May has been all about important updates—from WAVES 2025 Summit to BEST buses now trackable in real-time on Google Maps. Here’s a quick recap of all the key updates!
WAVES 2025 kicked off with star-studded line-up and global creators
The 4-day WAVES 2025 summit began on May 1 at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre, set to become the event’s permanent home. Featuring stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, it gathered 10,000+ delegates from 90+ countries. Highlights included 42 sessions, 32 masterclasses, and the interactive “Bharat Pavilion” showcasing India’s entertainment evolution.
Mumbai real estate hits 13-Year April high
Mumbai’s real estate market saw its best April in 13 years with 12,142 registrations, a 4% rise YoY driven by premium homes (₹2 crore+), which made up 25% of sales. Despite a 6% revenue dip, ₹990 crore was added to the state exchequer. Experts cite policy stability, infrastructure growth, and rising end-user demand for the surge.
LTIMindtree, IIM Mumbai Launch AI-Led CX Program to Bridge Skills Gap
LTIMindtree has teamed up with IIM Mumbai to offer a one-year executive program in AI-led Experience Design, blending online and on-campus learning. Aimed at mid-level professionals, it focuses on AI-powered CX design. CEO Venu Lambu highlights the industry-academia synergy, while IIM Mumbai Director Prof. Tiwari stresses leadership readiness for AI. The move reflects IT firms’ push to upskill talent amid a widening AI gap, with only 42.6% of Indian graduates deemed employable.
Maharashtra extends EV Toll Waiver to Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Maharashtra’s new Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 extends toll exemptions for EVs to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, joining other major expressways with similar waivers. With about 8% of daily users being EVs, the state expects to spend ₹3,000 crore over five years to promote EV adoption. A formal notification and a steering committee are expected soon.
DavaNinja brings rapid medicine delivery to Mumbai
DavaNinja, a digital-first healthcare startup, has launched a medicine delivery app in Mumbai, promising prescription and essential drugs within 60 minutes- 30 minutes in select areas. The app connects users with licensed local pharmacies. CEO Gaurav Lekhrajani says the service ensures timely, accurate prescription access. Expansion to nearby regions is planned soon.
Over 48,000 drivers fined ₹40 Lakh in two weeks
In a two-week crackdown, Mumbai Traffic Police fined over 48,000 auto and taxi drivers, collecting ₹40.25 lakh. The drive, led by Joint Commissioner Anil Kumbhare, mainly targeted refusal to ply issuing 28,814 challans. Offences included overloading, uniform violations, and rash driving. Licence suspensions are underway to improve commuter experience and road discipline.
BEST buses now trackable in real-time on Google Maps
BEST has teamed up with Google Maps to offer real-time bus tracking in Mumbai. Commuters can now check live arrival times, delays, and routes in English, Hindi, and Marathi. With 2,700 buses serving 32 lakh daily passengers, the feature aims to ease travel. Buses will show colour-coded status for better planning.
Mumbai Metro sets national record for WhatsApp Ticketing
Mumbai Metro has set a national benchmark with 19% of tickets now booked via WhatsApp, the highest in India. Launched in October 2024, the QR-code-based system boosts contactless travel and reduces paper use. Lines 2A and 7 recently hit a record 51,991 bookings in a day, highlighting Mumbai’s growing shift toward smart, digital commuting.
Mumbai Airport raises User Development Fees to fund upgrades
From May 16, passengers departing from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will pay higher User Development Fees (UDF). Domestic flyers will be charged ₹175 (up ₹55), while international fares are ₹615 for Economy and ₹695 for Business class. The hike supports upgrades and infrastructure expansion to handle growing passenger traffic.
Mumbai records coldest May morning in over 70 years
Mumbai recorded its coldest May morning in over 70 years on May 8, with temperatures dropping to 22.2°C in Colaba, the lowest since 1881. Santacruz saw its second coldest May day in 40 years at 20.6°C. The sudden chill followed a cold front, accompanied by the wettest May rainfall since 2021.
City bans firecrackers amid security alert post Pahalgam attack
In response to heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack, Mumbai Police have banned firecrackers citywide from May 11 to June 9 under the Maharashtra Police Act. Meanwhile, coastal authorities have issued warnings to fishermen to steer clear of sensitive maritime zones amid security threats, with strict naval enforcement measures in place.
City bans drones, paragliders amid heightened alert
Amid heightened security concerns post-Pahalgam terror attack, Mumbai Police have banned drones, paragliders, and other aerial devices citywide until June 3. The DGCA has declared Mumbai a red zone, making unauthorised drone use illegal.
India’s first e-waste race car launched in Mumbai
Mumbai saw the launch of Recover-E, India’s first race car built entirely from e-waste, by Envision Energy and EARTHDAY.ORG. Assembled using discarded electronics, it promotes eco-conscious innovation and highlights India’s e-waste crisis. Unveiled on Earth Day 2025, the car pushes for greener manufacturing and a shift towards circular economy practices.
MMRC enhances pedestrian safety with new markings at Dadar Metro Junction
To boost pedestrian safety, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has added new road markings at Dadar Metro Station’s entry/exit. A yellow box and pedestrian crossing at Ram Ganesh Gadkari Chowk aim to ease congestion and enhance commuter safety. This is part of broader upgrades across Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) junctions.
