Kind, soft-spoken, and down-to-earth, that’s how neighbours and friends describe Saineeta Chakravarti, one of the ten cabin crew members on board the ill-fated Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people. mid-day visited Juhu Koliwada, where Saineeta — fondly known as Pinky — had lived for over a decade. As we walked through the narrow lanes of the Koliwada, lined with tightly packed ground-plus-two and three-storey homes, all anyone could talk about was the heartbreaking loss of their beloved Pinky. The tragedy has left the community in disbelief. “She always had a smile on her face whenever we met her,” said a neighbour. “You couldn’t help but feel warm around her.” A friend in grief Her friend and former colleague, Selva Kumar, was present at her residence, comforting her family during this unimaginable time. “I’m from Puducherry and have known her for four years. She later moved to Air India, and I joined too. She was one of the kindest, most humble people I’ve ever met. Always positive,” he told mid-day. Rema Chakravarti (seated), mother of Saineeta, being consoled by neighbours at their Juhu Koliwada home. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi Selva last spoke to her at 10 am on Friday, just before she boarded the plane. Since her mother wasn’t comfortable using WhatsApp, Saineeta had asked Selva to keep her parents updated about her flights. “She said she’d call me once she landed in London so I could inform her mother,” he said, his voice breaking. “Since yesterday [June 12], none of us can believe she’s gone.” Devoted daughter, sister When mid-day reached her house, neighbours had gathered to console her mother, Rema Chakravarti, and her father, Abin Chakravarti, both in deep shock over the loss of their precious daughter. Saineeta was the elder sibling; her younger sister is married and lives in another state. Jyoti Jagtap, a neighbour, said, “Just a few days ago, I saw her with my little daughter. She was so fond of her. She used to say, ‘One day, your daughter will fly too, just like me.’ She had such a beautiful soul. Since the crash, I can’t get her smile out of my head.” Another neighbour shared that the Chakravarti family was known and respected in the locality. “They were one of the most decent, warm families here. Everyone loved them.” Joseph Pereira, a long-time neighbour, said, “The whole locality is in shock. We never imagined this. She was passionate about her work, and so simple and kind. It’s a loss not just for her family, but for all of us.”
14 June,2025 07:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Ranjeet JadhavDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for June 14. Aries March 21 – April 20Reply promptly to communication, being mindful about language and what is keyed in. Quality of work continues being excellent. Cosmic tip: Don’t be assertive beyond a point. Letting go is sometimes better. Taurus April 21 – May 20The Tarot favours new beginnings in business, partnerships or diversification of the present business.Cosmic tip: Aim for the top post, keeping growth in the organisation in focus. GeminiMay 21 – June 21Think carefully before making any commitment you may not be able to honour on the day and time agreed to. Drive exceedingly carefully.Cosmic tip: Go for a check-up if suffering from migraines. Cancer June 22 – July 23A slow karmic cycle is frustrating since there’s quick invasion of more to be done immediately, leaving aside what’s important. Cosmic tip: Verbalise only half of what you want to communicate. Leo July 24 - Aug 23It’s good to be aware of yourself with self-analysis, but not at work. Long term planning brings gradual results, which you don’t mind (slow and steady is better)..Cosmic tip: Take care of health. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23There’s a raise in salary for some. Be detached about a new business deal which is taking too long for closure. Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet.. Cosmic tip: Stay away from making impulse purchases. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Singles enter a karmic cycle of meeting someone new who is surprisingly easy to get along with. Avoid eating oily and spicy food.Cosmic tip: Recheck facts and figures before pointing it out. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Clarity about what you really want is important, especially when making a decision which can be life-changing. Cosmic tip: Focus on practical aspects and issues. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22Trusting with eyes open is better than doing so indiscriminately. A potential relationship is confusing. Cosmic tip: Be patient with those who take time to assimilate information. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Not allowing emotions to cloud thinking is a wise mindset to hold on to. Complete whatever work you can in this slow karmic cycle.Cosmic tip: Remember, life doesn’t wait for anyone. Seize the day now. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Handle documents or a legal matter with careful concentration. Meeting certain friends after a long gap seems more like a lesson in philosophy.. Cosmic tip: Take a stand if you feel so strongly about it. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Expressing nurturing qualities effectively helps steer a relationship into a calmer karmic cycle..Cosmic tip: Say what’s needed without being extraordinarily blunt.
