Welcome to Mid-Day's Top News at this hour! We bring you a curated selection of the most significant and compelling news from around the globe. Stay informed with the latest developments in the nation, Mumbai, entertainment, sports, and more. Let's dive into the headlines shaping our world today. Saif Ali Khan attack case: Police suspect accused to be Bangladeshi national After an extensive manhunt by the Mumbai Police and Crime Branch, the accused in the Saif Ali Khan attack case has been identified as Mohammed Sharif Ul Islam Shehzad (30), alias Das. He was arrested in Thane, where he had been hiding. The accused is suspected to be a Bangladeshi national and lacks valid Indian documents. The Bandra police have stated that they will include sections under the Passport Act and Foreigners Act in the case for further investigation. Read more. Mumbai weather updates: Warm pause in cold spell ahead Meteorologists have issued warnings about a significant rise in temperatures in the city over the weekend, with maximum temperatures expected to cross 35°C in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Weather enthusiasts and experts are urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Read more. Unauthorised autorickshaws cause menace in Vasai The Vasai traffic division has been conducting a special drive to crackdown on illegal auto-rickshaws, whose menace has become a growing concern in the area. The police said that the drivers of these illegal auto-rickshaws prefer to operate their vehicles in the night to avoid detection of their offences. Read more. Bumrah’s recovery uncertain; India name squads for England series, Champions Trophy 2025 Though pacer Jasprit Bumrah is yet to recover fully from the back spasm he suffered during the recent Sydney Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee picked him in the 15-member squad for the February 6-12 ODI series against England and Champions Trophy (February 19-March 9). Read more. Amitabh Bachchan completes 25 years on KBC; recalls iconic moment of Zanjeer It has been 25 years; Amitabh Bachchan has been sitting across the hot seat, quizzing contestants while subtly giving them hints and keeping Kaun Banega Crorepati entertaining with anecdotes. Next week, the reality quiz show kicks off the celebration, Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav, on January 20. Contestant Vinay Gupta from Kathu takes the hot seat as a representative of his village, becoming the first-ever contestant from his hometown to feature on KBC. The cherry on the cake comes when he gets Bachchan to spout one of his iconic dialogues from Zanjeer (1973). Read more.
19 January,2025 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn Sunday, the minimum temperature in Mumbai reached 17.1 degrees Celsius. According to the latest Mumbai weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai is expected to experience a clear sky on Sunday, January 19. Temperatures will range from a cool 19 degrees Celsius in the morning to a warm 34 degrees Celsius during the day. The relative humidity is 39 percent. The sun rose at 07:15 AM and will set at 06:24 PM. According to the Mumbai weather updates of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai's Santacruz observatory in suburban Mumbai recorded a maximum temperature of 35.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 17.1 degrees Celsius. The weather department's data showed that the city observatory in Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 33.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 21.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD’s latest Mumbai weather update forecasts a "clear sky" for the city and its suburbs over the next 24 hours. Mumbai weather updates: City's AQI in 'moderate' category On January 19, 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 137 at 10:05 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 185. Colaba, Ghatkopar and Malad recorded 'moderate' air quality with an AQI of 117, 104 and 153, respectively. Meanwhile, Borivali recorded 'good' air quality, with an AQI of 78. Deonar recorded 'poor' air quality, with an AQI of 222. According to data from the SAMEER app, Navi Mumbai recorded air quality in the 'moderate' category with an AQI of 131, while Thane registered a 'moderate' AQI of 106. 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.
19 January,2025 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMeteorologists have issued warnings about a significant rise in temperatures in the city over the weekend, with maximum temperatures expected to cross 35°C in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Weather enthusiasts and experts are urging residents to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours. On Friday, the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 33.4°C, which is 3.3°C above normal, while the Santacruz observatory reported 35.5°C, which is 4.6°C above normal. High relative humidity—72 per cent in Colaba and 80 per cent in Santa Cruz—added to the discomfort. Sunil Kamble, Director of IMD Mumbai, told mid-day that a western disturbance approaching North India was influencing the weather system here, leading to the rise in temperatures. “The impact is expected to diminish in the next two to three days, after which we will gradually see a drop in temperatures again,” he said. According to the IMD’s seven-day forecast ending on January 24, suburban areas are likely to see maximum temperatures ranging between 34°C and 35°C over the weekend, with a slight dip to 32°C expected later in the week. In the city region, monitored by the Colaba observatory, maximum temperatures are predicted to hover between 33°C and 34°C during the same period, eventually dropping to 31°C. Minimum night-time temperatures, currently between 18°C and 20°C, are anticipated to rise to 21°C–22°C from January 21.
19 January,2025 07:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghThe Vasai traffic division has been conducting a special drive to crackdown on illegal auto-rickshaws, whose menace has become a growing concern in the area. The police said that the drivers of these illegal auto-rickshaws prefer to operate their vehicles in the night to avoid detection of their offences. Police officials said that they had been receiving multiple complaints against the auto-rickshaw drivers from violation of traffic rules, duplicate number plates on their vehicles to house break-ins and theft. Drunk driving by auto-rickshaw drivers has raised serious concerns about women’s safety, particularly since many of these drivers operate primarily at night to ferry passengers. “This late-night service has made it easier for offenders to evade detection, allowing them to engage in risky behaviour, including driving under the influence. The situation is exacerbated by reports of some drivers being involved in criminal activities, further compromising the safety of women on the roads,” Prashant Langi, the in-charge of Vasai traffic division told mid-day. The special drive is being conducted at night in areas including Vasai, parts of Nalasopara and Naigaon. Till now, the traffic police has confiscated 50 unauthorised auto rickshaws from these areas. “The autorickshaw menace has become a growing concern in the area, with violations of traffic rules, involvement in criminal activities, and cases of housebreaking being linked to illegal operators,” added Langi.
19 January,2025 07:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar SharmaPecks and Pincers A fisherman catches crabs at low tide off the seashore at Dadar. Why Amitav Ghosh uses AI Amitav Ghosh. Pic/Shadab Khan The city’s literature fans had a treat this week, as Padma Shri and Jnanpith Awardee novelist Amitav Ghosh was in town for the launch of his latest work, Wild Fictions (HarperCollins, Rs 799), which is a collection of his essays on a variety of subjects. In conversation with journalist and author Raghu Karnad, Ghosh regaled the eager audience at the Royal Opera House with tales of his travels through Egypt and Indonesia, as well as discussions about xenophilia (appreciation for foreign cultures), global politics, climate and even the humble baniyan! The big shocker of the evening, though, was the award-winning author admitting that he uses AI to answer emails. “And here I thought we were having such a great email exchange last week,” Karnad responded. “I use AI all the time now. I find it incredibly helpful; it answers letters so well,” xplained Ghosh, “But it still can’t get my name right.” The best kind of news! (From left) Namrata Tata, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, House of Cheer; Raj Nayak, Founder and Managing Director, House of Cheer Networks; and mid-day Managing Director Vikas Joshi with the Happiest Places To Work award. PIC/SATEJ SHINDE We’ve known it for a while, of course, but now it’s official! Your friendly neighbourhood paper, mid-day, has been certified as one of the “Happiest Places to Work”. The recognition comes after an anonymous Employee Happiness Survey was conducted across the organisation by House of Cheer, a platform that measures organisational happiness, to track employee satisfaction across myriad aspects, including workplace camaraderie, career growth and appreciation from superiors and peers. “This certification reflects not just our commitment to our team’s happiness, but also the quality and impact we are able to create together when we work with a positive attitude,” says mid-day Managing Director Vikas Joshi. “It’s about fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued, celebrated, and deeply connected to a shared purpose,” says Shree Agarwal, HR Head. Men and the memories KN Prabhu. Pic/Mid-day archives The journalists who covered the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy are back. To say that their 50-day Test tour was one hell of a rollercoaster ride would be a fair assumption. A tour of Australia affords one plenty of opportunities to meet former greats, but this diarist is told that not many of those stalwarts make to the grounds. It was not so when KN Prabhu, the doyen of Indian cricket writers toured with the Indian team in the 1960s and 1970s. Our in-house cricket nut stumbled upon an article that Prabhu wrote for Sportsweek’s World of Cricket on the “rewards of touring abroad.” Prabhu revealed how he met Sir Don Bradman and Harold Larwood, the two players who were the centre of attraction in the 1932-33 Bodyline series. The famous writer also grabbed the chance to visit Larwood at his Sydney home with Larwood’s fellow England pace terror Frank Tyson for company. Larwood was a generous man. Before he bid goodbye to his guests, Larwood pulled out a signed photograph of himself and gifted it to Prabhu. Tours… they can be so rewarding! Inspiring places, inspired people Sucheta Chakraborty and Karan Shetty Writer and film journalist Sucheta Chakraborty and ad-film director Karan Shetty are out with a new free-to-watch program, the People In Places Show, which throws light on the intersectionality between places and the people it inspires. In the first episode, Chakraborty speaks to Kannada film actor, writer, and director Raj B Shetty. Directed and shot by Kalveer Biradar, the episode takes place in Mangaluru, a city that has inspired Raj Shetty’s work. “We are speaking about his film, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, which is a gangster film set in Mangaluru. Usually, we see gangster narratives in fast-paced cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or New York,” says Chakraborty. While the initial idea for the show is drawn from films, Chakraborty says that they plan to speak to artistes of all kinds about how their works have been inspired by the places they are in. “We wanted to get out of the four walls. We wanted them to take place in the world that has inspired the artiste,” she says. For now, Shetty and Chakraborty are working on developing the next episodes. The show is free to watch on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Simply search for @peopleinplacesshow. Mo-mentous back story Mo Farah’s story goes beyond medals Even as the Mumbai marathon is being run today, one of the most fascinating aspects in the 20th edition of the race event is the story of its ambassador — Mo Farah, the most celebrated distance athletes of all time. Yet, his back story may spur all to read up more beyond his accomplishments. Several accounts say about this Somali-British former long-distance runner that he was born Hussein Abdi Kahin in present-day Somaliland. His father died in the Isaaq genocide when he was four, and he then became separated from his mother. At the age of nine he was illegally trafficked to the United Kingdom via Djibouti, when he was given the name Mohammed Farah and was forced to work as a domestic servant. He obtained British citizenship in July 2000 under the name Mohamed Farah. Beyond the medals is a sobering story that should make you think of violence, genocide and the darkness that is human trafficking.
19 January,2025 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDEven as concerns over poor air quality cast a haze over the Mumbai Marathon being held today, the state government and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) have directed the BMC to take precautionary steps such as halting sweeping of roads along the route from Saturday evening onwards, as well as enforcing strict compliance with construction regulations along the route to prevent air pollution. After the NGO, Awaaz Foundation, on Friday reported unsafe levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) along the marathon route, deployed mobile air quality monitoring vans to assess the situation first-hand. On Saturday morning, an MPCB monitoring van stationed at Worli Naka recorded PM2.5 levels of 111.9 µg/m³ at 11 am. This is nearly double the Indian safety limit of 60 µg/m³, and over seven times the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of 15 µg/m³. A subsequent reading an hour later showed PM2.5 levels at 106 µg/m³, reinforcing concerns raised by Awaaz Foundation, which deemed the air quality “alarming” and “unhealthy”. The heightened scrutiny follows a citizen-led air quality monitoring effort on Friday, led by Awaaz Foundation. Using sensor-based monitors, the NGO recorded PM2.5 levels at eight locations along the marathon route. Disturbingly, all locations exceeded the WHO’s safe level of 15 µg/m³. The lowest recorded level, at Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road, ranged from 95 to 105 µg/m³, while Mahim Retibunder emerged as the most polluted site, with PM2.5 levels between 125 and 154 µg/m³ during the early hours of the day. The findings have sparked concerns over the safety of athletes and participants in the upcoming marathon. “Our goal is to highlight the health impact of air pollution on marathon participants, especially those with pre-existing health conditions,” said Sumaira Abdulali, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation. The government and MPCB, on Saturday evening, responded to the buzz over the air quality concerns stating that the handheld monitoring devices used by Awaaz Foundation do not adhere to the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Questioning the data reliability, Principal Secretary Vinita Singal, on behalf of the Environment & Climate Change Department, said: “The Atmos sensor-based monitors employed by Awaaz Foundation provide indicative data but do not conform to CPCB-approved protocols. As such, the results cannot be regarded as representative of regulatory-grade air quality measurements.” The department further stated that weather conditions such as wind speed and humidity, and construction activity and vehicular traffic during the monitoring may not match the conditions on the day of the race. However, neither the government nor MPCB commented on the high PM2.5 readings on the pollution board’s own monitoring vans on Saturday evening. The MPCB, in its own statement, said: “To ensure accurate and actionable insights, regulatory-grade air quality monitoring will be conducted in compliance with CPCB standards during the marathon. This monitoring will account for real-time conditions and event-specific factors, offering a comprehensive understanding of air quality on the day of the marathon.” The statement added: “In preparation for the marathon, MPCB has taken proactive steps to mitigate air pollution in Mumbai. The Board has instructed the BMC to maintain cleanliness along the marathon route [by sprinkling water], and ensuring that road sweeping ceases from Saturday evening onwards. Construction activities along the route have been directed to comply fully with pollution control measures.” Meanwhile, Abdulali countered: “Awaaz Foundation’s data is part of a Citizens’ Science project aimed at providing indicative air quality information. Citizens’ Science data is globally recognised as an important supplement to official monitoring, helping to identify areas of concern.” 111.9PM2.5 reading (in µg/m³) by MPCB van at Worli Naka on Saturday, 11 am 60Indian safety limit (in µg/m³) for PM2.5
19 January,2025 07:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign. AriesMarch 21 – April 19Maintain a cordial equation with colleagues, even the troublesome ones! Listen to your gut if you feel you need to make a lifestyle change.Relationship tip: Those in a long distance marriage or relationship may make an important decision. Make well thought out choices, balancing your head and your heart. TaurusApril 20 – May 20Speak your mind, but only when you’re sure about what needs to be said. Those in a traditional work environment must stick to company protocol.Relationship tip: Choose your words carefully if you need to have an important discussion with a loved one. Stay out of family gossip. GeminiMay 21 – June 20Being prepared for meetings, interviews or negotiations would be essential, even if you feel you have options to choose from. Avoid complicating your investment portfolio.Relationship tip: You may need to choose sides if you’re in the middle of an argument. This is a positive time for singles who are looking for a match online. CancerJune 21 – July 22Be ready to change your approach if you’re in a competitive situation. Implement any lifestyle changes you need to make.Relationship tip: Make time for friends you know you can trust no matter how busy you are. Avoid getting entangled with people you know you can’t depend on. LeoJuly 23 – Aug 22 Handle any situation out of your control in the best possible manner. This is a good time to work on letting go of negative habits that hold you back.Relationship tip: Handle any challenging relationships as best possible, being undermined. Make decisions that you know are the best in the circumstances. VirgoAug 23 – Sept 22This is a good time to work on both personal and professional changes you need to make. Self employed businesspersons could sign on a new, lucrative contract.Relationship tip: Focus on your home, and honest communication between family members. This is a positive time for singles looking to get married. LibraSept 23 – Oct 22If you’re in a slow phase, you need to pull yourself up through feelings of apathy and boredom. Avoid buying things you do not need.Relationship tip: Don’t get caught up in ego issues. It is not worth the stress. Your equation with an elder in the family may need a little attention. ScorpioOct 23 – Nov 21Those wanting to take their career to the next level need to know they want. Be careful while driving as you could be accident prone.Relationship tip: Situations at home require your attention—don’t ignore it in the hopes that it will go away. Knowing whom you can trust is very crucial. SagittariusNov 22 – Dec 21Make sure you get the best possible deal if you are in the middle of any kind of negotiations. Focus on stability while making investments.Relationship tip: Those going through a break up should make a clean end to it. Make time for those who really matter, and do not take them for granted. CapricornDec 22 – Jan 19Let go of the past. Don’t let it affect the decisions you make now. This is a positive time for those in a creative profession.Relationship tip: Someone may not be trustworthy, and you need to be careful to give people any information only on a need to know basis. AquariusJan 20 – Feb 18Impulsive decisions won’t work out like you expected. You need to make thought out choices. Take extra care of your health.Relationship tip: Those in a relationship they have kept hidden, need to reconsider if it’s worth it. Singles need to widen their social circles. PiscesFeb 19 – March 21Time management is very important if you have too much to do and not enough time. Focus on steady and secure investments in a long term perspective. Relationship tip: Don’t be influenced by other people during difficult times of a relationship. Choose peace and joy over conflict.
19 January,2025 12:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseThe Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has found itself at the centre of controversy as its decision regarding board examinations has sparked widespread criticism. The inclusion of students' caste categories/groups, such as OBC (Other Backward Classes), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and SC (Scheduled Caste), on the hall tickets has ignited a debate, with opposition parties, education experts, and teachers questioning the rationale behind this move. Critics argue that this practice could lead to unnecessary caste-based discrimination, raising concerns about its implications for students'dignity. The decision has left many puzzled, overshadowing the board’s routine preparations for the crucial Secondary and Higher Secondary School Certificate examinations and prompting calls for immediate clarification. The Class 10 (SSC) exams are scheduled to begin on February 21 and will continue till March 17 while the Class 12 (HSC) board exams will be conducted from February 11 to March 11. Education board’s clarification Amid the backlash, Sharad Gosavi, the Chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, has issued a clarification. Addressing concerns, Gosavi emphasised that the hall tickets do not specify a student’s caste but only their caste category/group. “This has been done purely for the convenience of students and not to inconvenience them,” he stated. He explained that errors in students’ details, such as their name, parents’ names, caste, or caste category, recorded in the school or junior college’s general register cannot be rectified once the student leaves the institution. Such mistakes often lead to difficulties later, particularly when students need to provide accurate documentation for various purposes. “Many students come to us with complaints about incorrect caste or category information, which creates hurdles in their future education or while availing scholarships. By including the caste category on hall tickets, students and schools get an opportunity to identify and rectify errors before they become a problem,” Gosavi explained. Ensuring scholarship accessGosavi also highlighted that the move is intended to ease the process of availing government scholarships provided Tribal Welfare and Social Justice departments. “If the caste group is recorded accurately in the school’s general register, it simplifies the process for students to claim these scholarships. Mentioning the caste category on hall tickets helps ensure that any discrepancies can be resolved in time," said Gosavi. The board reiterated that the sole intention behind this decision is to support students and prevent future obstacles. Errors in caste details can create significant issues in higher education and scholarship applications, and this proactive step aims to minimise such challenges, the board stated. Mixed reactionsWhile the education board’s explanation underscores the practical benefits of the move, critics remain skeptical. Opposition parties and some educators argue that mentioning caste categories on hall tickets could lead to unnecessary stigmatization or discrimination among students. Holding the minister of school education responsible for the move, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare said: "Class 10 and 12 are crucial milestones in a student's academic journey. It is during this formative age that the values of an inclusive and equitable society are expected to be instilled in students. However, if the education board itself is mentioning caste on hall tickets, the onus is on the School Education Minister to clarify whether the board's objective is to promote equality or perpetuate caste-based systems."
18 January,2025 10:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Dipti SinghA 21-km-long underground/undersea tunnel is being constructed between the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train station at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Shilphata in Maharashtra. Of this 21 km, 16 km will be built using tunnel-boring machines (TBM), while the remaining 5 km will be constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). This includes a 7-km undersea tunnel at Thane Creek. The construction work for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train has made significant progress across various locations. At ADIT (Additionally Driven Intermediate Tunnel) portal, a 394-metre-long tunnel was completed last May in a record time of six months. This has facilitated two additional NATM faces for excavation, in addition to the Shilphata site. As a result, 1,111 metres of tunnelling work has been achieved so far, with 622 metres completed towards BKC and 489 metres towards Ahmedabad. ADIT, which measures 11x6.4 metres, will provide direct vehicular access to the main tunnel during both construction and operations and could also be used for emergency evacuations if necessary. Shafts Excavation is underway at Shaft 1, located at the Mumbai High-Speed Rail (HSR) station construction site, with a shaft depth of 36 metres. At Shaft 2 in Vikhroli, the shaft has been completed to a depth of 56 metres. This shaft will allow the lowering of two tunnel boring machines, one towards BKC and another towards Ahmedabad. Additionally, excavation work at Shaft 3 in Savli, near Ghansoli, has been completed, with a shaft depth of 39 metres. The tunnel portal at Shilphata, located at the NATM end of the tunnel, has already seen completion of portal work, and 602 metres of tunnel work has been achieved out of the planned 1,628 