Mumbai's iconic red BEST buses may turn yellow
If a new proposed design is approved, Mumbai's red BEST buses may soon turn white with yellow stripes. The design, as well as a new logo being considered, came from JJ Institute of Applied Art. The BEST administration has also proposed WiFi-enabled buses, with 4,014 routers in buses and at some stations. Read what else is happening in Mumbai.
Only 25% blame lies with drunk driver in accidents: Tribunal
In a bizarre case, a tribunal has awarded Rs 38.1 lakh compensation to kin of a drunk biker who died in a 2008 accident, saying the BMC truck driver who hit the two-wheeler "was duty-bound to control his vehicle". It also ruled only 25% of the blame lies on the drunk driver. The victim's family had alleged the speeding truck was being driven rashly.
EC to display criminal cases of candidates in polling booths
In a first, the Maharashtra Election Commission has decided to display banners outside polling booths during the local civic body elections, carrying names of all candidates and criminal cases against them. The municipal corporation polls in the state, including elections for the PMC and BMC, will be held on February 21. Results will be declared on February 23.
Zakir Naik's close aide arrested over transaction of illegal cash
Aamir Gazdar, a close aide of Zakir Naik, has been arrested for allegedly managing transaction of illegal cash. He has been in regular touch with the televangelist after he left the country. An Enforcement Directorate official said Gazdar was pretending to be the director of six dummy companies. Naik's speeches allegedly influenced attackers in the July 2016 Dhaka shootout, Bangladesh's worst terror attack.
Suburban rail fares may undergo major revision
Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation has proposed upto 50% price cuts on first-class tickets, and upto 100% hikes on second-class fares. Segregation of lines on the Central and Western Railway into four zones has also been recommended, with fares being calculated zone-wise and not distance-wise. Changing lines will get costlier. Rs 1,500 and Rs 500 monthly season tickets have been suggested for first-class and second-class.
Mumbai public transport to suffer on polling day
Mumbai's public transport system is likely to take a hit from February 19-21, as 3,056 taxis, 292 BEST buses and 115 SUVs have been reassigned for election duties. However, BMC has actually requested 750 buses, depending on need. The Mumbai Taximen Union has been offered Rs 2,000/day, while BEST will get Rs 4,000-7,000. Trucks and tempos may be hired at Rs 2,800-3,800.
Three smugglers with gold in rectums held at Mumbai Airport
In a rare case, two women along with a man have been arrested at the Mumbai Airport while attempting to smuggle gold in their rectums. The women were found to be carrying 450gm gold worth Rs 13.65 lakh in their rectums, while 270gm gold worth Rs 8.2 lakh was recovered from the man's rectum. The repeat offenders were paid Rs 10,000-20,000 for each assignment.
High-rise societies on Thane's GB Road take up civic work
Civic apathy has motivated residents of upscale societies in Thane's Highway 42 to take up work themselves, including maintenance of roads and waste management. Some, like Hiranandani Estate, have resorted to conducting the duties themselves, while others, like Waghbil Village, have demanded their election candidates take care of it. Narrow roads, lack of safety signage boards and inadequate public transport connectivity hound many localities.
