April has been all about important updates—from Metro's WhatsApp Ticketing launch to city to have Mumbai One Card to simplify commutes across city. Here’s a quick recap of all the key updates!

BMC has invited bids to install Mumbai’s first horse carousel at Cooperage Ground in South Mumbai, as part of a ₹1.50-crore project to revitalize the park. The carousel, with a seating capacity of 32 to 45, will be operated under a public-private partnership for seven years. It aims to restore the park’s popularity as a recreational spot.

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved electric bike taxi services in cities with populations over one lakh, aiming to enhance last-mile connectivity and offer eco-friendly transport. The initiative will create 20,000 jobs, with 10,000 in Mumbai. E-bikes will feature safety measures, including monsoon covers and GPS tracking. A subsidy scheme for taxi drivers and fare regulation are also part of the plan.

Taj Villa, a 1930s Art Deco bungalow on Bandra’s Carter Road, will be restored while a 14-storey luxury tower is built behind it. The Gore family, its current owners, have signed a redevelopment agreement with JSW Realty. The bungalow will be preserved with structural and aesthetic enhancements, while the new tower will span 70,000 sq ft. Some heritage experts have raised concerns about preserving the villa’s original character.

Maha Mumbai Metro has launched a WhatsApp ticketing service for easy and eco-friendly travel. Passengers can buy tickets by sending a “Hi” message to 86526 35500, select their stations, and complete payment via UPI, card, or wallet. The service eliminates queues and paper tickets, offering a seamless travel experience with instant QR ticket delivery.

The MMRDA is set to enhance pedestrian connectivity around metro stations as part of its Multi-Modal Integration plan. In collaboration with advocacy group Walking Project, the initiative includes new foot overbridges and improved footpaths to ensure safer, seamless intermodal travel. Key links are planned near Goregaon, Ram Mandir, Aarey, and Vile Parle, with work beginning soon.

Mumbai has dropped from 4th to 6th place on Forbes’ 2025 World’s Billionaires List, now home to 67 billionaires worth $349 billion. Mukesh Ambani remains Asia’s richest despite a $20B dip. Six new Mumbaikars joined the list, including the Doshi brothers (Waaree), Rajesh Mehra (Jaquar), and Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha). NYC retains the global top spot.

India launched its first all-women tri-services sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, from Mumbai. A 12-member crew from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will sail 4,000 nautical miles to Seychelles and back over 55 days aboard IASV Triveni. The mission celebrates Nari Shakti and paves the way for a global all-women expedition in 2026.

Mumbai’s beloved Aarey dairy brand is making a comeback, now in partnership with milk cooperative Mahananda. Without its old processing units, Aarey milk will be produced at Mahananda’s Goregaon facility, distributing 25,000 litres daily. Once a post-Independence staple, Aarey’s return brings a wave of nostalgia to Mumbaikars, even without its iconic booths and buffalo sheds.

Mumbai has overtaken Delhi as India’s most forgetful city, per Uber’s 2025 Lost and Found Index. From gold biscuits, 25 kg of cow ghee to hawan kund Mumbaikars left behind a range of odd items. Delhi slipped to second, while Hyderabad was the most careful. Saturdays at 7 PM saw the most forgetful riders.

Mumbai is set to roll out the Mumbai One Card, a smartcard that will allow seamless travel across metro, monorail, suburban trains, and buses. Inspired by London’s Oyster Card, it aims to boost convenience by enabling single-ticket bookings across modes. The digital system will be ready in a month, officials said.

Mumbai police stations are now active on X, allowing citizens to report incidents or seek help by tagging their local police station's handle, like @charkopps for Charkop. This initiative, under Mumbai Police Commissioner’s guidance, aims for faster responses and better community engagement, with each handle monitored by zonal DCPs for timely action.

In a first for India, the Central Railway has installed an ATM aboard the Mumbai-Manmad Panchavati Express, offering passengers cash withdrawal services while the train is in motion. Located in an air-conditioned coach, the ATM is available to all 22 compartments, providing additional banking services like cheque book orders. If successful, this service may be expanded to other trains.

To manage summer rush, Central Railway has suspended platform ticket sales at CSMT, LTT, Kalyan, and Pune stations from April 18 to May 15. The move aims to ease crowding and ensure safety. Exceptions apply for senior citizens, women, children, and the ailing. Extra summer trains and facilities have also been introduced.

Maharashtra’s wildlife board has declared Navi Mumbai’s DPS Flamingo Lake a conservation reserve, its first wetland linked to Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary to gain such status. Spread over 30 acres in Seawoods, the lake is vital for migratory flamingos. The move follows years of activism and aims to protect biodiversity and reduce bird strike risks near the upcoming airport.

Mumbai Police has launched two 24/7 helplines—7715004444 and 7400086666, to tackle a spike in 'digital arrest' scams. Fraudsters posing as officials threaten victims with fake legal action, coercing them into transferring money. Victims are urged to report such calls immediately; emergency teams can be dispatched for on-ground support if needed.