metres. Precautions undertaken During excavation, several safety precautions are being implemented. Ventilation is ensured within the tunnel to provide a safe and breathable environment for the workforce. Excavated materials are being disposed of according to state government guidelines. Continuous monitoring of structures and buildings around the tunnel sites is in place to detect any potential damage. Geotechnical instruments, such as inclinometers, vibration monitors, ground settlement markers, and tilt meters, have been installed around the construction sites to measure tilt, settlement, vibrations, cracks, and deformation. These instruments play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both the ongoing underground work and the surrounding structures. A dedicated casting yard for the tunnel lining has been set up in Mahape, Thane district, for the 16-km TBM section. The yard will produce 77,000 segments, which will form 7,700 rings. Each ring consists of nine curved segments and one key segment, with each segment measuring 2 metres in width and 0.5 metres in thickness. High-strength M70-grade concrete is being used for these segments to ensure superior structural integrity and long-term durability. The casting yard spans an area of 11.17 hectares and includes nine sets of moulds, each containing ten pieces. Three batching plants, with a combined capacity of 69 cubic metres per hour, are operational at the yard. After casting, the segments undergo steam curing, followed by final curing with a curing compound. Additionally, steel reinforcement of 4.368 tonnes is used in each ring, and 39.6 cubic metres of concrete are poured into each ring. To control cracking, Glass Fibre Reinforcement Polymer (GFRP) bars are used at the edges of the segments. The yard is equipped with various cranes, gantries, and machines to automate and mechanise the casting operations, ensuring high-quality assurance during the production of the tunnel lining segments. The facility also includes casting sheds, a stacking area, a batching plant, and a steam curing area.
18 January,2025 09:51 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn a move aimed at revolutionising urban mobility in India’s financial capital, plans are underway to introduce ‘Mitra,’ a Unified Ticketing System that will integrate all modes of transport in Mumbai. The initiative, spearheaded by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, promises to simplify commuting for the city’s 1.2 crore passengers travelling across Mumbai. The proposed system, named ‘Mitra,’ will serve as a one-stop urban mobility payment gateway, allowing commuters to book tickets for local trains, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses, Metro rail, and even app-based cabs through a single platform. The initiative is based on the Open Network for Digital Commerce in Commuter Convenience (ONDCC) platform, an innovation modelled after the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Vaishnaw emphasised that the system aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to enhance ease of living for citizens. The system will offer single-click payments and multimodal journey planning, streamlining travel across various public transport systems in Mumbai. "The ONDCC platform will transform the way Mumbaikars travel by aligning local train timings with Metro and BEST bus schedules, enabling more efficient and convenient journeys," Vaishnaw said. Users will be able to book tickets for local trains, Metro rail, BEST buses, and first and last-mile connectivity through a single app as it will integrate Indian Railways, Mumbai Metro, BEST, app-based taxis, and state-run buses, ensuring seamless travel. By simplifying the ticketing process, the initiative aims to increase the use of public transport, reduce dependency on private vehicles, and promote sustainable urban transport, authorities said. CM Fadnavis and the Railway Minister met in Mumbai on Saturday, during which they discussed on the roadmap for the phased rollout of ‘Mitra'. Both Fadnavis and Vaishnaw reaffirmed their commitment to prioritising this project. Vaishnaw assured full support from the Ministry of Railways and praised the Maharashtra Government’s proactive steps toward implementing the system. The meeting concluded with the leaders expressing confidence in the transformative potential of the Unified Ticketing System. Once implemented, ‘Mitra’ is expected to redefine Mumbai’s urban travel experience, making it more efficient, sustainable, and commuter-friendly. Fadnavis Saturday that the project aims to provide fast and convenient transportation services connecting distant areas.
18 January,2025 09:08 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarIn yet another incident involving the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, a bus operated by the wet lease company Mateshwari Urban Transport Solutions Limited, collided head-on with a vehicle belonging to Worli Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Sunil Shinde. The bus on route No 151 was going from Wadala Depot to J Mehta Marg in Worli when it hit the Tata Fortuner belonging to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MLC at Khedgalli on Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg in South Mumbai at 12.15 pm on Saturday. No one was injured in the incident but the fiber-made front bumper of the MLC's car was damaged. The wetlease bus driver and conductor were called to Dadar Police Station to record a statement for further paperwork and released at 5.15 pm.
18 January,2025 08:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarADVERTISEMENT
