Mumbai: The much-anticipated third phase of Mumbai’s Metro-3 Aqua Line, connecting Worli to Cuffe Parade, is set to miss its scheduled Independence Day inauguration, with officials now targeting a launch by the end of August.

Reason Behind Missing August 15 Deadline

The 9.1-km underground stretch was initially slated to open on August 15. However, a Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) official confirmed that construction at two crucial Kalbadevi stations is still underway. Work in the densely populated area has faced delays due to congested layouts and logistical challenges. “We are targeting an inauguration by the end of August.

The Metro-3 Aqua Line is expected to majorly ease north-south travel in the city once operational. The first two phases have already improved connectivity between Aarey and Worli, while the final leg will link commuters directly to Cuffe Parade in South Mumbai.

Meanwhile, on the eve of Independence Day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will preside over the inauguration of several other infrastructure projects across Mumbai. These include a 2.75-km flyover between Mumbai University and Vile Parle to ease the Santacruz bottleneck, a new bridge connecting Kalanagar and Dharavi for better east-west access and a Metro motormen training centre at Mandale to reduce dependence on outstation facilities.

Fadnavis will also inaugurate MMRDA staff quarters at Malvani and symbolically hand over keys to 556 tenants from the redeveloped BDD chawls in Worli, marking the completion of the project’s first phase. In addition, the International Experience Centre at Dabbewala Bhavan in Bandra West will be opened to celebrate Mumbai’s famed lunchbox delivery network.

While the city will benefit from the slew of new transport and housing initiatives, the delay in Metro-3’s completion means daily commuters will have to wait a little longer for seamless underground connectivity from Worli to South Mumbai.

Mumbai: The Kalachowki police have booked a Jain spiritual leader and unidentified members of a housing society for allegedly inciting hatred, threatening a resident and vandalising his vehicles, resulting in damages estimated at Rs 2 lakh.

About The Case

According to the FIR, Nirmal Kumar Ajayraj Sothani, 62, a businessman in the crusher machine industry, resides in Magnum Tower in Chivda Galli, Lalbaug, along with his wife and son. He alleged that Jain spiritual leader Nileshchandra even filed a false police complaint. Sothani alleged that after purchasing the flat six years ago, the society’s chairman, members and some residents continued to harass him and his son over parking disputes.

He added that he had repeatedly submitted written requests to the managing committee, seeking additional parking space. However, the committee allegedly targeted and antagonised him. The police complaint further said that religious programmes organised by the Jain community were being held on the building’s ground floor throughout the year, often involving the unauthorised use of gas cylinders and stoves for cooking. Sothani said that he had filed a complaint with the BMC, after which the civic officials conducted a raid on August 1 and confiscated the stoves and cylinders.

The action led to resentment among the residents, said the businessman, adding that they allegedly misinformed Nileshchandra about his involvement. In response, the latter is accused of delivering an inflammatory speech, urging residents to boycott Sothani and his son, and threatening to prevent them from entering the building. The businessman claimed that Nileshchandra also filed a false police complaint against him and his son.

On the same day following the BMC raid, some residents allegedly vandalised three of Sothani’s vehicles – an Ertiga, a Fortuner and a Suzuki Invicto – and smashed their windows. The move jeopardised their safety, he underlined. The Kalachowki police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 324(5) [whoever commits mischief and thereby causes loss or damage to the amount of one lakh rupees or upwards] and 351(2) [criminal intimidation].

Mumbai: In a comprehensive briefing on Mumbai’s security landscape, Police Commissioner Deven Bharti on Monday detailed the city’s readiness to counter threats ranging from terrorism and cybercrime to drug trafficking and urban Naxalism. He assured citizens that the force is fully equipped and unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding Mumbai.

Bharti emphasised that despite the passage of time, Mumbai continues to face a persistent threat of terrorist attacks. He stated that ensuring preventive measures and strengthening the city’s security remains the department’s top priority. “Mumbai, being the financial capital of the country, remains on the radar of terrorist elements. We are constantly working to safeguard it,” he said.

Police Commissioner Deven Bharti Acknowledges The Presence Of Urban Naxal Elements In The City

Acknowledging the presence of urban Naxal elements in the city, Bharti revealed that a dedicated unit monitors and acts against such threats daily. He also disclosed that over 1,000 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in recent months as part of intensified action against unlawful residency. Bharti assured that all threat calls received in Mumbai will be treated seriously, with each incident being thoroughly investigated. Over 90% of the hoax or real threat cases have resulted in arrests, he said.

Following the recent firing at comedian Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Canada by the Bishnoi gang, the Mumbai Police have taken all necessary precautions and have provided adequate security to Sharma and his family, he pointed out. The Commissioner pointed to the long-standing issue of drug trafficking and the rapidly rising cases of cybercrime as two major challenges for the city.

Special efforts are being made to curb both these threats, he claimed. In the last two years, the Mumbai Cyber Cell has prevented financial frauds worth over Rs 300 crore and has arrested several accused. The department receives over 2,000 cyber fraud-related calls daily, and nearly 60 lakh bank accounts have been frozen as part of ongoing investigations. Bharti underlined that increased focus will be given to ensuring women’s safety across Mumbai.