City meteorologists and weather enthusiasts are intrigued by the sharp temperature fluctuations in Mumbai over the past three days. The sudden dip to 13.7 degrees C on Monday (December 9) made it the coldest December day in nine years. However, within 48 hours, by Wednesday, the temperature rose sharply to 20 degrees C, leaving many puzzled by this “unexpected” and “unusual” phenomenon. Officials from the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Mumbai, however, stated that this variation in temperature was anticipated. After enduring several days of unusually high temperatures, the IMD’s Santacruz weather observatory reported a minimum temperature of 13.7 degrees C on Monday, which is 5.6 degrees C below the average. Similarly, the Colaba observatory recorded a minimum of 19.2 degrees C. This represents a notable decline of over 11 degrees C over the last three days, as the minimum temperature in Mumbai had remained around 25 degrees C until Friday morning. On Wednesday, the Santacruz weather observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 20 degrees C, whereas the Colaba observatory recorded a minimum of 22.6 degrees C. Sushma Nair, a scientist with IMD's RMC Mumbai, told mid-day, “We had expected a dip and rise in temperature thanks to the active northerly winds. The temperature was expected to dip to 15 degrees C, but it dropped to 13 degrees C. Simultaneously, there is also a well-marked low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. In such conditions, these kinds of fluctuations happen.” Calling this a mysterious case of an isolated 13.7 degrees C on December 9, climatologist Rajesh Kapadia from private weather blog 'Vagaries of the Weather', said, “It is very difficult to explain this ‘out of turn’ phenomena… this seems very unbelievable. Temperature rising by 5 degrees C in 24 hours and 6.3 degrees C in 48 hours is unnatural. We cannot imagine a sudden dip and sudden rise in temperature for a day, and that too in a very isolated pocket.” “A sharp dip and rise in temperature within a week, particularly over the last three days, is fascinating and warrants further study. The fluctuation in temperature last week was due to northerlies and the aftereffects of Cyclone Fengal. The December 9 temperature of 13.7 degrees C seems somewhat unusual to me, but since the IMD has reported it, I trust it is accurate. However, I would urge the IMD to publish the weather phenomenon behind this abrupt fluctuation on their website for greater transparency and understanding,” said a meteorologist from a private weather forecasting agency. Meanwhile, independent weather enthusiast Rushikesh Agre, popularly known for his social media handle ‘Mumbai Rains’ on X, wrote on Wednesday: “Bit of a rise in temperatures than expected in the last 36 hours. Santacruz was 20 degrees C today. Yet, temperatures are unlikely to stay above 20 degrees C for the next two weeks. Areas closer to SGNP will be below 18-19 degrees C… Thane and Navi Mumbai below 20 degrees C for the rest of the week. Maximum temperatures, on the other hand, will unfortunately be warm for the next three to four days. Short update on this soon.”