14 June,2025 03:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseA vehicle skidded and overturned in the Mumbai Coastal Road Tunnel on Friday, around 7.30 pm, amid rainfall. Right after the impact, both the airbags of the vehicle deployed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by mid-day (@middayindia) The driver, identified only by his surname, Sonawane, is a food inspector. He was wearing the seatbelt at the time of the accident, which helped in preventing a serious injury. He was rescued with only minor injuries, according to officials privy to the matter. A team from the Taxi Squad of the Mumbai Central Regional Transport Office (RTO), which happened to be just behind the vehicle, immediately used the emergency landline inside the tunnel to alert the control room and request an ambulance and towing van. Sonawane later thanked the team for their prompt assistance. The team also ensured that no panic ensued in the tunnel and managed the traffic flow effectively, preventing congestion. Once the towing van arrived at the spot, the overturned car was flipped and towed out of the tunnel.
13 June,2025 11:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram KavatturOne person was killed and seven others were injured in a fire that broke out at a food store near the Makhdoom Shah Dargah on Cadel Road in Mahim on Friday evening, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) disaster management department. Eight injured people were rushed to Sion Hospital by locals, before the Mumbai Fire Brigade reached the spot. Among them, one was declared brought dead, another person is in critical condition, and the remaining six are in stable condition. The victim has been identified as 38-year-old Noor Alam. The injured include Pravin Pujari, 34, who is in a critical condition, as well as Mukesh Gupta, 34; Shiv Mohan, 24; Deepali Godatkar, 24; Sana Shaikh, 25; Shridevi Bandichhode, 31, and Kamlesh Jaiswal, 22. The fire was reported at 6.17 pm and was doused within 25 minutes, by 6.40 pm. A cylinder blast was also reported during this time. According to information from the Fire Brigade's control room, one water tanker and two fire engines were pressed into service.
13 June,2025 10:36 PM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentA Thane-bound Mumbai local train was detained at Ghatkopar station on Friday evening after a passenger, attempting to de-board, got caught between the train and the platform. The incident occurred at 8.02 pm, during the peak-hour rush, causing a delay for all trains behind. The line was cleared by 8.11 pm, restoring normal operations. A spokesperson from Central Railway (CR) confirmed the incident, stating, "The passenger was attempting to de-board the moving train and sustained injuries. He has been taken to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment."
13 June,2025 09:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarChief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the public opening of the new Vikhroli Road Overbridge (ROB) on Saturday from 4 pm. "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has completed the very important 615-metre bridge connecting Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg in Vikhroli to the Eastern Expressway, heartiest congratulations to them! During the monsoon season, often, there are traffic jams on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, causing inconvenience to commuters. Considering this, I, along with my colleagues, Deputy Chief Minister Eknathrao Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar, have decided to open this bridge for citizens without waiting for any official ceremony," Fadnavis said. "When I was the Chief Minister, I had ordered this work in 2018. A total of Rs 104.77 crore was spent on it. In order to avoid any inconvenience to Mumbaikars during monsoon, we have instructed the municipal commissioner and the police to open this bridge for traffic from 4 pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025," Fadnavis added. विक्रोळी येथील लालबहादूर शास्त्री मार्गापासून पूर्व द्रुतगती मार्गाला जोडणारा अत्यंत महत्त्वाचा 615 मीटरचा पूल मुंबई महानगरपालिकेने पूर्ण केला, त्यांचे मनःपूर्वक अभिनंदन!पावसाळ्याच्या कालावधीमध्ये लालबहादूर शास्त्री मार्गावर बऱ्याच वेळा वाहतूक कोंडी होते, नागरिकांना गैरसोयीचा… pic.twitter.com/oI45OChRBV — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) June 13, 2025 The work on the bridge was carried out under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and the leadership of Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar. The construction of the flyover was completed by the target date of May 31. The Vikhroli ROB will connect LBS Marg in Vikhroli West with the Eastern Express Highway in Vikhroli East, enhancing the city’s connectivity and reducing travel time significantly. The structure has a total length of 615 metres and a width of 12 metres. The BMC constructed 565 metres of the ROB while the remaining 50 metres was built by the Indian Railways. A total of seven piers were installed by the Railways, weighing 655 tonnes, while 2,142 tonnes of concrete were poured for the piers constructed by the BMC. The length of these piers ranges from 25 to 30 metres. In all, 18 piers were built in three phases. Out of the 19 total pillars supporting the flyover, 12 were built on the eastern side and seven on the western side. Work on the approach roads, including concrete, mastic, noise barriers, anti-crash barriers, painting, and line marking, has also been completed, ensuring the flyover is ready for use. Additionally, the Mumbai civic body's Roads and Traffic Department has constructed a designated traffic bay on the western side of the flyover.
