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Wednesday,13-August-2025
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Maharashtra

Maharashtra Govt Approves Metro 8; ‘Gold Line’ To Directly Connect Mumbai Airport With NMIA – Details Inside

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has approved Metro Line 8, also called the Gold Line, to connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai with Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The 35-kilometre corridor, part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA) Metro Master Plan, aims to improve airport connectivity and streamline travel for passengers.

Metro 8 To Be Developed Using PPP Model

The project will be developed using the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, despite its mixed track record in Mumbai metro projects. A Government Resolution issued on Monday confirmed the state’s decision, initially taken in May 2024. While MMRDA was originally tasked with overseeing Metro 8, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has now been appointed as the nodal agency. CIDCO has been directed to prepare a detailed project report for the line, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The new corridor is expected to provide seamless access between the two airports, especially critical as NMIA is likely to become operational by mid of 2025. Currently, NMIA is accessible via the Atal Setu, and connectivity will further improve with the completion of the Worli-Sewri connector.

Challenges With PPP Model

However, the decision to use the PPP model has raised concerns. Metro 1, which connects Ghatkopar and Versova, was built on a PPP basis between MMRDA and Reliance Infra over a decade ago. While the metro line itself has been successful, the financial arrangement remains problematic, prompting all further metro projects in Mumbai to adopt a contract-based approach without private participation.

Details Of The Metro Line 8 Project

Metro Line 8 will span 35 km, comprising 25.8 km of elevated track and 8.2 km of underground sections. The route will pass through key areas like Kurla and Mankhurd, linking Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and a proposed Interstate Bus Terminal at Mankhurd. It will include 20 stations and integrate with Metro 2B.

Estimated to cost Rs 15,000 crore (as per 2023 data), Metro 8 will take approximately six years to complete, marking a remarkable step toward enhancing urban mobility in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Crime

Palghar News: Young Man Assaulted With Axe In Broad Daylight, Mob Tie Up Attacker Before Police Arrest

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Palghar, Maharashtra: A broad daylight attack in a busy Palghar neighbourhood shocked residents on Wednesday after a young man allegedly assaulted a 35-year-old with an axe, leaving him seriously injured.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at the main square in the Kamala Park housing colony on Mahi Road. According to police sources, the accused, believed to be around 27 years old, struck Baboolal Fulchand Yadav in the face with an axe, causing severe injuries. Yadav was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the attacker attempted to flee, but local residents intervened, catching him and tying him to a tree with ropes before thrashing him. Police arrived shortly afterward, to control the mob and take the accused into custody 

The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, and the process of registering a formal case in ongoing. The suspect’s identity had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.

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Maharashtra

Mumbai Fraud: Employee Booked For Cheating, Misappropriating Gold Worth ₹2.5 Crore In Kalbadevi

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Mumbai: L T Marg Police have registered a case against an employee for allegedly cheating his employer and misappropriating gold ornaments weighing 2,510 grams, valued at approximately Rs 2.5 crore.

Jewellery Firm Owner Files Complaint

According to the FIR, complainant Lalit Mohanlal Soni (39), owner of Shine Gold and a resident of Virar West, stated that his worker, Ramesh Ratanchand Jain, took the gold ornaments from the company’s office at Earth Mall, Vitthalwadi, Kalbadevi Road, Mumbai, but failed to return them.

Despite repeated reminders, the accused allegedly neither returned the ornaments nor provided any explanation, leading the complainant to approach the police. Following approval from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 2, a case was registered against Jain for cheating.

Case Registered After DCP Approval

The investigation is being carried out by PI Kale, who has visited the crime scene for further evidence collection. Police are now tracing the accused and verifying whether the stolen gold has been sold or pawned.

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Maharashtra

26/11 Mumbai Terror Accused Tahawwur Rana’s Judicial Custody Extended Till September 8 By Special NIA Court

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Mumbai: The judicial remand of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana was extended till September 8 by a special NIA court on Wednesday. Rana’s earlier judicial custody is set to expire today, August 13. He was produced before the court by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) via video conferencing.

The federal agency has filed a supplementary chargesheet in the case. At present, the case is reportedly at the stage of document scrutiny.

Rana has been granted permission by the court for three phone calls with his brother to discuss engaging a lawyer for his defence. The calls will be recorded and take place in the presence of a senior jail officer. Notably, conversations will be allowed in Hindi or English.

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