Mumbai: In view of the upcoming observance of Shab-e-Barat, the Western Railway has announced the operation of special suburban EMU services between Churchgate and Virar to facilitate smoother travel for commuters.

The announcement was made through an official post on X (formerly Twitter), informing passengers that two special Suburban EMU services will be operated on the night of Tuesday, February 3 and the early hours of Wednesday, February 4.

According to the post, the special trains will operate on the Churchgate–Virar and Virar–Churchgate routes and will run strictly as per the notified schedule. The services are being introduced to cater to the increased movement expected during the occasion, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours. Commuters have been advised to take note of the special arrangements and plan their journeys accordingly.

Shab-e-Barat, one of the most significant nights in the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims across South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East. The term ‘Shab-e-Barat’ is derived from two Persian words: Shab, which means night, and Barat, meaning salvation or deliverance.

The night holds deep spiritual importance, as it is widely believed that on Shab-e-Barat, Allah determines the fate and destiny of people for the coming year. Devotees mark the occasion through prayers, repentance, and acts of charity, seeking forgiveness for past sins and blessings for the future.

Mosques across the city witness special prayers, while many believers spend the night in worship, reflection and remembrance. It is also customary for families to pray for departed souls, seeking mercy and peace for their loved ones.

Religious scholars describe Shab-e-Barat as a night of divine mercy, compassion and forgiveness, during which sincere prayers are believed to be especially accepted. Acts of kindness and good deeds are encouraged, reinforcing the message of spiritual renewal and accountability.

With the special train services in place, Western Railway aims to ensure that devotees can travel safely and comfortably while observing the sacred night, reaffirming its commitment to facilitating public movement during important religious occasions.

Mumbai: Unauthorised additional constructions on footpaths in South Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Marg and Ibrahim Merchant Marg areas, which are known to be very busy commercial roads, were removed by the ‘B’ administrative division of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation today.

The action was taken under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone-1) Chanda Jadhoki, on the instructions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. Mohammad Ali Marg is a major road connecting Bhandi Bazaar, Masjid Bunder and Byculla area. Ibrahim Merchant Marg is close to Nag Devi and Mandvi areas. Both these roads are very important from a commercial and traffic point of view. Unauthorised constructions were found on the footpaths on both these roads. It was also observed that unauthorised hawkers had set up shops in the area. This was creating obstacles for motorists and pedestrians to move on the footpaths.

In this backdrop, an eviction drive was launched by the ‘B’ administrative division of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Under which unauthorized hawkers and unauthorized constructions on the footpaths in this area were evicted. 7 unauthorized shops were removed. In addition, action was taken against 12 otters, sheet iron sheds, 10 bollards and 2 abandoned vehicles. To eliminate encroachments, evictions were carried out with the help of 04 vehicles, 02 JCBs and other equipment. During this operation, 40 officers and employees of the Municipal Corporation were deployed with adequate police force. Local citizens are expressing satisfaction with this operation. It is being informed by the Municipal Corporation administration that regular eviction action against unauthorized/extended constructions will continue in the future.

Mumbai: Police has claimed that there will be strict security arrangements at graveyards and monasteries in view of Shab Barat, along with which there will be a blockade in the city. The police have also warned of action against those violating the triple seat and Motor Vehicle Act on Shab Barat. On Shab Barat in Mumbai, Muslims visit the graves of their ancestors and relatives and pray for their well-being. Parking and sitting of beggars around the graveyard have been banned, along with which security has also been tightened around the graveyard. This has been confirmed by the Mumbai Police.

In the backdrop of restoring law and order and order in Mumbai city, the police have imposed a prohibitory order on the gathering of more than five people. On the instructions of Mumbai Police Commissioner Devin Bharti, DCP Akbar Pathan has issued this order. This order excludes graveyards, funerals, schools, colleges and funeral processions. This order will be in force from January 28 to February 11. Any kind of procession in public places will remain banned. If anyone violates it, action will be taken against him. This order has been issued by DCP Akbar Pathan.

In Mumbai, there will be special arrangements at shrines including graveyards in the backdrop of Shab Barat. In Mumbai, shrines will remain open throughout the night on Shab Barat. Along with this, Haji Ali Dargah will remain closed from 12 am to 3 am due to flooding. Mahim Dargah will remain open throughout the night. Meanwhile, the Dargah administration has also claimed to have taken all necessary steps and the Dargahs are fully prepared for Shab Barat. Along with this, volunteers have also been deployed here.