BKC to Worli in just 15 minutes on Metro Line 3
The new BKC-Worli underground metro segment (Phase 2A of Line 3) cuts travel time to 15 minutes across 9.77 km, linking key spots like Dharavi and Dadar. With eight trains running every 6.5 minutes from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM, it offers affordable fares (₹10-₹40), free Wi-Fi, and contactless ticketing, boosting ridership and easing Mumbai’s traffic.
Bikaner–Bandra Terminus Express inaugurated
The Bikaner–Bandra Terminus Express (Train No. 04707) had its inaugural run on May 22, 2025. Covering 1,213 km in about 23 hours 25 minutes, it features 18 coaches (16 AC 3 Economy). The fare is ₹1,365, with stops at 19 stations. Regular service began on May 26, following the inaugural run.
Mumbai broke 107-year rain record with unseasonal downpour
Mumbai faced a heavy, unseasonal downpour on May 26, with Colaba recording 135 mm by 8:30 AM, shattering a 107-year-old May record. Severe waterlogging in low-lying areas disrupted Central Railway services, causing significant train delays.
BMC suspends 24 parking contracts in South Mumbai
After a sting exposed overcharging at 60% of Mumbai’s pay-and-park sites, BMC halted contract renewals for 24 private operators in South Mumbai’s A Ward. Parking at these locations is temporarily free while BMC reviews policies and plans to assign management to a single agency for better control. New contractors will be appointed soon.
ONGC strikes major oil and gas discoveries
ONGC has announced two major hydrocarbon discoveries, Suryamani and Vajramani, in the Mumbai Offshore basin, producing over 2,000 barrels of oil and significant gas daily. These finds boost India’s energy output and may reduce oil import dependence. ONGC also reported an onshore discovery in the KG basin and posted a ₹8,856 crore Q4 profit despite earnings dips.
Madh-Versova bridge nears approval
Mumbai’s long-awaited Madh-Versova Bridge, stalled for 58 years, is close to approval after receiving CRZ clearance. The 2.06-km cable-stayed bridge will cut travel time from 90 minutes to 5, improving connectivity for western suburbs. With ₹3,984 crore allocated, construction could begin by October, pending forest clearance.
New 7.5 km sea-facing promenade to open on June 15
BMC will open a 7.5 km, 20-meter-wide sea-facing promenade from Breach Candy to Worli on June 15, designed for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The ₹500 crore CSR-funded project features 70% green space, cycle tracks, seating, and 20 underpasses. Reliance Industries leads the park development, selected for its large-scale expertise.
Cyber crime unit gets a high-tech upgrade
Mumbai’s cyber crime unit has moved from BKC to a new high-tech station in Bandra West, focusing on fraud cases over ₹10 lakh. Equipped with advanced tools, the facility boosts response and investigation capabilities. It’s the city’s first cyber lab in the West region, aiming to curb rising digital scams with faster, smarter action.
Marine Drive gets first wheelchair access
Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive is now wheelchair accessible, thanks to a new ramp near Wankhede Stadium installed by the BMC. Accessibility advocates Siddharth Mhatre and Rahul Ramugade pushed for the change after facing difficulties. More ramps are planned along the promenade as part of the BMC’s wider efforts to improve city-wide accessibility.
IndiGo becomes first mover at NMIA
IndiGo will be the first airline to begin commercial flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport in November 2025, starting with 18 daily flights to 15+ cities. Operations will expand to 140 daily departures, including 30 international routes, by late 2026. The new airport aims to ease congestion and boost India’s aviation growth.
Maharashtra launches India’s first MICE Bureau
Maharashtra has launched India’s first government-backed Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB) at IMEX Frankfurt to promote global MICE events. Headquartered in Mumbai, MCB will spotlight cities like Pune and Nagpur, leveraging top venues like the Jio World Convention Centre. Backed by the 2024 Tourism Policy, it aims to boost business tourism, investment, and global event hosting.
Katra-Mumbai train to speed Kashmir cherries to market
Starting June 3, Indian Railways will launch its first-ever refrigerated cargo train from Katra to Mumbai to transport Kashmir’s cherries faster and more affordably. The pilot service carrying 24 tonnes in 30 hours will offer growers a cost-effective alternative to pricey air freight. However, fixed upfront charges remain a hurdle. If successful, this move could revolutionise cherry logistics in the region.
Worli’s ₹703 crore duplex deal sets new luxury record
Mumbai’s luxury property market just hit a record, with USV Pharma chairperson Leena Gandhi Tewari buying two Worli sea-facing duplexes for ₹703 crore, India’s costliest residential deal yet. Spanning over 22,000 sq. ft., the purchase signals soaring demand among pharma billionaires. Experts say Worli’s limited inventory and sea views are driving this ultra-luxury boom.
New digital IDs for Mumbai Police
To curb rising fraud involving fake police IDs, the Maharashtra government has approved ₹4 crore to issue digital smart cards to all 51,308 Mumbai Police personnel. Featuring QR codes, holograms, and real-time verification via a mobile app, the new system aims to prevent impersonation scams and boost public trust. Rollout will begin soon.
