water wasn’t commonplace, visitors carried their own reusable bottles to various viewpoints. Sadly, with the growing number of tourists, the sight of empty water bottles and snack wrappers all through is very common. Vendors selling water and snacks have inadvertently contributed to this problem. On my walks to Sunset Point, it has become my habit to collect discarded bottles and trash along the way. My husband humorously nicknamed me the ‘Kachrawali of Matheran’. However, this situation is no laughing matter. The metal waste bins once installed at the viewpoints are now in a state of utter disrepair. These children who cleaned at various points will go back and tell their parents, I am sure about cleanliness. The key to green preservation lies in instilling awareness in children. We can begin with them. Slowly, we may see change. Trashy tourists here is what the kids who are learning life lessons out of class can teach you,” she signed off.
28 December,2024 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal AsharMumbaikars are gearing up to welcome the New Year, with many planning 31st-night parties on their building terraces. However, police have reminded citizens to obtain prior permission from local authorities to play music or risk facing legal consequences. Advocates told mid-day that no NOC is required from the society committee to host a party, but residents must take proper precautions. Police have advised covering terrace corners with curtains if the edges are low to prevent accidents. Meanwhile, pubs, bars, and restaurants will remain open until 5 am. Advocate Sunil Pandey told mid-day, “Terrace parties are allowed, and no permission is required as it is private property. However, many societies lock terraces and prohibit members from access, which is against the law. Only playing music requires permission from the local police station. While individuals are free to celebrate on terraces, they themselves must ensure safety, as the individual will be held responsible for any incidents.” Pandey, also a society secretary, added, “In my society, we allow terrace parties but advise members to avoid disturbing others. If someone files a noise complaint with the police, the individual will bear the consequences.” Advocate SS Chandrashekhar said, “The terrace is a common area for society members, and everyone has the right to use it for celebrations. However, members should ensure they don’t create a nuisance or disturb others. If society committees lock the terrace and refuse access, residents can file a complaint with the registrar.” This year, terrace parties with music are permitted until midnight, provided decibel limits are followed. After midnight, parties can continue without music or disturbances. Police will monitor terrace parties and venues where youth gatherings may lead to drug use or other unfortunate incidents. Special police teams will be deployed at popular hotspots like Juhu, Versova, Bandra Bandstand, Worli Sea Face, Marine Drive, and Gorai Beach. Beaches will remain operational as usual. Challenges for terrace parties In Mumbai’s suburban areas, many societies have locked their terraces due to rising suicide cases and concerns over strangers, such as delivery personnel or intruders, gaining access. Additionally, society secretaries fear liability in case of incidents. A senior police officer said, “Terrace parties are allowed, and we will keep a close watch on such gatherings. Complaints will be dealt with strictly.” Cops on alert On December 31, various public events will take place across Mumbai in hotels, malls, and other establishments. To maintain law and order, a comprehensive security plan has been implemented under the guidance of senior police officials. 5AMTime bar and pubs will be open till on New Year’s Eve The deployment includes . 8 Additional Commissioners. 29 Deputy Commissioners. 53 Assistant Commissioners. 2,184 police officers. 12,048 personnel, including traffic staff Additional measures include SRPF platoons, QRT teams, BDDS squads, RCP units, and home guards stationed at key locations. Checkpoints will be set up across Mumbai, with special drives against drunk driving, noise violations, and public disturbances. Strict legal action will be taken against offenders, including those involved in misbehaviour, illegal liquor sales, and drug offences. Citizens are urged to follow the rules and celebrate responsibly. No boat parties for New Year’s Eve The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has announced that no permissions have been granted for boat parties in the Arabian Sea on December 31. Officials clarified that this trend stopped around 2008, and the restriction remains in place. “There are occasional applications for boat events throughout the year, but December 31 is a strict no. This year, no applications have been received,” said an MbPT official. A private operator explained that organising boat events requires multiple permissions, including from the MbPT, customs department, and harbour police. “For New Year’s Eve, no permissions of any kind are issued to anyone,” the operator added. -Rajendra B. Aklekar
28 December,2024 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Western Railway (WR) has kicked off its much-awaited project of constructing an 8-km Goregaon-Borivli harbour line with an elevated station at Malad. The project is targeted for completion by March 2027. With the fifth and sixth lines now in the works between Kandivli and Borivli, there is now no space left on either side of the WR lines. The ongoing project will add two more lines (one corridor), which will be an extension of the existing harbour line. The project has been divided into two phases, with phase 1 being the 2-km stretch from Goregaon to Malad, which is expected to open by 2026-27, and phase 2, about a 5-km extension from Malad to Borivli, which is expected to be completed by 2027-28. According to the WR, the line will have elevated stretches near Malad, and about 2,731 sqm of land is required for this project. It involves bringing down 16 three-storey railway buildings, which will affect around 520 residents. Of the 2,731 sqm of land, about 2,535 sqm is private land, and 196 sqm of land is BMC-acquired, with most of it between the Malad and Kandivli stretches. Of the 16 three-storey railway quarters, 12 are in Kandivli West and four three-storey ones are in Malad West. The project is estimated to cost around R825 crore and is a part of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project III. According to basic work details, there is one major bridge and 16 minor bridges that need to be built/upgraded along the stretch for the new lines. Mar 2027Targeted date for completion of project Work status . Private and government land acquisition by District Collector Mumbai Suburban and BMC. (All proposals submitted). . A joint measurement survey is being done by Joint Measurement Record/Survey (JMR) for land acquisition. . A Baseline Socio-Economic Survey (BSES) was done in February 2024, and a total of 520 project-affected people have been identified, and details have been submitted to the MMRDA in October 2024. . Proposals for tree cutting/transplantation sent to tree authority.