12 December,2024 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghFormer Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjay Pandey on Wednesday recorded his statement in connection with an extortion case registered against him in Thane, a Crime Branch officer said. The officer said that the former top cop spent three hours at the Crime Branch office in Wagle Estate. Pandey and six others were booked at the Thane Nagar police station on August 26 this year based on a complaint filed by Mumbai-based businessman Sanjay Punamiya, who said that the accused ‘unlawfully’ reopened a 2016 FIR registered against him and alleged that he faced “significant troubles” from Pandey and others between May 2021 and June 2024. Punamiya had been booked in two cases by the Thane Nagar police during the previous MVA government's tenure when Pandey was first the DGP and later the Mumbai police commissioner. Besides the retired DGP, the FIR has named ex-ACP Sardar Patil, Inspector Manohar Patil, advocate Shekar Jagtap, builder Shyamsunder Agrawal, and two others—Subham Agrawal and Sharad Agrawal—as accused. The FIR mentioned that Pandey and other accused also threatened the complainant and other businessmen with false cases, extorted money, and prepared fabricated documents, while one of them (posing as a special public prosecutor) misled courts. The Crime Branch has not arrested any person so far. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 December,2024 07:53 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesResidents of Dadar Parsi Colony have raised concerns about the ongoing footpath repairs in their area. They are demanding that the new footpaths be constructed using M40-grade concrete with a brooming effect and that the original kerbside stones from the footpaths be retained. The BMC has begun converting asphalt roads into concrete roads. As part of this concreting project, the footpaths are being repaired using M20-grade concrete with stamped designs. Darayus Bacha, a member of the Mancherji Edulji Joshi Colony Residents Association, commonly known as Dadar Parsi Colony, said, “M20 concrete with stamped designs gathers moss during the rainy season, causing people to slip. If the BMC constructs footpaths with M40-grade concrete with a brooming effect, it would be a much better and safer option. We met Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar on Wednesday to discuss this matter.” He added, “We have also requested that the gradient of the footpath and the road be designed to ensure water flows outward from the buildings and that the original kerbside stones are not removed.” Former corporator Amey Ghole also spoke about the issue. “I, along with residents of Dadar Parsi Colony, met Additional Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar. The BMC has already repaired a few footpaths with M40 concrete in Wadala and Matunga, and the results have been excellent. M40 concrete is more durable and safer for pedestrians,” Ghole said. Meanwhile, the BMC had planned to make Matunga’s Five Gardens area more accessible. However, residents fear that this project may alter the existing footpaths and remove the old basalt stone footpaths. The plan includes constructing a new toilet for people with disabilities. However, residents suggested that exisiting toilet be made disabled-friendly instead. Bangar said, “If we use M40 concrete for footpaths, the cost will increase by 20 per cent. However, we are assured that the quality of the footpath will be maintained with M20 grade concrete. Also, residents have demanded a brooming-effect footpath with good accessibility. These demands can be considered,” Bangar added.
12 December,2024 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveAn application has been filed with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, requesting a transparent investigation into the Kurla accident and accountability for the authorities in BEST involved in the incident. "This tragic incident has claimed seven lives, most of them passersby, and the BEST bus ran over several people. The driver has been arrested, but what about the other authorities in BEST? They should also be held accountable for this incident. We demand that the commission take suo motu cognisance of the matter," said advocate Pankaj Mishra, who filed the application. The application highlights that BEST buses are a preferred mode of transport for Mumbai residents and tourists, and such incidents raise serious concerns about the accountability of higher authorities. "We all know that BEST buses are leased, and many drivers work on contractual agreements. They often face frustration due to the treatment they receive from BEST authorities. They work long hours and are poorly paid. These drivers are frustrated and forced to work in inhumane conditions. This is a gross violation of human rights, and we demand that the concerned authorities at BEST be held accountable," Mishra said. The application calls for a transparent investigation into the incident and urges the commission to set up a separate team for the investigation. The application has requested the commission to consider seven points in its investigation 1. The commission should take a suo motu cognisance of the accident.2. The government, police, and the BEST authorities should give all information about the incident to the Human Rights Commission.3. The commission should form a separate team to carry out the investigation.4. If there are any higher authorities or any involvement of an influential person then action must be taken.5. The victims should be provided with full support by the state. 6. The commission must investigate whether the existing drivers of the BEST are working in humane conditions or are working for longer hours.7. There is a possibility that the BEST or contractual drivers are not getting adequate rest and it is a gross violation of human rights that the commission must investigate.
12 December,2024 07:45 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheA 46-year-old woman died in a house collapse in the Ram Nagar area in Malad West while her husband and son were injured and are being treated at a private hospital, people in the know of the matter said. The incident took place on Wednesday. According to a report from the state disaster management, a ground plus one house collapsed at Sonabai Chawl Ram Nagar, Chincholi Bunder, in Malad West. The deceased woman has been identified as Pooja Mandalkar. Her husband, Prashant Mandalkar, 50, and Prashant Mandalkar, sustained minor injuries, said the report. According to a BMC official, the structure was load-bearing, which was constructed 20 years ago and was on the verge of collapsing. He said that there is a possibility that the iron beams were worn out. The official said that while some parts of the house had already begun to collapse, the woman came to the balcony when the full structure collapsed and she was buried. “The injured were admitted to a nearby private hospital, where the doctors declared Pooja brought dead,” the official added.
