Maharashtra

Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra is facing escalating legal and political challenges. The Maharashtra Legislative Council’s Privileges Committee has summoned Kamra in connection with his controversial parody song and remarks targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Alongside Kamra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has also been summoned. According to the committee, Kamra and Andhare are required to appear before it on Thursday in Mumbai. The committee, headed by BJP member Prasad Lad, had issued notices to both individuals 15 days ago. Prasad Lad added that if they fail to appear even after two summons, the committee may decide on further action against them. The notice was served following a complaint by BJP MLC Praveen Darekar, who accused Kamra and Andhare of making derogat...

Mumbai | February 3: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday with the completion of the second tunnel’s excavation in Palghar district, Maharashtra. This marks the second tunnel breakthrough within a month, following the first tunnel breakthrough on January 2. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined the celebration online, applauding the achievement as the tunnel boring machine (TBM) completed the final section of the tunnel. Engineers and staff on-site waved the national flag and echoed patriotic slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, marking the momentous occasion. The 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor is slated to become India’s first high-speed rail line, with operations expected to commence on August 15, 2027. Onc...

Pune, February 3:The Pune Crime Branch has filed a detailed 1,886-page chargesheet in connection with the alleged illegal sale of nearly 40 acres of government land in Mundhwa. The chargesheet states that Sheetal Kisan Chand Tejwani (44), holding power of attorney, executed the sale deed with Amadia Enterprises LLP, fully aware that the land belonged to the Maharashtra government. Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, is listed as a partner of Amadia Enterprises LLP. However, the chargesheet clarifies that he was not named in the FIR and no direct involvement of his has been found during preliminary investigations. Other individuals named in the chargesheet include Digvijay Amarsingh Patil, a partner in Amadia Enterprises, and suspended Tehsildar Suryakant Yevale. ...

Mumbai, February 3:The recently constructed Mira-Bhiandar flyover in Mira Road, built at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, has become the center of public debate and social media attention. Designed as a four-lane bridge, the structure unexpectedly narrows to two lanes, raising concerns about traffic safety and earning it the nickname “Bridge of Death” among critics. The issue has reached the highest levels, with complaints submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Anand Dube, a local leader from the Uddhav faction, has demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against officials, contractors, and consulting firms involved in the project. Authorities from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) defended the des...

The newly constructed Mira-Bhiander flyover in Mira Road, reportedly costing around ₹100 crore, has sparked widespread controversy. The four-lane bridge unexpectedly narrows to two lanes, drawing complaints that have reached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Public Outcry Over Design Constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), the flyover’s design has become a hot topic on social media, where users are mocking the engineers and contractors. Citizens have expressed safety concerns, dubbing it a “death bridge” due to the sudden lane reduction. Anand Dubey, a leader from the Uddhav faction, wrote to the CM highlighting that the bridge’s design appears abrupt and endangers commuters. He demanded a strict investig...

Mumbai: In a major anti-encroachment drive on Monday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertook large-scale demolition and clearance operations across Mohammed Ali Road and nearby streets in South Mumbai. Unauthorized stalls, structures, and street vendors occupying footpaths were removed to ease pedestrian and vehicular movement. Targeted Areas and LeadershipMohammed Ali Road and Ibrahim Merchant Road, two of the busiest commercial corridors connecting Bhindi Bazaar, Masjid Bandar, Byculla, Nagdevi, and Mandvi, were at the center of the operation. Unauthorized occupations on footpaths had long hindered smooth movement for pedestrians and traffic. The drive was conducted under the directions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi, led by Deputy Commis...

Mumbai: The Union Railway Budget 2026–27 has sanctioned ₹23,926 crore for Maharashtra, covering multiple projects across the state, including two high-speed rail corridors. Key initiatives include doubling the existing single-line track between Mumbai and Goa, upgrading suburban networks, expanding AC local trains, constructing new tracks, and completing the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. MUTP 3 and Local Network UpgradesUnder the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3, five major suburban projects are underway, receiving an allocation of approximately ₹462 crore. These include quadrupling the Virar-Dahanu track under Western Railway, developing the Panvel-Karjat corridor on Central Railway, constructing the Airoli-Kalwa elevated double line, introducing 238 AC locals with up to 12 coach...

Mumbai: The long-awaited Versova-Dahisar Coastal Road project is set to accelerate, with the Forest Department granting the necessary permissions for work in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). This approval clears the way for construction to begin in sensitive areas, ensuring a smoother and faster commute along Mumbai’s western corridor. Route and DesignMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is working on a 22-km stretch between Versova and Dahisar, which will feature a combination of double-elevated roads and tunnels beneath creeks. The project will also connect to the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road, providing relief to commuters on the Western and Eastern Expressways. The entire Coastal Road project will be executed in six phases, with an estimated cost of ₹16,621 crore. BMC UpdateAccording...