From Monorail upgrades reducing wait times with 18 new trains by August 2025 to Mumbai’s iconic CST ringing in 2025 with midnight train honks. Catch up with the latest updates of the city with this News Roundup.
Over 17,800 Mumbai drivers penalised on NYE, ₹89 Lakh collected
On New Year’s Eve, over 17,800 motorists in Mumbai were penalised for traffic violations, more than double the previous year’s 8,678. This included 333 cases of drunk driving, resulting in ₹89.19 lakh in fines. Areas like Navi Mumbai and MBVV saw significant penalties, with 488 and 266 violations, respectively. A total of 46,143 motorists were checked, with various offenses such as speeding and parking violations also recorded.
Mumbai’s iconic CST welcomed 2025 with midnight train honks
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus echoed with a symphony of train horns, delighting commuters and rail enthusiasts. A viral video showed trains honking in unison as the clock struck 12, with onlookers clapping and capturing the moment on their phones. This long-standing tradition, organised by railway officials, continues to be a highlight for many, with social media hailing it as a unique celebration.
Monorail upgrades to slash waiting times with 18 new trains by Aug 2025
Starting August 2025, Mumbai Monorail will operate twice the number of trains, halving the wait time for commuters. The improvement will begin gradually in April, with 18 trains running instead of the current 8. The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) will overhaul its fleet, adding 10 new trains. The plan includes refurbishing the existing trains and installing upgraded technology like Communication-Based Train Control. The completion of Metro 3 by July 2025 will further boost ridership and service efficiency.
Coastal Road set for 2025 launch with two fire stations & speed detection cameras
The BMC plans to build two fire stations on reclaimed land along Mumbai’s Coastal Road to ensure faster emergency response. The 10.58-km road, reducing travel time from 50 to 12 minutes, will fully open on January 26, 2025. To address noise pollution and over-speeding complaints, the BMC will deploy patrolling vans, install dividers, and oversee signage. Speed detection cameras are expected to be operational by May 2025.
Mumbai Suburban Stations to get smarter escalators by early 2025
Central Railway (CR) will install advanced digital sensors on 164 escalators across its main and harbour lines to reduce frequent stoppages, with installation expected to finish by early 2025. The sensors will allow remote restarts, cutting downtime from 25-30 minutes to 2-5 minutes. A study revealed 128 stoppages per escalator monthly, mostly due to misuse of the emergency stop button. The new IoT system aims to enhance commuter convenience, reduce delays, and improve accessibility.
New Year brings above-normal temperatures to Mumbai, AQI still a concern
Mumbai welcomed the new year with above-normal temperatures, with the minimum temperature soaring to over 20°C, nearly 4°C above normal. The IMD forecasts a significant rise in daytime temperatures, reaching 36-37°C in the coming days, while night-time temperatures may drop to 16-17°C due to northerly winds. Despite pleasant weather, Mumbai’s air quality remains a concern, with the AQI at 101, classified as ‘poor.’ The city is set for sunny days ahead, with no major changes expected.