12 December,2024 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentThe Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Wednesday said it was working on a three-point programme of providing proper training to drivers, assessing their mental health and providing technically flawless buses. As per current practice, all drivers are given a refresher course every six months and reappointed to their posts. MSRTC chairman and MLA Bharat Gogawale also hinted at a fare hike of the MSRTC bus tickets soon. Following the accident involving a BEST bus in Kurla and mishaps with MSRTC buses in Nashik and Bhandara, MSRTC had called a meeting of all its wet-lease operators at its headquarters in Mumbai Central on Wednesday. “We are a 76-year-old corporation and provide safe service to 5.5 million passengers every day. In order to ensure this safe travel for passengers continues, processes regarding driver training, selection tests, mental health and providing technically flawless vehicles were discussed in detail. At present, MSRTC drivers are given refresher training every six months to avoid accidents. The training places emphasis on mental wellbeing of the drivers and their driving skills. There are strict regulations of alcohol tests,” Gogawale said. The MSRTC has a fleet of 14,000 buses and is in the process of procuring more buses. “The number of buses is inadequate. We will examine the reasons and slap show-cause notices to companies that have been unable to supply the buses in time, he said. Gogawale said there will soon be a ST bus fare hike, the proposal of which has been pending since 2021. “The proposal will soon be submitted to the government, taking into account the increasing price of fuel, tyres, spare parts and salaries of employees,” he added.
12 December,2024 07:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA pedestrian was run over by a BEST bus near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Wednesday. “The bus on route number A-26 was moving to Electric House around 3.25 pm. When the bus was passing CSMT at 4.25 pm, it ran over a pedestrian. The bus was driven by a BEST undertaking bus driver,” a spokesperson said. The driver, Dnyandev Namdeo Jagdale, was arrested by the MRA Marg police. In another incident, a bike was hit by a BEST bus at Goregaon. A bus on route no. 447, was going towards Goregaon at 5.30 pm. There was an unattended bike parked near Gai Vasru Chowk, which the larger vehicle hit. The bike rider later reported the incident. No injuries were reported.
12 December,2024 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentBroken bollards (short posts used to prevent traffic from entering certain areas) are hindering efforts to control traffic and ease vehicular congestion on the Western and Eastern Express Highways. mid-day visited both stretches to find that several damaged bollards had not been replaced and were largely overlooked. Traffic department sources claimed they had written several letters to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to fix broken poles but received no response from the civic body. Generally orange in colour, bollards are placed at either end of flyovers to indicate diversions to motorists. Their main aim is to prevent accidents. “If you see broken bollards, it means that someone had rammed into them while speeding. We usually write letters to the BMC, telling them to replace broken posts,” a police officer attached to the traffic department said on condition of anonymity. Western Express Highway Damaged bollards on the stretch between Bandra to Dahisar toll naka. PIC/ASHISH RAJE While travelling from Bandra to Dahisar, several broken bollards could be seen along the 25.3-km Western Express Highway. In several cases, many were entirely missing and some were strewn on the road, acting as obstacles for vehicles. At one spot, bollards had been placed on top of a concrete slab for some reason. Dahisar toll nakaA few kilometres away from the toll naka, this reporter saw a BEST bus that had gotten stuck between broken bollards, briefly exacerbating traffic congestion. With the help of motorists and passers-by, the bus was eventually moved, clearing the path for vehicles. Thakur Complex flyover in Kandivli East. PIC/ASHISH RAJE Thakur Complex flyoverDrivers could be seen dodging broken bollards near the Thakur Complex flyover in Kandivli East to avoid accidents. Damaged bollards at Kalanagar flyover in Bandra East. PIC/ASHISH RAJE Kherwadi junctionBollards at this spot, near Bandra East station, seemed