Articles by Shashank Rao
MMRDA planning to improve multi-modal connectivity of Mumbai Metro
The multi-modal integration (MMI) plan hopes to fix these issues. One important proposal is the construction of foot overbridges (FOBs) connecting metro stations to nearby areas for safe and convenient access
Published on Apr 06, 2025 05:00 AM IST
Online coolie booking services at Vasai, Vapi stations soon
MUMBAI: Indian Railways launches online porter services via Go Foodie, easing travel for passengers with heavy luggage at select stations.
Published on Apr 05, 2025 08:08 AM IST
MUTP 3B to segregate local, long-distance trains
The projects, estimated to cost ₹12,500 crore, are part of phase 3B of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project
Published on Apr 04, 2025 08:12 AM IST
Shashank Rao, Mumbai
Vasai-Virar faces another water cut: Who will tackle the bigger crisis?
Residents under the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) say water pressure continues to be low despite a malfunctioning transformer being fixed.
Published on Apr 02, 2025 08:44 AM IST
Shashank RaoMegha Sood
From April, ‘solar hours’ rebate for residential power consumers in state
MERC, a quasi-judicial body, recently notified a roster of tariffs and discounts based on time of day (ToD) slabs instead of ‘normal hours’ and ‘off-peak hours’ slabs
Published on Mar 31, 2025 08:06 AM IST
In shocker, MERC approves higher tariffs than those demanded by power companies
For instance, Adani Electricity had proposed ₹6.90 per unit of energy, which is common to both the high-consumption brackets of 301-500 and 500-plus units. This figure was actually less than the existing ₹7.45 per unit in the 301-500 bracket and the ₹8.55 per unit in the 500-plus bracket
Published on Mar 30, 2025 07:14 AM IST
Top US, UK varsities to set up campuses in Third Mumbai: CM
Maharashtra government invites five top global universities to set up campuses in Edu City, part of the new Third Mumbai, near Navi Mumbai Airport.
Updated on Mar 26, 2025 04:51 PM IST
BEST drivers to get monthly star ratings, other incentives
BEST introduces star ratings for drivers and warns wet-lease operators to improve conditions, aiming to enhance safety and reduce accidents.
Published on Mar 26, 2025 08:32 AM IST
65 trains impacted after gantry collapses on bullet train project site
While no casualties were reported, thousands of passengers travelling by train from Mumbai towards Ahmedabad faced cancellations or delays
Published on Mar 25, 2025 07:36 AM IST
Gantry fall on Mumbai-Ahmedabad section prompts train cancellations, diversions
National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) officials said the gantry accidentally skidded while it was retracting after completing the launch of concrete girder
Updated on Mar 24, 2025 10:01 AM IST
BEST to integrate bus routes with Google Maps for seamless travel planning
Mumbai's BEST bus network will integrate with Google Maps, enhancing route planning and efficiency for commuters within a month.
Published on Mar 23, 2025 08:12 AM IST
Prime Bandra plot under encroachment; Rlys promise action
The railways had, nearly 15 years ago, produced century-old documents to prove their ownership over the plot
Published on Mar 22, 2025 08:38 AM IST
Deadline for fitting high security number plates extended, push for home delivery
While less than 10% vehicles registered before April 2019 have installed HSRP, barely 1% among them have had the tamper-proof number plates fitted at customer premises
Published on Mar 21, 2025 08:24 AM IST
After fake driving licence scam, another alleged fraud at Andheri RTO
According to sources in the RTOs, the staff in question allegedly handed out fitness certificates to more than 60 vehicles a day although RTO authorities are not allowed to inspect more than 25 to 30
Published on Mar 21, 2025 06:38 AM IST
RTOs, cops told to scrap or auction khataras
The RTOs and police have a 100-day deadline to clear away all abandoned vehicles by sending them to the scrapyard or auctioning them
Published on Mar 20, 2025 07:38 AM IST
WR draws up guidelines for crowd control at stations
MUMBAI: Western Railway outlines measures to prevent crowding at stations before Holi, including holding areas and entry control, after recent stampedes.
