‘Mumbai in Minutes’ initiative aims to reduce travel time through a network of roads, tunnels, bridges and Metro connectivity.

The Travel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has outlined an ambitious plan to significantly reduce travel time across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) through its ‘Mumbai in Minutes’ initiative.

MMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee said that the journey between Mumbai and Thane could eventually take just 25 minutes, while travel from Worli to Navi Mumbai could be reduced to less than 30 minutes. Mukherjee said the initiative aims to enable commuters to travel between different parts of the metropolitan region within 59 minutes.

The Worli–Navi Mumbai journey, which currently takes around 90 minutes, is expected to become considerably shorter through improved connectivity involving the Mumbai Coastal Road and Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). The plan includes a proposed investment of around Rs 58,000 crore in a ring-road network spanning more than 90 km. Major infrastructure projects include the Thane–Borivali twin tunnel, Sewri–Worli connector and expansion of the Metro network.

MMRDA is also focusing on strengthening suburban railway and bus connectivity to provide commuters with multiple travel options. The initiative aims to ease traffic congestion, improve regional connectivity and make daily commuting faster and more convenient. The proposed travel times will depend on the completion and integration of these infrastructure projects.

ED conducts a search at his tenant’s residence, Shivram Patil clarifies that neither he nor his family received any notice from the agency.

The Raid

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a search operation at a residential property in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, on October 28, reportedly linked to Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) corporator Shivram Patil.

However, Shivram Patil denied having any connection with the investigation, clarifying that the search was conducted at the residence of his tenant, Jay Mehta.

According to the details available, an ED team from Mumbai arrived at the premises around 7.15 am and continued the search until approximately 5.30 pm. Officials searched a bedroom on the first floor occupied by Mehta. During the operation, the agency reportedly seized a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 mobile phone containing emails and other digital information relevant to the investigation. Mehta’s statement was also recorded.

Shivram Patil clarified that he had neither received any notice from the ED nor been summoned for questioning. He said the notice was issued to his tenant, who was asked to appear before the agency’s Mumbai office.

The raid has sparked political speculation in Navi Mumbai amid tensions between the BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, no official confirmation has established any link between the investigation and the political developments.

Civic officials assess the scheme’s implementation, distribute safety kits and encourage women workers to explore entrepreneurship opportunities.

The Scheme

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) reviewed the implementation of the Central Government’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme during a visit by state programme manager Priyanka Gangurde to the civic headquarters on October 22.

The scheme aims to improve the safety, dignity and livelihood opportunities of sanitation workers by promoting mechanized sanitation practices and providing welfare support.

During the visit, Gangurde appreciated NMMC’s cleanliness initiatives and distribution of essential safety equipment. She also distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to women sanitation workers. Encouraging women workers to explore additional sources of income, she suggested setting up dry waste collection centres as an opportunity for entrepreneurship and employment generation. She also briefed workers about various welfare schemes introduced by the Central Government.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr Ajay Gadade, Chief Sanitation Officer Rajusingh Chavan, Sanitation Officer Kiran Solaskar and representatives of Stree Mukti Sanghatana. NMMC officials stated that the civic body would continue strengthening the implementation of the NAMASTE scheme, focusing on workers’ safety, welfare and economic empowerment.