intact and in better condition than their counterparts on the other Western Express Highway. mid-day spotted two-wheeler riders ramming into a line of bollards in a bid to overtake vehicles due to which the posts were bent out of shape. “Bollards are set up in a V shape near at either end of flyovers. Drivers tend to ram into these posts, which are meant for their safety,” said the officer. Eastern Express Highway When this reporter travelled from Mulund to Byculla railway station and back again via the 23.5-km Eastern Express Highway (EEH), the bollards set up along the stretch in question appeared to be in slightly better shape compared to the ones on the Western Express Highway. Congested spot at in Ghatkopar East. PIC/RAJESH GUPTA Ramabai Ambedkar NagarBroken bollards could be seen in this area, in Ghatkopar East, which appeared to be congested though traffic was swiftly flowing. Four-wheeler drivers were seen to be carefully turning their vehicles to keep clear of bollards while two-wheeler riders were also dodging them. The spot near the Metro 6 car depot where a significant number of bollards were missing. PIC/RAJESH GUPTA Metro car depotA significant number of bollards were clearly missing or broken on the stretch near the site of the under-construction Metro 6 car depot in Kanjurmarg. Diversions were not clear to motorists and two-wheeler riders due to this. The stretch towards Thane on the JVLR flyover. PIC/RAJESH GUPTA JVLR junctionAccording to the traffic police, at least 20-30 bollards are placed in a V shape on both ends of flyovers. Bollards were found to be broken on the JVLR flyover stretch towards Thane and near the Kurla flyover towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The missing bollards at the Kurla flyover junction. PIC/RAJESH GUPTA Official Speak According to the police, the traffic department writes letters to the BMC regularly and a decision is taken to replace broken bollards at regular intervals. “Once we see that bollards are missing, we write to the BMC, asking that they be replaced,” the official said. A BMC official told mid-day that the civic body acts upon receiving letters from the traffic authorities. “We frequently change bollards,” the officer said.
12 December,2024 07:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Apoorva AgasheThe BMC has sent a letter to BEST, notifying them that it has been taking action against illegal hawkers on Court Lane (Bhaji Market Gully) in Borivli. This comes after the State Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognisance of the issue, based on a mid-day report about hawkers occupying the entire road, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass. In response, BEST has stated that they are in the process of obtaining necessary clearances from the traffic police and BMC to resume their services. The letter, which was written with the intention of asking BEST to resume their services from Bhaji Market Gully, is in Marathi and is signed by Sandhya Nandedkar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of R-Central Ward. A copy of the letter, which was sent to Gorai Bus Depot, has been obtained by mid-day. Bhaji Market Gully cleared of illegal hawkers. Pic/Nimesh Dave “In connection with the aforementioned subject, a news article regarding unauthorised hawkers in Borivli market lane was published in mid-day on November 29. Regarding this matter, joint eviction operations have been conducted by this office daily since November 29. As of now, the said road has been cleared of all encroachments.” The letter sent by BMC cited mid-day reports on November 29 and 30 in their reference line while addressing the letter to BEST. Speaking with mid-day, Sandhya Nandedkar said, “We have written this letter to BEST with an intent to inform them that Court Lane (known as Bhaji Market Gully) has been made hawker-free and cleared. The ward office cannot direct BEST to resume their services from the said road and that decision needs to be taken by BEST. We have informed them that the road is being made clear. Also, when the matter was discussed with the BEST officials, we requested them to resume their services soon on the said road.” The BEST public relations officer said, “Since the routes were diverted long back, traffic police and BMC clearances are required for restoring the services. Our office is in the process of acquiring these clearances post which, the services will be restored to their original routes.” Meanwhile, sources from BEST have confirmed about the letter being received.
