One woman arrested near Nerul, while police continue searching for the second accused.

The Theft

In a dramatic incident, two women accused of stealing railway material escaped from the RPF lock-up at Belapur railway station by allegedly using their sarees as a makeshift rope.

The women, identified as Rupali Kailas Kurhade, 30, and Shalibai Ashok Pawar, 40, had been arrested on September 26 in connection with the alleged theft of electric overhead wires from a railway godown at Juinagar.

According to officials, the women escaped at around 2:13 am on September 28. They allegedly broke the lock of the lock-up, reached the rear balcony and used their sarees to climb down from the building. The escape came to light when the woman constable posted at the lock-up returned and found the two accused missing. Officials subsequently checked CCTV footage and launched a search operation.

RPF teams managed to trace Rupali Kurhade near Nerul railway station at around 8:45 am, following which she was taken back into custody. However, Shalibai Pawar is still absconding. Railway police and RPF teams are continuing efforts to locate her and are examining CCTV footage and other available information.

A separate case has been registered at Panvel Railway Police Station in connection with the escape. The incident has also raised questions about security arrangements at the railway lock-up.

New facility aims to make science learning more engaging through technology and hands-on exhibits.

The Exhibition

Science learning could soon become more interactive for children and families in Navi Mumbai, with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) planning a major exhibition at the Science Park in Nerul.

The civic body has proposed spending around Rs 105 crore on the project, which will introduce technology-based and hands-on exhibits to help visitors understand scientific concepts in a more interesting way. The proposed exhibition will cover topics such as human biology, DNA, cells, eyesight, hearing, ageing and the human body. Instead of simply reading information, visitors will be able to learn through interactive models, digital screens and practical activities.

Among the planned attractions are a DNA puzzle, cell laboratory, digital microscope, body mirror, BMI station, giant ear, hearing test and adjustable eye model. These exhibits are expected to give students an opportunity to explore scientific concepts by actually interacting with them. The project is part of NMMC’s efforts to develop the Nerul Science Park into a modern educational and recreational destination. The aim is to encourage curiosity and make learning more enjoyable, particularly for school and college students.

NMMC had issued a tender for interior work, science-themed exhibits and related services. The estimated tender value was around Rs 104.36 crore. If implemented, the project could give Navi Mumbai residents a new space where education and technology come together, allowing children to learn science through experience rather than textbooks alone.

Homes available in Kharghar, Taloja, Kalamboli and Dronagiri under the First Come, First Served scheme.

The Scheme

People looking to buy an affordable home in Navi Mumbai now have another opportunity as CIDCO has reopened its First Come, First Served (FCFS) housing scheme, offering around 3,000 flats across the city.

The homes are located in Kharghar, Taloja, Kalamboli and Dronagiri. Of the total, around 500 flats are reserved for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), while 2,500 flats are for the non-EWS category. Unlike a lottery system, the FCFS scheme allows eligible applicants to select an available flat based on their preference. The scheme was initially introduced by CIDCO in December 2025.

CIDCO has stated that the prices of flats in Taloja and Dronagiri under the scheme are based on rates from the 2022-23 financial year. Buyers will receive possession after completing the required payments. EWS applicants eligible for PMAY benefits will have to complete the beneficiary registration process, including Aadhaar linking and OTP verification. Eligible beneficiaries may receive a Rs 2.5 lakh government subsidy, subject to meeting the scheme’s conditions.

With flats spread across several developed and developing areas of Navi Mumbai, the scheme is expected to give homebuyers another chance to secure a CIDCO home without waiting for a traditional housing lottery.