Published on Mar 18, 2025 07:46 AM IST
For busy rail commuters, UPI makes smart cards passé
Smart cards, which comprised a popular mode of ticketing for suburban railway commuters wanting to jump long queues, are seeing a drop in usage
Published on Mar 17, 2025 07:04 AM IST
British era relics at Kalyan stn make engineers stop in their tracks
The rusted wrought iron tracks, dating between 1930-40, were unearthed during ongoing remodelling of the station
Published on Mar 15, 2025 05:12 AM IST
Why Elphinstone bridge hasn’t been demolished yet
In a scenario that’s quintessentially Mumbai, multiple government agencies are still trying to figure out the way through the complex bureaucratic web they’ve spun over Maximum City over decades.
Published on Mar 13, 2025 07:52 AM IST
Shashank RaoMegha Sood
Uber will pay ₹7,500 if you miss a flight in Mumbai after taking their cab
Uber rolled out the plan from the end of February, after collaborating with Reliance General Insurance.
Updated on Mar 12, 2025 10:49 AM IST
British-era RTO makes way for shiny new office, automated test tracks
The British built the barracks here to house stabled horses in the late 1850s for the police force as well as those used for racing at the race course in Mumbai Central, which was shifted to Mahalaxmi in the early 1880s
Published on Mar 11, 2025 05:24 AM IST
WR lays down SOPs to make stations women friendly
Feeding rooms will be equipped with comfortable seating arrangement, nappy changing table, and place to keep baby bags. Similarly, all ladies’ washrooms would have hangers, sanitary pad vending machines, and lady attendants.
Published on Mar 10, 2025 08:54 AM IST
WR carries out demolition drive in Jogeshwari to remove encroachment
Removal of the encroachments was critical for the ongoing construction of a new Coaching Terminal which will cater to at least 10-12 long distance trains when it becomes operational, said a WR official.
Published on Mar 09, 2025 08:06 AM IST
Double-decker Mira Road flyover inaugurated by Dy CM Shinde
A Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) initiative, the double-decker flyover extends from Sai Baba Nagar Metro Station near S.K. Stone Junction to Shivar Garden.
Published on Mar 09, 2025 07:58 AM IST
May 31 deadline for utilities too
In South Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) is replacing its electricity cable network laid more than 80 years ago. This is being executed under the central government’s revamped distribution sector scheme and will two to three years to complete
Published on Mar 06, 2025 08:50 AM IST
City’s peak electricity demand expected to cross 4,500 MW this summer
As temperatures soar, the distribution companies supplying electricity to 49 lakh Mumbaikars are rushing to make additional provision for the summer.
Published on Mar 05, 2025 09:52 AM IST
Gangmen tasked with spotting garbage thrown on tracks from long-distance trains
Western Railway gangmen now monitor long-distance trains for garbage on tracks, aiming to hold contractors accountable for cleanliness.
Published on Mar 04, 2025 07:46 AM IST
Rented parking in the works, says Devendra Fadnavis
On Sunday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government is designing a Parking Policy for Maharashtra. He said he would instruct the civic bodies of these cities to map parking spaces and create a software application that motorists could use to find parking slots to rent
Published on Mar 03, 2025 08:02 AM IST
Sion ROB reconstruction delayed for seven months by BMC plot, public toilet block
The four main causes of the delay, as claimed by Central Railway (CR), are five trees, a toilet block, power cables and a building allegedly leased by the BMC, which it is expected to clear and hand over to the rail authorities, which would speed up the demolition and rebuilding of the ROB
Published on Mar 03, 2025 07:20 AM IST
Mission Raftar: Power supply to trains on Virar-Surat route to be doubled
The power supply to trains will be doubled to 2x25000 volt on the Virar-Surat route under the ‘Mission Raftaar’ project. This is a crucial element for augmenting speeds of long-distance trains at 160 kmph on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad-Delhi corridor.
Published on Mar 01, 2025 08:16 AM IST