12 December,2024 07:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Prasun ChoudhariThe 36 seconds of horror during the Kurla BEST bus tragedy were captured by the bus’s CCTV cameras. Passengers on the AC electric bus, carrying around 30-40 people, witnessed the terrifying incident unfold. The bus was travelling at a speed of 46 kilometres per hour (kmph) on a narrow, 100-metre road. The police are now looking for the passengers on board, as they are key witnesses in the investigation. Exclusive: CCTV footage from the BEST bus in the Kurla crash reveals terrifying moments inside the vehicle and on the street during the incident.By: @ShirishVaktania#KurlaBusAccident #Kurla #kurlaaccident #Kurla #Mumbai #BusAccident #MumbaiPolice https://t.co/W958N7KJMl pic.twitter.com/ickDtFbyXT — Mid Day (@mid_day) December 11, 2024 The scared passengers holding onto each other as the bus recklessly crashes into multiple vehicles The exact cause of the accident remains unclear, and the police are working to piece together how the incident occurred. According to police sources, the driver, Sanjay More, has only stated that he was scared. A dedicated team has been formed to investigate the incident from multiple angles. CCTV footage Passengers jump off the bus after it crashes into a wall CCTV footage revealed that the out-of-control bus killed seven and injured 49 others in just 36 seconds. At the wheel was More, the accused driver. The footage showed the bus covering a distance of 250 metres in 78 seconds, reaching a top speed of 46 kmph. The timeline of the incident:>> At around 9.30 pm, passengers began boarding the bus.>> By 9.35.05 pm, the bus departed from outside Kurla Railway Station West.>> At 9.35.46 pm, the bus driver lost control, and the speed surged to 46 kmph.>> By 9.36.22 pm, the bus crashed into a wall. Scared passengers holding on for dear life as bus crashes into vehicles During these 36 seconds, the bus collided with multiple vehicles, causing devastating fatalities and injuries. After the crash, terrified passengers fled the scene to save themselves. Those inside the bus were also panicked; many jumped from their seats and ran to escape. A police officer said, "We are trying to locate the passengers who were inside the bus. They are key witnesses in the case." Ongoing investigation: The exact cause of the tragedy is yet to be determined. The police have formed five to six teams and are collaborating with BEST authorities and the RTO to investigate further. A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, stated, "We suspect driver error rather than a fault with the bus. The driver has been operating heavy vehicles since 1991 and holds a valid license. However, this electric bus was new to him. It’s an automatic vehicle with no gears. The driver underwent three days of training and was confident in operating it. Over the last nine days, he had successfully driven several electric buses without issues." According to the police, More said he became scared when the bus accelerated from 10 kmph to 46 kmph. He claimed the vehicle became uncontrollable, and he deliberately crashed it into a wall to prevent further harm. The crowd gathered around the bus after it crashed into a wall The investigation is exploring several angles: >> Was three days of training sufficient for an experienced driver like Sanjay More to operate the AC electric bus?>> Was the driver under any stress or pressure at the time?>> Did the driver intentionally keep the bus in the middle of the lane after losing control to avoid hitting hundreds of pedestrians on the roadside?>> Was the driver distracted by a mobile phone, leading to the loss of control?>> Did someone instruct the driver to cause the accident?>> Are there any suspicious call records or patterns in the driver’s dialled numbers?>> Was there a fault in the electric bus’ system?>> While the driver was not drunk, is there a possibility he consumed other drugs? (Blood test results are awaited.)
12 December,2024 07:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirish VaktaniaThe Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) seems to be on the path of self-destruction, with its buses slowly turning into something akin to Delhi’s killer Blueline ones. Amidst an astronomical rise in wet-lease buses, discipline and safety have gone for a toss. In the past five years, the BEST has scrapped 2,160 buses, procuring only 37 for its own fleet. Data obtained by RTI activist Jeetendra Ghadge from the Young Whistleblowers Foundation sheds light on how the city’s iconic mode of public transport has been on the decline. The rest of all the new buses in the fleet belong to wet-lease contractors with the BEST having no hold on them, leading to a lack of discipline and a rise in accidents. Trade unions have now called for the complete withdrawal of the wet-lease policy. The BEST has a total of 7212 bus drivers and 7,423 conductors of which 6,563 drivers and 2,340 conductors are attached to wet-lease contractors. The BEST bus responsible for running over a pedestrian near CSMT on Wednesday. Pic/Shadab Khan “When we gave consent for the wet-leasing of buses, there were certain mandatory clauses. The deal was that at any point in time, the BEST must have a 3,337-strong fleet of self-owned buses. For every bus scrapped, the BMC must fund a new one. This MoU was backed by BMC with a signed document,” BEST Workers’ Union general secretary Shashank Sharad Rao told mid-day. “Today, the fleet is declining every day and if this situation continues, there will be zero self-owned buses by 2027. Since there are no new buses on the way, there is stagnancy among employees, too. There are no employee benefits happening, no promotions, no vacancies being filled up,” he said. “Wet-lease contractors do not follow rules, and no proper training is provided to workers. The buses are not maintained as per standards, making BEST bus travel insecure and life-threatening for Mumbaikars,” he added. Rise and fall As per the data available, the number of accidents of wet-leased buses has shot up from 13 in 2023-2024 to 79 in 2024-2025 (to date) as compared to that of BEST’s self-owned buses over the years, where the number of accidents has been 55 in 2023-2024 to 27 in 2024-2025 (till date). No doubt, the number of accidents has increased along with that of wet-leased buses, but the mishap number has seen a significant jump. “The reason for growing accidents is also wet-lease drivers. Many accidents in Mumbai are being caused by ill-trained bus drivers, often working under the pressure of contractual employment. To reduce such incidents, it is crucial to employ skilled and properly trained drivers with job security, ensuring safer roads for everyone,” alleged activist Jeetendra Ghadge from Young Whistleblowers Foundation, said. Ghadge’s findings revealed that over the past five years, BEST has scrapped 2,160 buses while acquiring only 37 new ones. “The BEST undertaking, once the backbone of Mumbai’s public transport system, is grappling with a serious crisis due to severe mismanagement. The number of buses on the streets has dwindled drastically, forcing citizens to endure overcrowded buses, long waiting times and a decline in the overall quality of service. By August 2024, only 1,061 BEST-owned buses were in operation. The situation is alarming given that there are 2,126 wet-leased buses in the entire fleet, Ghadge said. Commuter exasperation The shortage of buses has led to growing frustration among commuters. Viral videos in recent weeks have shown long queues at bus stops, with hundreds of passengers waiting for buses that either do not arrive or are too overcrowded to accommodate them. mid-day reported earlier this week how the undertaking had been forced to shut down one route after another due to a shortage of buses. “We do not want BEST buses to turn into Delhi’s Blueline buses, which received the tag of killer buses. The BEST must do away with the wet-lease model and instil a sense of discipline in drivers,” Ravi Raja former committee member, BEST, said. “We had warned the BEST to improve the situation; otherwise, it would be detrimental to the undertaking. We cannot leave Mumbaikars in such untrained hands. The BEST should learn a lesson from this and work on improving the services,” Sunil Ganacharya, another former committee member, said. BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar said a committee had been set up to look into all aspects, including the wet-lease model and the drivers’ training period could be increased if required. “Currently wet-lease drivers receive 15 days’ training. Depending on the committee report, we will take a call if there is a need to extend the period.” Resume bus services: Activist Meanwhile, operations did not resume on bus routes from Kurla station for the second consecutive day after the Kurla tragedy, forcing crowds of officegoers to take autos or walk up to Buddha Colony or Kurla depot. “After the bus accident, citizens have been facing major problems regarding bus services, which were stopped at Kurla station on Tuesday and Wednesday. Currently, the bus service is running only up to Kurla depot. Due to this, passengers are facing difficulties in their daily journey. I have requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BEST administration to restore the bus services immediately,” activist Anil Galgali said. Meanwhile, Olectra Greentech Ltd, the company involved in the bus accident, issued a statement, saying, “We are aware about the tragic incident in Mumbai related to our bus. We are investigating the matter with relevant authorities and co-operating with the local agencies.”
12 December,2024 07:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
