Seawoods residents seek strict action against tobacco sales near educational institutions and public spaces.

The Cigarette Sales

Residents of Sector 25, Seawoods, Nerul, have raised concerns over students allegedly smoking in public places and the suspected sale of cigarettes to minors.

Following repeated complaints, the ward officer and local police conducted a raid at a paan shop on the ground floor of Ambika Heights on the night of September 11. Officials reportedly found cigarette cartons at the shop, but no other illegal intoxicating substances.

Residents said students, reportedly aged between 17 and 22, are frequently seen smoking near Seawoods railway station, the bridge and other public areas. They suspect that a local paan shop may be supplying cigarettes to college students. Prakash Yawalkar, president of the Seawoods Citizens Welfare Association, said students were openly smoking outside the shop, raising concerns among residents and parents.

The association has submitted complaints to the local police, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, mayor, local representatives and the Drug Department. It has urged authorities to strictly enforce the law prohibiting tobacco sales to minors and increase monitoring around schools, colleges and other student gathering points.

Residents said stronger action is needed to prevent tobacco use among young people and ensure that public spaces remain safe and healthy.

Complaints of forced rides and illegal parking prompt demand for strict action.

The Drivers

Passengers at Nerul railway station, particularly on the eastern side, are reportedly facing harassment from share-auto drivers. Commuters have alleged that drivers often stand near the station entrance and pressure passengers to take their autos.

Some women passengers have complained that drivers even try to pull them towards their vehicles. Autos are also reportedly being parked at the NMMT bus stop, creating confusion and affecting public transport services. The issue is particularly noticeable among passengers travelling towards Kharghar and Ulwe. Despite complaints to the police and transport authorities, residents claim that the problem continues.

The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has installed a signboard restricting autos from entering the area near the station. However, drivers are allegedly ignoring the restriction. Dilip Amle, president of the Navi Mumbai Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Welfare Association, has written to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) seeking action. He said passengers, especially women travelling towards Ulwe, should not be forced into autos.

Navi Mumbai Deputy Regional Transport Officer Dattatray Sagolkar said that drivers would not be allowed to force passengers into their vehicles. He assured that the area would be inspected and appropriate action would be taken.Passengers and residents have called for a permanent solution involving the RTO, police and NMMT authorities.

New landing-charge incentives aim to attract more international airlines and routes to NMIA.

The Concession

International air travel from Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) could become more affordable as authorities introduce incentives aimed at attracting more international airlines and routes.

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) has approved a revised tariff plan offering significant concessions on landing charges for airlines that launch new international services from NMIA. Under the plan, airlines starting new international passenger routes will receive a 100% waiver on landing charges during the first year. For routes covering up to 5,000 km, a 50% concession will be available in the second year.

For international routes longer than 5,000 km, airlines will receive a 50% discount in the second year and 25% in the third year. Airlines increasing flight frequency on existing international routes can also receive concessions of up to 75% on landing charges. The incentives extend to international cargo operations as well. Freighter airlines will receive a 90% waiver in the first year and a 50% concession in the second year.

Officials expect the scheme to encourage airlines to introduce more international flights from Navi Mumbai, giving passengers greater choice and potentially helping bring down airfares through increased competition. NMIA is being developed as a major aviation hub, with an initial annual capacity of around 20 million passengers and a planned eventual capacity of up to 90 million passengers.