Maharashtra

PUNE: The ambitious 1,386-kilometer Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, one of India’s largest infrastructure projects with an estimated cost of ₹1.04 lakh crore, has suffered significant delays due to underperformance in key sections. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a contract cancellation notice to Pune-based Roadways Solutions India Infra Limited (RSIIL) for failing to meet construction targets on a 35-kilometer stretch in Gujarat. Minimal Progress Raises ConcernsAccording to NHAI, physical and financial progress on this section was only 4.9% and 4.6%, respectively, against the planned targets. Two other stretches under RSIIL—27 kilometers and 25 kilometers—have shown 23% and 36% progress. These delays may push the project’s revised completion timeline beyond March 20...

As the countdown to the December 31 deadline begins, Maharashtra’s drive to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on older vehicles is facing serious challenges—particularly in Pune. Despite repeated extensions, a staggering 1.6 million vehicles in Pune alone are still without HSRP, raising concerns over compliance and enforcement. Low Compliance Despite Multiple Extensions According to transport department data, Pune has nearly 2.6 million vehicles that are required to install HSRP. However, so far, only 10 million vehicle owners have registered for the plates, and just around 800,000 vehicles have actually had the plates installed. Even more worrying is the trend in December: only 50,000 vehicle owners registered for HSRP in the entire month, indicating poor public re...

Work on India’s much-anticipated Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project has been temporarily suspended following strict action by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), acting under the directions of the Bombay High Court. The stoppage comes after serious violations of air pollution control norms were found at the construction site of the Bullet Train station at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The Bombay High Court, while monitoring the alarming rise in air pollution levels across Mumbai, took note of a ground-level reality report submitted by a four-member expert panel. Based on the findings, the court summoned Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), seeking personal explanations over administrative inaction. ...

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Maharashtra witnessed a historic political moment on Wednesday as brothers Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray reunited after two decades. The long-awaited reunion marks a new chapter in the state’s political landscape, and at the center of this reconciliation was a key figure affectionately known as “Chandu Mama.” Chandu Mama’s Role in the ReunionRaj Thackeray had left Shiv Sena on November 27, 2005, to form the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). On Wednesday, he announced the alliance between MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT), ending 20 years of political separation. The press conference revealed the pivotal role of Chandra Kant Vaidya, popularly called Chandu Mama, in bringing the brothers together. Dressed in a red kurta, he was warmly welcomed by both Raj and Uddhav Thacke...

Mumbai: In a major political development in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have come together to contest the upcoming Mumbai BMC elections jointly. The two cousins, who had been politically apart for over two decades, have decided to join forces on the Hindi language issue and regional Marathi concerns. This marks a historic reunion in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The alliance comes at a critical time, as the 2026 BMC elections will put Uddhav Thackeray’s political standing to the test. Shiv Sena has historically held the mayor’s post in Mumbai for several decades, making this election crucial. Tribute at Smriti SthalBefore announcing their alliance, both leaders visited Smriti Sthal in Mumbai to pay homage to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The ceremony inclu...

Mumbai: Taking a tough stand on the deteriorating air quality in the financial capital, the Bombay High Court on Tuesday strongly reprimanded the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for their failure to effectively curb rising air pollution. The court warned that unless immediate and concrete measures are taken, the situation could soon spiral out of control. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad made it clear that while the court is not opposed to development or ongoing construction activities, strict compliance with environmental norms is non-negotiable. “We are not against development, but rules must be followed. You have failed to ensure compliance,” the bench observed. During the...

Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a major political development in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray has formally entered into an alliance with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ahead of the municipal elections. The formal announcement will be made tomorrow, December 24, in Mumbai by the Thackeray brothers. This update was shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut, who confirmed that the announcement will take place at 12 PM. The alliance comes as Mumbai, along with 29 other municipal corporations in the state, prepares for elections. Voting for these elections is scheduled for January 15, with results to be declared on January 16. This marks the first political collaboration between Raj and Uddhav Thackeray in 20 years, creating signif...

Pune, Maharashtra: A shocking incident in Nanded, Maharashtra, has sent ripples through the political landscape, as a senior NCP leader was allegedly kidnapped, beaten, and threatened in broad daylight. The incident has raised serious concerns about political rivalries, law and order, and factionalism within parties. Supporters of the victim have announced a Nanded bandh in protest. CCTV Footage Reveals the AttackAccording to CCTV footage, former opposition leader in Nanded Municipal Corporation, Jeevan Ghogre Patil, was traveling in his Toyota Innova when a Mahindra Scorpio blocked his vehicle. Three individuals, waiting by the roadside, forcibly pulled Patil into the Scorpio and fled the scene. The kidnapped leader alleged that he was taken to an undisclosed location, where he was ...