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Mumbai News: Amenities Still Out of Bounds on Samruddhi Mahamarg

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Mumbai: Seven months after Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communication Expressway or Samruddhi Mahamarg was inaugurated, wayside amenities and food courts remain out of public reach. Having such passenger-friendly amenities helps in ensuring overall accident cases are reduced.

A senior Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) official confirmed that there has been a delay in rolling out amenities for expressway users. “Already a few iterations were made to the tender document,” the official shared. The plan is to have 16 food courts along the Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, eight on each side of the corridor.

On an average, there will be a food court every 80-90km. Gradually, the number may be increased in the years to follow depending on the increase in vehicular traffic.

Just one agency filled tender yet

In December, such facilities would take six months to be established on the 701km long expressway connecting the western coast of the country with Central India. Earlier this year, the MSRDC had invited bids to set the ball rolling. However, only one agency has shown its willingness to provide food courts, public conveniences and auxiliary facilities.

With only one private agency showing interest, the response will be tabled in front of the chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. “The Board will decide whether to go ahead with the only bid received or go in for re-tendering,” said another MSRDC official. Through such facilities, MSRDC is looking at earning a minimum of Rs235.40 crore, the reserve price as ‘Highest Upfront Lease Premium’ from the private player who will be given the rights to manage the facilities.

According to transport experts, having such facilities at regular intervals helps motorists take break while driving long distances, which in turn results in them re-fueling their respective vehicles and adjusting tyre pressure. Additionally, the stopover also leads to a break from the monotony of driving on the expressway that barely has any turns. Otherwise, it leads to driving road hypnosis, which can prove fatal. Until these come up, the motorists will have to exit the expressway in between and scout for the best available eatery or dhabas and re-enter to continue the remainder of the journey.

Since its inauguration in December up to April 30, 39 people have lost their lives and 143 suffered various degrees of injuries in the 358 accidents, as per the statistics available with State Highway Police. They have blamed road hypnosis as one of the prime causes of these mishaps.

In December, 520km between Nagpur and Shirdi was made open. In May, another 80km was inaugurated. Now, only 10km stretch between Bharvir and near Thane is left, which is likely to be ready later this year.

POINTS:

Inaugurated in Dec 2022

Food courts still out of public reach

Plan to have 16 food courts

Eight on each side of corridor

Food court at every 80-90km

Maharashtra

Man Arrested for Illegally Bringing Ganja from Odisha and Selling It in Mumbai.

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Mumbai: During a patrol, the Ghatkopar Unit of the Anti-Narcotics Cell detained an individual standing near the garden outside Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station—close to the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road bridge in Tilak Nagar, Chembur (East), Mumbai—on suspicion of selling narcotics.

Upon searching him, 22.960 kg of ‘ganja’ (cannabis) was recovered from his possession. He was subsequently arrested, and a case was registered against him under Sections 8(c) and 20(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Interrogation revealed that the accused had brought the contraband from the state of Odisha to Mumbai for sale. The arrested individual has been identified as Manish Kumar Baijnath Chaudhary, aged 25.
A total of 22.960 kg of ganja, valued at approximately ₹11,48,000, was seized from the accused.

This successful operation was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Deven Bharti, along with Anil Kumbhare, Krishnakant Upadhyay, and DCP Purnima Chougule-Shringi.

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Maharashtra

Mayor Launches ‘Flex-Free Mumbai’ Campaign by Personally Removing Unauthorized Banners from His Electoral Constituency.

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Mumbai: First Citizen, Mayor Ritu Tawde, has once again demonstrated that instead of merely making announcements or issuing directives, one should set an example through practical action. The Mayor recently announced a special campaign titled “Flex-free Mumbai for 365 days” (following the ten-day Ganeshotsav festival) to remove unauthorized flex banners, posters, and stickers from across the city. She has also appealed to all political parties to cooperate with this initiative.

In this regard, Mayor Ritu Tawde personally took to the streets in her constituency today (October 14, 2026) to launch the campaign.

Mayor Ritu Tawde personally removed unauthorized advertising hoardings, banners, and posters installed at Jhulelal Chowk (Vikrant Circle) and Garodia Nagar—busy areas in Ghatkopar (East) falling under the ‘N’ Ward of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. All unauthorized hoardings in the vicinity were immediately removed. Furthermore, the Mayor instructed officials to ensure that no new unauthorized hoardings are erected in the future.

