July News Roundup, Mumbai | Tesla’s first India showroom at BKC, SGNP's new Van Rani & more

From Tesla’s first India showroom at BKC to toy train Van Rani’s return to SGNP after 4 years, July has been packed with major headlines. Take a look at this roundup, covering the most important updates that made news across Mumbai this month.

Buying a car in Maharashtra has got costlier with revised one-time vehicle taxes from July 1. Luxury cars, CNG/LNG vehicles, and commercial carriers will see steep hikes, up to ₹10 lakh. The tax cap now rises to ₹30 lakh. EVs remain exempt, while new rates aim to boost state revenue and push cleaner mobility. Existing owners unaffected.

Mumbai lit up in superhero style as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link showcased glowing images of Superman, a first for any Hollywood film promotion on the iconic bridge. The stunning visuals, part of James Gunn’s upcoming Superman campaign, wowed commuters and fans, turning the city skyline into a moment of pure comic-book magic.

Mumbai Metro Line 3 is set to become a vibrant urban hub, with BKC and CSMIA-T2 stations adding retail, dining, lounges, and workspaces. MMRCL and IRHPL will develop 32,000+ sq. ft across 35 zones. With ridership soaring, the move boosts non-fare revenue and elevates commuter experience, blending convenience, commerce, and modern urban design.

India’s first dedicated wildlife corridor along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway spans 12 km through Ranthambore’s buffer zone, featuring five overpasses and a 1.2-km underpass, the longest of its kind. Designed for safe animal movement, the project blends infrastructure with ecology, ensuring zero wildlife casualties and already recording tiger and bear crossings post-construction.

Mumbai has claimed the 5th spot on TasteAtlas’s 2025 list of the Top 100 Food Cities globally, an impressive feat among 17,000+ cities reviewed. Recognised for its iconic street eats and rich culinary diversity, the city earned praise for local gems like Aaswad, Vinay Health Home, and Sardar Pav Bhaji.

Mumbai is set to legalise bike-taxi services by August, following the Maharashtra government’s July 4 notification of the Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025. Apps like Rapido and Uber Moto will soon offer legal electric bike rides. The policy ensures licenses, safety checks, insurance, and eco-friendly fleets, marking a major shift towards safer, greener last-mile transport in the city.

Thai VietJet Air will launch a new direct Phuket–Mumbai route starting this August, marking its second India connection after Mumbai–Bangkok. The service will run four times a week using an all-economy Airbus A320. With competitive pricing and convenient timings, the airline aims to break IndiGo’s monopoly on this popular leisure route.

A new 1.5-km elevated road is proposed to link Senapati Bapat Marg near Phoenix Mills to Haji Ali’s Lala Lajpatrai Road, connecting directly to the Coastal Road. The six-lane corridor aims to cut travel time from central Mumbai by up to 30 minutes. Estimated at ₹250–300 crore, the project will use government land and avoid traffic disruption.

Mumbai commuters will soon be able to book Metro tickets directly through the Uber app, as the ride-hailing giant integrates with ONDC. The feature will let users select stations, pay via UPI, and scan a QR code to board, making Uber one of the first private players to offer this service in Mumbai. Alongside this, several new features are also rolling out in the city.

UAE officials have denied claims that certain nationalities, including Indians, are eligible for a “lifetime” Golden Visa. The ICP clarified such terms are misleading, urging applicants to use official platforms only. No overseas agents or influencers are authorised to process Golden Visas. Dubai has seen a rise in scams charging inflated fees for the process.

The Bombay High Court has extended the deadline for Mumbai bakeries to switch from coal and wood-fired ovens to cleaner fuels like LPG or PNG from July 8 to July 28. Over half of the city’s 573 bakeries still use traditional ovens. Monsoon-related delays and high conversion costs are slowing the transition.

Uber Shuttle, the app-based premium bus service, will stop operating in Mumbai from July 12 after being flagged as illegal by the state transport department. Run without a Stage Carriage permit, the service had over 100 routes and served thousands. Uber has asked partners to halt operations, with no clarity yet on a restart.

India’s Maratha Military Landscapes, a network of 12 forts built between the 17th–19th centuries, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The 44th Indian site on the list, these forts reflect Maratha strategy under Shivaji Maharaj. Despite initial pushback, India secured support in Paris, marking a cultural and diplomatic win.

After much wait, Tesla has launched in India with its first showroom at Mumbai’s BKC. The showroom debuts the Model Y SUV, priced from ₹59.89 lakh. Though imported from Shanghai, the move aligns with India’s new EV policy. A service centre is coming up in Kurla, with Delhi next in line.

For the first time since 1943, Mumbai’s iconic Campion School has gone co-ed, welcoming 38 girls into Nursery and Junior KG from July 14. With revamped infrastructure, a new female principal, and the Cambridge Early Years curriculum, the school is embracing a progressive shift toward inclusive, tech-integrated learning while maintaining its Jesuit legacy.

Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott has added Mumbai to his Circus Maximus World Tour, with a live show at Mahalaxmi Racecourse on November 19, 2025. After his New Delhi debut, this marks his first-ever Mumbai performance. Tickets go live on BookMyShow at 12 PM IST, July 19, with a virtual waiting room opening at 11 AM.

Indian cities have climbed the QS Best Student Cities 2026 rankings, with Mumbai re-entering the global top 100 at 98th and Delhi at 104th. Mumbai ranks high on affordability, while all four metros improved in employability. Bengaluru made the biggest leap, and Chennai also rose. However, all ranked low in student diversity despite growing global appeal.DLF Returns to Mumbai After 12 Years with ₹7.5 Cr Luxury Project

After 12 years, DLF Ltd. returns to Mumbai with The Westpark, a luxury project in Andheri West. Launching 400+ 3-5 BHK apartments and studios (₹5–7.5 crore), it features a 50,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and prime metro connectivity. Following record FY25 pre-sales, DLF eyes strong demand in Mumbai’s booming premium housing market.

To tackle fraud and simplify parking, BMC is introducing FASTag-based payments at select on-street parking spots in Mumbai. Users can scan a QR code to pay directly via FASTag, no cash needed. A supporting app will offer slot info, rates, and receipts. The system aims to boost transparency and curb illegal overcharging citywide.

To ease Mumbai’s deadly train congestion, the Maharashtra government has introduced flexible work hours for state employees, allowing 30-minute shifts to avoid peak travel times. A task force will urge private firms to follow suit. With 7.5 million daily rail commuters and rising fatalities, staggered timings offer a quick fix while infrastructure upgrades continue.

Navi Mumbai, Indore and Surat have topped the new Super Swachh League rankings, with Vijayawada at fourth. At the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024–25, President Droupadi Murmu honoured 78 winners, including Prayagraj (Best Ganga Town) and Secunderabad (Top Cantonment). A new “One City, One Award” model enabled fairer evaluation, recognising 34 cities as Promising Swachh Shehars.

India’s first Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) was inaugurated in Mumbai, offering 18 industry-led courses in animation, VFX, gaming, and XR. Backed by global tech giants and set to begin classes in September, IICT aims to become a national creative tech hub, with a ₹400 crore investment and future campuses in the pipeline.

After a four-year break, Mumbai’s beloved Van Rani toy train returns to Sanjay Gandhi National Park with a sleek Vistadome makeover, battery power, and wildlife-themed coaches. Damaged during Cyclone Tauktae, it now runs on a rebuilt 2.3-km track. Set to reopen this monsoon, the eco-friendly ride blends nostalgia with nature and sustainability.

Amid rising respiratory illnesses, the Maharashtra government has directed the BMC to close all 51 kabootar khanas in Mumbai. Following this, the BMC has intensified its crackdown on pigeon feeding, imposing ₹61,900 in fines across 114 cases from June 19 to July 12. H-West and G-North wards had the highest violations, with social workers calling for increased penalties due to health risks from pigeon droppings.

The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, a key fixture of Indian cinema for nearly 30 years, has been cancelled for 2025. Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur announced a revamp for 2026 with a new vision and team. This marks the festival's first cancellation due to financial struggles, worsened by Reliance Jio’s withdrawal as sponsor.

Mumbai's ultra-luxury real estate market hit a record ₹14,750 crore in home sales (₹10 crore and above) in H1 2025, marking an 11% increase from H1 2024, according to India Sotheby’s and CRE Matrix. Sales for the 12-month period totalled ₹28,750 crore, with the ₹20–40 crore segment seeing a 138% rise. Primary sales made up 75%, with Worli leading the market.

Kevin Hart will make his highly anticipated India debut on September 21 at the NSCI Dome as part of his "Acting My Age" tour. After a cancelled Delhi show, Hart promises an unforgettable performance full of sharp wit, humour, and storytelling. Presented by District by Zomato, tickets go on sale July 31, with pre-sale starting July 29 for HSBC cardholders.

Maharashtra has launched its first glass skywalk above Napne Waterfall in Sindhudurg, 500 km from Mumbai. Part of the Sindhuratna Tourism initiative, the ₹99.63 lakh skywalk offers stunning views of the waterfall. The structure, made of high-strength glass with arch railings, is accessed via wooden-style stairs. A butterfly sculpture at the entrance is a popular selfie spot.

To reclaim Mumbai's status as India's top filming destination, the BMC has streamlined the film permit process by offering civic-owned properties for shoots. Backed by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, the initiative includes unique locations like the Textile Museum and Girgaum Chowpatty. With 17 sites approved, the BMC aims to expand monthly, revitalising Mumbai’s appeal for local and international productions.

Mumbai's 28-acre Shivaji Park is set for a heritage-themed beautification by the BMC, including a revamped jogging track, seating, and improved lighting. Key upgrades include restoring heritage structures like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, new tree guards, and Bermuda grass to reduce dust pollution. The project, starting in late 2025, will involve community input and be completed by June 2026.

The University of Bristol has received approval from India’s UGC to open its first international campus in Mumbai by 2026. Proposed to be located near central Mumbai, it will offer programs in data science, economics, AI, and immersive arts, with scholarships under its Think Big initiative.