Maharashtra
Maharashtra: JNPA SEZ Receives Good Response To Plot Bidding Process; Investment Of ₹4,000 Crore Expected From Various Sectors

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority Special Economic Zone (JNPA SEZ), the pioneering port-based operational multi-product SEZ in India, recently held a bidding process for 104 plots within the economic zone and received an overwhelming response for the same. The bids were almost 15% more than those received during the last bidding held before the advent of Covid-19.
“We are very happy to say that we received a very good response from various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, pharma etc. We are expecting an investment of nearly Rs 4,000 crore from these industries,” said Chairman of JNPA, Sanjay Sethi while interacting with mediapersons on Thursday.
“Since port-based industrialisation is in very much demand these days, we expect these investors to take maximum advantage of the infrastructure and facilities available at JNPA SEZ. From digitalised single window clearance to the best infrastructure for inward and outward port-based cargo, JNPA SEZ has been contributing a lot to the country’s economy,” Sethi said.
Strategic importance of SEZ
Spanning an expansive 277 Hector of land with proximity to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and other infrastructural developments being carried out in the vicinity, the SEZ is strategically positioned with seamless connectivity through water, road, rail and air.As of now, 31 units have been allotted SEZ plots with nine units and one Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) already in operation. “JNPA SEZ has completed the development of essential infrastructure, providing plug-and-play ready facilities for roads, power, water and other utilities to expedite the commencement of operations for the allocated units. As a special planning authority (SPA) and electrical distribution licensee, JNPA SEZ ensures a trouble-free approval process for the investors,” Sethi said.
Catalyst for economic growth
Emphasising the authority’s commitment to industrial development, Sethi said JNPA SEZ is not just a business hub, but a catalyst for economic growth by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and fostering a conducive business environment. “We aim to unlock the full potential of the SEZ for the benefit of the investors and region at large. The transparent E-tender cum E-auction process for a 60-year lease of the land has been pivotal in attracting investments. Aggressive marketing efforts through conclaves, investor summits, and B2B meetings have resulted in maximum participation, thereby promoting the ease of doing business in a sustainable way,” he added.Out of the 163 Ha of leasable land, 62 Ha have already been allotted to 31 units. The recent E-auction saw a remarkable response with 21 bidders submitting bids for 15 plots. There was an overall 15% increase in quotes for the said plots above the reserve price, while few plots even surpassed 40% above the reserve price. JNPA has issued Letters of Intent (LOI) for the allotment of 14 plots to 14 successful bidders, which include leading companies such as Welspun One and Fine Organics.
Maharashtra
Mumbai Rains: High Tides Hit Gateway Of India, Vakola Flooded, Andheri Subway Closed; Check IMD Forecast, Warning, Police Advisory

Mumbai: Mumbai experienced intense rainfall throughout Friday, majorly disrupting normal life across various parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an orange alert for Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall as the monsoon system remains active over the Konkan coast. Palghar district was placed under a yellow alert.
Rain began lashing the city late Thursday night and continued into Friday morning, affecting both South Mumbai and the western suburbs. Localities such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Churchgate, Dadar, Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, Malad, Goregaon, Jogeshwari and Andheri were among the worst-hit, with widespread waterlogging reported. Commuters faced delays and difficult travel conditions as flooded streets slowed vehicular movement.
Visuals Show Flooding In Several Areas
Social media was flooded with visuals showing the impact of the downpour. High tides slammed against the walls at the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, while in areas like Vakola, people were seen wading through knee-deep water. Vehicles navigated waterlogged roads in Andheri and Borivali. Andheri Subway was closed for traffic this morning due to heavy rains.
Over 65mm Rainfall Recorded In 3 Hours
According to BMC rainfall data, the western suburbs witnessed particularly intense rainfall between 8 am and 11 am on Friday. The highest recorded was at the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Hospital in Jogeshwari, where 67.3 mm of rainfall was measured in just three hours.
Flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport saw minor delays due to poor visibility and heavy rains. IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory cautioning passengers about potential weather-related disruptions.
Mumbai Police Issues Advisory
In response to the worsening conditions, Mumbai Police issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from coastal areas. “Due to heavy rainfall in Mumbai and nearby districts, citizens are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid coastal areas and drive cautiously. Our officials and staff are on high alert and ready to assist Mumbaikars. In case of any emergency, please dial 100 / 112 / 103,” read the police advisory on X.
As rainfall is expected to continue, authorities remain on alert to prevent any untoward incidents, with emergency services deployed across the city to respond swiftly to distress calls.
Crime
Mumbai: High-Profile Sex Racket Busted At Andheri Hotel; 3 Vietnamese Women Rescued

Mumbai: The MIDC Police busted a high-profile sex racket involving foreign nationals at a hotel in Andheri. The illegal operation was being run from the Empire Suite Hotel near Times Square on Andheri-Kurla Road. The raid, carried out recently following a tip-off, led to the rescue of three Vietnamese women who were allegedly forced into prostitution.
Acting on specific intelligence, senior police officials directed the MIDC Police to verify the information and take immediate action. a decoy customer was sent to the hotel to confirm the operation. Upon reaching the premises, the decoy was received by hotel manager Alam Khalil Chaudhary, who allegedly offered sex services for Rs 6,000 and led him to a room on the eighth floor. There, the decoy met a foreign woman, who later admitted to being involved in prostitution along with two other Vietnamese women staying in another room.
3 Women Rescued From Hotel
After receiving a pre-arranged signal from the decoy, the police team raided the 8th and 9th floors of the hotel, rescuing all three women. The women were taken in for questioning, during which they confirmed their involvement in sex work. They also revealed that their clients were coordinated through an agent who shared their photographs online and directed customers to the hotel.
Further investigation revealed that the sex racket was being run with the knowledge and alleged involvement of the hotel owner, Abdul Salam. According to the police, the manager facilitated all transactions and coordinated with the agent, while Salam oversaw the operation. Police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act (PITA) against both Chaudhary and Salam.
Manhunt Launched For Hotel Owner
While Alam Chaudhary has been arrested, the hotel owner is currently absconding. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest him. The rescued women, all citizens of Vietnam, have had their passports seized and were sent to a shelter home after undergoing medical examinations. The Vietnamese Embassy in India has been informed of their rescue.
Police are now working to identify and track the agent involved in the online coordination of the racket and are investigating whether more people or locations are linked to the operation.
Crime
Mumbai Police Seize 926 Kg Of Narcotics Worth ₹174 Crore In 6 Months; 744 Arrested In Citywide Crackdown

Mumbai: The city police have seized over 926 kilograms of contraband in the first half of this year and have arrested 744 persons allegedly involved in 634 drugs related cases registered in the city. Total value of the seized contraband is a whopping Rs 174.19 crore. Statistics revealed that ganja and Mephedrone (MD) have been the most seized contraband in the city.
Ganja, MD Top List Of Most Seized Drugs In City
According to the statistics provided by the police, from January till June this year, the police have registered 28 cases related to seizure of heroin, arrested 35 persons in heroin related cases and had seized 0.85 kg of heroin valued at Rs 2.09 crore.
The police have registered 10 cases related to seizure of charas, arrested 16 persons in charas related cases and have seized 16.27 kg of charas valued at Rs 14.39 crore. The police have registered 402 cases related to seizure of ganja, arrested 416 persons in ganja related cases and seized 865 kg of ganja valued at Rs 31.59 crore.
Cocaine Seizure Small In Volume, High In Value
Stating about the seizures of high-end drugs in Mumbai, the statistics revealed that the police have registered 10 cases related to cocaine seizure, arrested 17 persons in cocaine related cases and seized 6.49 grams of cocaine valued at Rs 57.18 crore.
Thousands Booked For Drug Consumption Alone
The police have registered 136 cases related to seizure of MD, arrested 187 persons in MD related cases and had seized 37.23 kg of MD valued at Rs 68.55 crore. As far as consumption cases are concerned, this year the police have registered 3484 drug consumption cases and have arrested 2968 persons in these cases.
Police Monitoring Darknet, Strengthening Informant Network
“We not only rely on our informant network to get information about drug trafficking in the city, but also keep a close watch on the darknet where drug dealings take place clandestinely. Our efforts are directed towards breaking the chain and syndicates involved in drug peddling in the city. We also take awareness campaigns to make citizens, especially youngsters aware about the menace of drugs and its impact on health,” said a police source.
Statistics from January till June 2025
Heroin – Cases (28), Persons Arrested (35), Seized (0.85 kg)
Charas – Cases (10), Persons Arrested (16), Seized (16.27 kg)
Ganja – Cases (402), Persons Arrested (416), Seized (865 kg)
Cocaine – Cases (10), Persons Arrested (17), Seized (6.49 kg)
MD – Cases (136), Persons Arrested (187), Seized (37.23 kg)
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