Stay informed about Mumbai’s latest developments, from the doubling of airfares on Mumbai routes, resulting from the cancellation of 200 flights to the renovation of 19 suburban railway stations. Keep up with the city’s news with our Mumbai News Roundup.
City records AQI of 66, first time since October
Mumbai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 66 on Thursday, deemed satisfactory by CPCB standards, for the first time since October 2023. 19 out of 22 monitoring stations reported air quality ranging from good to satisfactory, while the remaining three showed moderate levels. Key areas like Vile Parle and Kandivali recorded the best AQI readings. This improvement, attributed to weather changes and enforcement actions against violators, signifies a positive trend compared to past months.
Ikea India to close R-City Mall store by mid 2024
IKEA India plans to close its R-City Mall outlet in Mumbai by mid-year, streamlining operations to focus on Ikea Worli, Ikea Navi Mumbai, and online channels. The decision stems from challenges in providing the complete brand experience due to layout limitations at the mall. Employees will be redeployed, reflecting IKEA’s commitment to a more efficient retail model and continued investment in Mumbai’s development and employment prospects.
Mumbai Flight cancellations spark 193% surge in airfares
Airfares on Mumbai routes doubled due to the cancellation of 200 flights, with prices soaring by 193%. IndiGo suffered the most, canceling 110 flights. Mumbai flights now serve 12 destinations, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Goa, Kolkata, Mangaluru, Tiruchirappalli, Durgapur, Kannur, and Darbhanga.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation intervened due to congestion issues, leading to reduced flights. the authorities cited excessive slot distribution and non-adherence as causes, emphasizing public safety and operational efficiency.
MMRC to generate biogas power from wet waste
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) plans to use biogas to illuminate LT Market at Grant Road, for the betterment of the city. A contract has been granted for a bio-methanation plant with a capacity of 1.5 TPD to convert municipal organic waste into electricity. This initiative, in partnership with the BMC, is in line with environmental regulations for the Kalbadevi-Girgaon building redevelopment, aiming to generate clean energy, handle organic waste, and diminish greenhouse gas emissions. Aerocare Aviation Services Ltd. will handle the installation and maintenance of the project.
19 Mumbai suburban railway stations set for makeover
In Mumbai, 19 suburban railway stations will undergo aesthetic and amenity improvements under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This initiative covers 8 Western Railway and 11 Central Railway stations, with Prime Minister inaugurating the project on February 26 via video link. Maharashtra’s record budget allocation of ₹15,554 crore aims to develop 56 world-class stations, including those on the Western Railway with a total project cost of ₹4,886 crores.