28 December,2024 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarTraffic violators will now be caught using radar-topped interceptors with the help of satellites in the new set of hi-tech vehicles planned to be launched for the annual Road Safety Week in January 2025. “This is the first time in the country that such vehicles are being procured, and we are now working on installing the radars and other peripheral items. The radar technology will catch offenders in an entire marked area, instead of a single vehicle,” a senior official from the Motor Vehicles Department said. “Our current technology limits us to one vehicle at a time. With this new technology, we will be able to catch all of them together,” added the official. The violations fed into the database include offences like not wearing a helmet, seat belts, speeding, and the like. As far as the latest new technology vehicles are concerned, the transport department has procured about 69 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles which will be fitted with the latest technology. It will cost about Rs 16 lakh. The radars will have data embedded from the ‘Vahan’ software which will make it possible to check vehicle speed from a distance of as far as 1.5 km away. mid-day had earlier reported that the RTO flying squads already have 187 interceptor vehicles, equipped with speed guns and other key equipment for road safety. The cameras on those interceptors can detect number plates of vehicles at a range of over 500 metres. The city’s transport department further plans to acquire 27 more vehicles so that every RTO office is covered. Maharashtra transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed the development to mid-day. 2025 JanMonth new hi-tech vehicles to be launched
28 December,2024 07:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarWith the demolition of old railway buildings and the clearing of land at the congested Prabhadevi station, over 1,600 square metres of open space have been created. This marks a significant improvement at the once overcrowded station, where a stampede had previously occurred. The completed demolition of old railway quarters also paves the way for a permanent solution to issues like water-logging and seepage during the monsoon season. The complaints have been that the entry and exit to the railway station has been through a narrow road that led to the staircase of the three bridges connecting Prabhadevi and Parel stations. With new open spaces created, the problem has been sorted once and for all. Artist’s rendering of the new look façade of Prabhadevi station The work of the station upgrade has been taken up under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) with plans for a circulating area, parking and other passenger amenities in the once-narrow lane. Confirming the development, a senior official said, “Yes. Both the buildings have been demolished and this entire area will be developed under ABSS. We are going to construct an underground and an overhead water storage tank after demolishing the old tank, with a garden and landscaping to be developed, and the station entry will have a façade.” “There have been persistent complaints every year of water-logging and seepage of water. We have found that the sewer and stormwater drainage of this area is very old and is not working and hence water stagnates in this area during rains, so the drainage in this area has to be improved. A new state-of-the-art system is being developed to weed out the problem once and for all,” he added. In addition to this, more facilities that include a pay and use toilet block, public parking and a completely new road will be paved in. “A lift is also in the plan at the north-end foot overbridge. Other peripheral works include repairs to the boundary wall. In addition to all this, some of the space will also be exploited commercially and made use of for commuters,” he added. 1,600sqmSpace cleared after demolition
28 December,2024 07:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarTaking note of a mid-day article highlighting the issue of cars illegally parked along the median of Gulmohar Road in Juhu, the traffic police have assured action.Traffic Police Inspector (PI) Salim Tamboli from the D N Nagar traffic division said, “We will visit the stretch of Gulmohar Road where cars are parked along the median and take action as per the law.” The traffic police also responded to the mid-day article on X, stating, “We have informed the traffic division concerned for necessary action.” A handle named ‘Juhu Responsible Residents’ on X replied, tweeting, “Another issue is the menace of illegally parked rickshaws. Gulmohar Cross 9 is completely taken up by rickshaw parking and cleaning. This is now spilling over into interior roads. BMC and MTP need to establish clear zones and tow the rest.” PR and communications professional Suheil Merchant also tweeted, “Thank you for doing the story and highlighting the issue. Not only private vehicles but also commercial vehicles like private cabs and buses are openly flouting traffic laws to park their fleets. I hope fines and action are uniform for all offenders.” On Friday, mid-day published a story titled ‘Mumbai: Juhu locals fed-up of illegal parking on Gulmohar Road’, which reported that residents of the Juhu JVPD area are inconvenienced by illegal parking allegedly caused by local hotel owners. Customers visiting hotels on Gulmohar Road, from the Mithibai college signal to Criticare Hospital, reportedly park their vehicles indiscriminately, exacerbating the problem. Every day, thousands of vehicles travel along Gulmohar Road, which connects the Juhu JVPD signal to Mithibai college and is also part of the route for the upcoming D N Nagar-to-Mandale Metro line. During the construction phase, a section of the road was barricaded, but after the piers were erected and girders launched, the barricades were removed.
28 December,2024 07:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavADVERTISEMENT
