The Times of India

BEST fast-tracks new Rs 7,027 Cr Plan for 1,500 e-buses under PM plan

A significant step has been taken in the Sion Road Over Bridge reconstruction, a crucial part of the CSMTKurla fifth and sixth railway line project. A massive 500-tonne steel girder was successfully launched, overcoming complex engineering hurdles in a busy urban setting. This expansion will create vital space for new railway lines, with the bridge anticipated to open for traffic by August, paving the way for enhanced rail connectivity.

Mumbai Monorail is set to resume services after a nine-month hiatus, following the Maharashtra government's approval and final safety clearance. The 19.54-km Chembur to Sant Ghadge Maharaj Chowk corridor, India's sole monorail, was suspended due to technical issues. Authorities are considering a formal inauguration, with plans also underway to enhance integration with the metro network.

India is set to become a global hub for critical mineral recycling, with industry commitments exceeding targets by over three times. This surge in recycling capacity, aiming for 850 kilotonnes, will bolster supplies for electric vehicles and electronics, significantly reducing import dependence. The initiative includes establishing processing parks and promoting urban mining, paving the way for a robust domestic resource economy.

A Mumbai doctor allegedly paid nearly Rs 4 lakh to an impersonator to pose as a senior Union Home Ministry official and thwart police action in a cheque bounce case. The accused, Dr. Asmita Sarang, is charged with falsely personating a public servant and cheating. The impersonator, Mohammed Tariq Pathan, reportedly made threatening calls to a Delhi Police constable attempting to serve a warrant against Sarang.

The Bombay High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to advocate Priyanka Singh in a CBI case involving an alleged attempt to bribe a GST intelligence officer. Singh, representing a company in a tax evasion probe, is accused of facilitating a bribe offer. The court ordered her to cooperate with investigators and report regularly, with the next hearing scheduled for July 2. Her lawyer argued she was acting professionally.

Six Lok Sabha MPs, including Sanjay Jadhav and Bhausaheb Wakchaure, have joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, bolstering the party's strength. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed them, calling it the second phase of their movement to preserve Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology. He asserted that the move was legal and constitutional, with all six MPs set to contest future elections on a Shiv Sena ticket.

Mumbai experienced its third consecutive morning of rain on Tuesday, with southern areas receiving moderate showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates favorable conditions for the southwest monsoon to advance into the city within the next 48 hours. This brings anticipation for the monsoon's official arrival, potentially averting a record delay.

But Other Disputed Provisions Stay On

Limited Presence Of Wet Lease Buses, Only 42% Drivers Report Back To Duty

Following the Mahayuti alliance's defeat in the Nashik MLC elections, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar criticized Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, stating the hunter 'Tiger' got hunted. He announced a farmer agitation on June 29, citing government distrust. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar suggested potential Shiv Sena (UBT) MP defections would strengthen the NDA, while Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to alter the Constitution by engineering these shifts.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance has achieved a significant triumph in the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, securing 16 out of 17 declared seats. The BJP emerged as the dominant force, winning 11 seats, with the Shiv Sena and NCP also contributing to the alliance's success. A notable exception was Nashik, where a BJP rebel secured victory, causing a setback for the Shiv Sena.

Mumbai will host the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2026, bringing together leaders to tackle shared urban challenges like climate risks and infrastructure stress. Focusing on resilience, innovation, and sustainability, the event aims to forge city-to-city partnerships and identify scalable solutions for rapidly urbanizing regions. This gathering, under India's BRICS presidency, highlights Mumbai's transformation and seeks tangible outcomes for future urban development.