Mumbai, May 1: On the occasion of Maharashtra Day, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday addressed the state, balancing a vision of rapid industrial growth with a warning for the agricultural sector regarding the upcoming monsoon. Citing Meteorological Department forecasts, CM Fadnavis advised that the El Niño effect might lead to below-average rainfall for the 2026 season.

“Our Kharif season is entirely dependent on rain. I urge farmers to take these forecasts seriously. Do not rush into sowing operations. Please wait and follow the specific instructions issued by the Agriculture Department to avoid crop failure,” he cautioned.

To mitigate the impact of a potential dry spell, the CM assured that the government has already initiated planning for water and fodder management. He announced prioritised funding for Jalyukt Shivar & Galyukt Shivar, micro irrigation and resource supply.

“The government will speed up water conservation and desilting projects, encourage the widespread use of drip and sprinkler irrigation and ensure there is no shortage of seeds or fertilisers across the state,” he said.

Further, CM Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s position as a leader in infrastructure, noting that 173 km of Metro lines are currently operational across Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. He pledged an addition of 50 km to the Metro network every year.

“Maharashtra Day is not just a celebration but a day for introspection. We must evaluate where we were, where we are, and how much further we have to go,” Fadnavis stated.

He emphasised that the state contributes nearly 14 per cent to India’s GDP and remains the top destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), securing Rs 1,64,875 crore in 2024-25—roughly 39 per cent of India’s total FDI.

He also pointed to the state’s success at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where MoUs worth Rs 30 lakh crore were signed, aiming to generate 40 lakh jobs. “Even amid global economic instability, Maharashtra has leapt forward to become the world’s 30th largest economy,” he added.

Looking towards the future, CM Fadnavis reiterated the state’s commitment to the ‘Developed Maharashtra’ road map. He set a target for Maharashtra to become a $5 trillion economy by 2047, aligning with the national vision.

Despite global conflicts and energy crises, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in solar energy and fuel security for keeping India stable during turbulent times.

“No matter the natural calamities, the chariot of Maharashtra’s development will not stop,” he concluded, reassuring citizens that the state government stands firmly with them.

Mumbai: In a major action following the fatal Kurla BEST bus crash of December 2024, the transport department has permanently revoked the heavy vehicle (transport) driving licence of driver Sanjay More. His licences for light motor vehicles (LMV) and two-wheelers, however, remain valid.

The decision comes more than a year after the incident on December 9, 2024, when a BEST bus driven by More in Kurla West ploughed into pedestrians and vehicles, killing several people and injuring over 40.

The accident had triggered serious questions over driver screening, training, and safety enforcement within the public transport system. While More was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on March 30, 2026, the criminal case is still pending.

Officials said the action was taken under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which empowers authorities to suspend or revoke licences of drivers deemed a risk to public safety.

“Driving heavy vehicles carries greater responsibility. Considering the gravity of the incident, the licence has been permanently revoked,” a senior transport official said.

Once revoked, the driver is legally barred from operating that class of vehicle. In cases of suspension, reinstatement is possible only after fulfilling conditions such as mandatory retraining at a recognised institute.

Meanwhile, officials flagged a technical limitation in the Sarathi 4.0 system used for licence management. The platform currently allows only “block”, “suspend” and “cancel” options, with no specific provision for “revocation”.

Authorities from Wadala RTO have written to the commissionerate seeking an update to include this feature, arguing that it would ensure clearer enforcement in serious cases.

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) witnessed an unprecedented and politically charged budget session this year at its historic Corporation Hall. For the first time in its history, Civic House proceedings were broadcast live over 12 days.

Out of 237 corporators, 188—including 10 nominated members—actively participated, transforming the 94-hours debate into a contest of competing priorities. Opposition members pushed for tighter fiscal discipline and more equitable allocation of resources, while the ruling side sought to defend its development agenda and spending choices.

The Rs. 80,952.56 crore budget for 2026–27 was finally approved at 1:16 a.m. on Friday after intense deliberations. Notably, a reallocation of Rs. 800 crore toward a development fund emerged as a key highlight of the budget. However, the opposition, led by Shiv Sena (UBT), staged a walkout in protest, alleging unequal and politically motivated distribution of development funds.