Officers and staff from the Shops and Establishments (Licensing) Department, Maintenance Department, Encroachment Removal Department, and other relevant departments were present during the campaign.

Through her actions, the Mayor has set a new precedent for public representatives in Mumbai. This initiative demonstrated that when public representatives take the lead in curbing factors that mar the city’s beauty, it significantly facilitates the administration’s work. The efforts of the Municipal Corporation administration received a major boost when the Mayor herself took to the streets. …undertook the task of removing unauthorized flex banners, posters, and stickers.

To permanently rid Mumbai of the menace of plastic, flex materials, and unauthorized hoardings, Mayor Ritu Tawde has written to the municipal corporation administration, directing the strict implementation of a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy. To expand the reach of this campaign and foster unity across political lines, the Mayor is personally sending letters to the heads and leaders of all political parties. The policy entails stringent measures, such as mandating a QR code system for authorized hoardings (advertising boards), blacklisting printers and agencies that produce unauthorized signage, and ensuring the resolution of citizens’ complaints within a maximum of 72 hours.

Conveying her message during the campaign, Mayor Ritu Tawde stated that just as an example of environmental conservation was set during the Ganesh Utsav festival by prioritizing eco-friendly clay idols, it is the duty of every citizen and public representative to keep Mumbai free from plastic and flex waste throughout the year. The Mayor has appealed to public representatives from all parties, social activists, organizations, and citizens to support this campaign by taking similar initiatives in their respective areas to uphold Mumbai’s aesthetic appeal and civic discipline.

Mumbai’s citizens have welcomed this eco-friendly initiative by the Mayor, who launched the effort from her own municipal ward.

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Maharashtra

Eknath Shinde Calls Rahul Gandhi’s Supreme Court March a Black Day in India’s History, Alleges INDIA Bloc Is Part of a Foreign Conspiracy.

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The ‘INDIA’ alliance organized a march to the Supreme Court in Delhi, attended by Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Members of Parliament from the alliance. Following this protest, it appears that the ‘INDIA’ alliance has adopted an aggressive stance. Commenting on the protest, Eknath Shinde remarked that yesterday was a ‘black day’ in the country’s history. He observed that the Constitution and the constitutional institutions established by Babasaheb were trampled upon. An unprecedented event occurred where a march to the Supreme Court was undertaken to exert pressure. Condemning the actions of Rahul Gandhi and the ‘INDIA’ alliance, he stated that no amount of condemnation would be enough. While acknowledging their right to protest in a democracy, he questioned the method of leading a march merely to file a petition. He emphasized that they should apologize for attacking India’s judicial system. Claiming that they are actively working to destroy the Constitution and strangle democracy, he added that the current situation poses a danger to the country. He expressed suspicion regarding the involvement of foreign forces, suggesting it could be part of an international conspiracy. Eknath Shinde said, “It is extremely unfortunate that they are pushing the country towards chaos; this is dangerous for the nation.” He added that since they cannot win elections or defeat the Prime Minister, they are resorting to such tactics. Shinde also leveled serious allegations, stating that the opposition is undermining the country’s freedom. Attempts are being made by foreign powers to destabilize the country. He emphasized the need to consistently speak out against their anti-national mindset. They operate under the conviction that they will not come to power at the Centre; this very thought drives their daily actions. It was the opposition itself that once attempted to destroy the Constitution. Referring to the Emergency, Shinde asked: if an Emergency were in place today, would protests even reach the Supreme Court? Nowadays, everyone is free to express their views. Is the current situation an Emergency, or was that the Emergency? Back then, everything was shut down. Is it right to march towards the judiciary and insult it? They talk about ‘breaking India’ and protest while threatening to leave the country. They know their demands are flawed; they are aware they will not get justice because their demands are baseless. They had protested against the increase in voter turnout. Now, if names are removed from the voter list, they protest—even though ‘Form 6’ exists to ensure no injustice occurs. It was merely a drama staged by ‘immature’ (shortsighted) people, all for the sake of gaining power. This is an insult to Lord Shiva; they lack wisdom. If the ‘third eye’ were to open, the ‘INDIA’ alliance would be wiped out. When people gather, they simply step out of their homes; they do not have to travel far—they find a ready-made platform and join in. They simply want to speak out against Modi. They claim that Modi has rendered them unemployed, so what other option do they have but to protest?

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