The Maharashtra government has approved expanding Marine Drive from six to twelve lanes to handle future traffic from the Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel, expected by 2028. Estimated to cost ₹500 crore, the project aims to ease congestion for 25 years while preserving the area's character. Locals have raised concerns and called for greater public involvement.

Mumbai's Western Railway has replaced the last British-era cast iron rail bridge over the Mithi River, a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ infrastructure. The 135-year-old bridge, rebuilt with modern steel girders and concrete foundations, was completed in two phases, finishing on April 13. The upgrade improves safety, ride quality, and train speeds, with faster travel expected soon.

Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will honour cricketing legends by naming stands after them. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) will rename Divencha Pavilion Level 3 after Rohit Sharma, Grand Stand Level 3 after Sharad Pawar, and Grand Stand Level 4 after Ajit Wadekar. The move recognises their monumental contributions to Indian cricket and preserves their legacy at the iconic venue.

BMC's "Chala Vachu Ya! Summer Vacation Library" initiative will turn 25 civic schools into libraries from May 2 to June 12, 2025, promoting reading among students. The libraries, open daily in two slots (10 AM–1 PM, 4 PM–6 PM), will cater to both BMC and private school students. Access requires a school ID, Aadhaar, and consent letter.

Mumbai’s iconic Taraporevala Aquarium, closed since 2020, will undergo a ₹296 crore redevelopment. The 72-year-old facility will be transformed into a modern 12-storey complex, featuring a 3.5-million-litre tank, marine exhibits, and research zones. The new design will preserve heritage while adding amenities like a rooftop café and parking. Over 500 species have been relocated for the transition.

Mumbai’s ₹556-crore International Cruise Terminal at Ballard Pier is now open. Built by Mumbai Port Authority, it can berth two ships, handle 10,000 passengers daily, and service 500 ships annually. Spread across 4.15 lakh sq. ft., it houses immigration counters, parking, and retail zones. Delayed since 2018, it runs under a 30-year PPP deal.

The BMC will build a 50-metre-tall viewing tower near the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as part of its ₹4,300-crore Sewage Treatment Plant project. Set for completion by 2027, it will feature an open-air gallery, a knowledge centre, and telescope points. The underground STP allows the surface to host green spaces and public amenities.

BMC’s new 550-metre underpass, part of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, will open by early May. Meant for southbound traffic, it connects the Worli-Sewri corridor to the coastal road, easing congestion in Worli, Dadar, and Prabhadevi. Running beneath Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road, it offers direct access to Bandra or Marine Drive.

BMC plans to transform the abandoned Municipal Sports Complex near CSMT into the new ₹40-crore Town Hall Gymkhana. The five-storey facility will feature a rooftop viewing gallery, restaurant, and council hall, blending heritage with modern design. Two underground parking levels and glass lifts are also planned. Work will begin soon, boosting tourism and civic engagement.

Mumbai is set to launch its own water metro, inspired by Kochi’s model, to ease traffic and reduce pollution. Battery-powered ferries will connect 21 key locations in the first phase, including Vasai, Mulund, and Gateway of India. The project also plans to boost tourism and link to Navi Mumbai Airport with India’s first water taxi service.

Mumbai Samachar, Asia's oldest active newspaper, is digitising its archives to preserve its significant role in Indian history. Founded in 1882 by Fardunji Marzban, the Gujarati daily has chronicled pivotal events like the 1857 Revolt and the birth of the Indian National Congress. A new website will showcase 10,000 historic stories, and a documentary will be screened at Cannes this May.

Mumbai commuters will soon face a fare hike on BEST buses, the first since 2018, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) approving the proposal. Non-AC fares will double from ₹5 to ₹10, while AC fares will rise from ₹6 to ₹12. Monthly pass costs will also see sharp increases. The hike, driven by mounting losses, aims to keep the public transport system viable but has raised concerns about added financial strain and a potential shift to private transport for the city's 31 lakh daily commuters.

The English Premier League has opened its first India office in Mumbai, reinforcing its 18-year commitment to growing football in the country. With grassroots programs, ISL partnerships, and the return of the Next Gen Cup in May 2025, the move aims to boost fan engagement and deepen local ties as the sport gains momentum in India.

Mumbai’s Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) is set for a major boost with Phase 2A—linking BKC to Worli, awaiting final safety clearance. Expected to launch around Maharashtra Day, the underground stretch will connect key commercial hubs, easing traffic and cutting commute times. Once complete, the 33.5-km line could benefit up to one crore commuters daily.

Japan will gift two Shinkansen train sets (E5 and E3 series) to aid testing on India’s upcoming Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor. Arriving in 2026, these retrofitted trains will collect data on Indian conditions like heat and dust. The move supports the partially Japan-funded project, with a 2027 launch and future deployment of next-gen E10 trains.