From Mumbai’s first dip of the season at 19.6°C to the centenary celebration of Art Deco with Art Deco Alive!, here’s your weekly roundup of the city’s biggest moments. Catch up on all the latest news and happenings in this week’s edition of Mumbai updates!
BMC trials Lidar-Based system to combat waterlogging in Mumbai’s flood zones
To combat waterlogging in Mumbai’s flood-prone areas, BMC will trial a new Lidar-based waterlogging detection system at six key locations, including Hindmata, Gandhi Market, and Malad Subway. If successful, it may be integrated with IoT devices to trigger automatic flood mitigation measures. Each system costs around ₹3-3.5 lakh, with the trial aimed at improving flood management during extreme rainfall events.
NMMC flags 513 unsafe buildings, urges structural audits before March 2026
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has identified 513 unsafe buildings and urged residents of aging structures to complete mandatory structural audits by March 2026. Under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, buildings over 30 years old must undergo audits by licensed engineers. Non-compliance could lead to fines. This initiative aims to prevent building collapses and improve safety in the city’s older areas.
BMC to increase penguin capacity at Byculla Zoo with ₹1 Cr expansion
To accommodate the growing penguin population at Mumbai’s Ranibaug (Byculla Zoo), the BMC plans to expand the existing penguin enclosure. Currently housing 21 penguins, the facility can only hold 25. The expansion will increase capacity to 40 by adding 800 sq. ft. to the enclosure. The project, costing ₹1 crore, will begin in monsoon 2026, coinciding with lower zoo footfall.
Art Deco Alive! Exhibition opens in Mumbai to celebrate 100 Years
Mumbai marks the centenary of Art Deco with Art Deco Alive!, a cross-continental exhibition celebrating the global design movement. The exhibition, running until November 25 at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, explores Mumbai’s unique Art Deco heritage, from cinema halls like Regal and Eros to hotels and petrol stations. It showcases rare Deco artefacts, iconic structures, and the architects behind Mumbai’s Deco landmarks, blending local elements with international design.
MMRDA begins work on ₹2,682-Cr elevated corridor connecting Chembur to Thane
The MMRDA has started work on a ₹2,682-crore, 13.9 km elevated corridor, extending the Eastern Freeway from Chheda Nagar near Chembur to Anand Nagar in Thane. The project aims to provide a signal-free route between South Mumbai and Thane, reducing commute time to 20-25 minutes. Construction is expected to take four years, with preliminary work already underway.
Mumbai sees first dip below 20°C this season
Mumbai’s minimum temperature dipped below 20°C for the first time this season, reaching 19.6°C on November 9, marking a 2.3°C drop below normal. This drop, caused by northerly winds and snowfall in northern India, is expected to continue, with temperatures potentially falling further. The cooler weather has also led to a rise in air pollution, with Sewri recording an AQI of 250, categorised as “poor.”
IIT Bombay sees sudden decline in QS Asia Rankings, falling to 71st
IIT Bombay saw a significant drop in the QS World University Asia rankings for 2026, falling from 48th to 71st, despite improving performance in key areas like employer reputation and paper per faculty. While the institute’s scores increased across several metrics, its overall rank declined by 23 places. This follows a broader trend of IIT Bombay’s decline, which also included a drop in the global rankings earlier this year.
Mumbai’s next big move! Work begins on 70-km tunnel road linking BKC, Coastal Road & Airport