13 June,2025 09:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarThe National Burns Center, a specialised centre for the treatment of burn-related injuries in Navi Mumbai, has kept 20 beds ready in view of the crash of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, a senior official said. "Considering the seriousness of the Ahmedabad-London flight crash incident, we have kept 20 beds ready on our own," said Dr Sunil Keswani, medical director and secretary of the Indian Burns Research Society. "We have yet to receive any request about keeping beds ready," he said, adding the centre can prepare another 20 beds within an hour's notice. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has a 50-bed burns ward, he said.
13 June,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesBhumi Chauhan, a UK-based woman visiting India, is thanking God and her stars for missing the ill-fated Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad as she got stuck in heavy traffic and reached the airport late. Chauhan said she missed boarding the AI 171 flight to London, which crashed soon after taking off on Thursday afternoon from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, by just 10 minutes, reported news agency PTI. She was in Ahmedabad for the first time after moving to the UK two years ago. "I am shivering after I learnt about the crash. I left the airport at 1.30 pm as I missed the flight due to traffic. I thank God," Chauhan told Republic TV, reported news agency PTI. She said she was in India for vacation and scheduled to go back to London on the flight which took off at 1.39 pm and crashed into a medical college complex near the Ahmedabad airport and burst into a ball of fire less than a minute after take-off. "The flight was on time and I missed it and I thank God. My prayers for all those who were on board," she said, reported PTI. Chauhan said she is devastated by India's worst air disaster, which claimed 265 lives. "Couldn't believe how I was saved": Miracle survivor of Ahmedabad plane crash narrates horrific tale of escaping death The lone survivor of the Ahmedabad plane crash, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who miraculously escaped death, shared his horrific experience on Friday, moments after interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In an interview with Doordarshan, he narrated the incident and said that his seat, 11-A, was situated in a part of the plane that had landed on the ground floor of the building, which it had crashed into. Vishwash, who is a British Citizen of Indian origin, then removed his seat belt and came out of the aircraft, adding that his left hand was burned when fire erupted. Sharing the horrific experience, he said that all he saw were the bodies of passengers and crew members. Vishwash said, "The side where I was sitting wasn't on the hostel side, it was the ground floor of the hostel. I don't know about others, but the place I was sitting that portion landed on the ground floor, and there was some space. As soon as my door broke, I saw that there was some space, and then I tried to get out, and I got out. There was a building wall on the opposite side, and the plane had crashed completely on that side, so probably that is why nobody could get out from that side. There was space only where I was. I don't know how I survived. When the fire broke out, my left hand also got burned. Then I was admitted to the hospital. People here are treating me well. People are very nice here." Vishwash's survival is no less than a miracle. For some time, he had thought that he would also die, but miraculously escaped death. (With PTI inputs)
13 June,2025 03:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCentral Railway’s Mumbai Division will carry out a mega block on its suburban sections this Sunday, June 15, to facilitate essential engineering and maintenance works. Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly as several local train services will be affected during this period. As per the statement issued by Central Railway’s Public Relations Department, the mega block will be implemented on the CSMT Mumbai–Vidyavihar Up and Down slow lines from 10:55 am to 3:55 pm. During this time, Down slow services departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai between 10:48 am and 3:45 pm will be diverted onto the Down fast line between CSMT and Vidyavihar, halting at Byculla, Parel, Dadar, Matunga, Sion and Kurla before returning to the Down slow line at Vidyavihar. Similarly, Up slow services departing from Ghatkopar between 10:19 am and 3:52 pm will run on the Up fast line between Vidyavihar and CSMT, stopping at Kurla, Sion, Matunga, Dadar, Parel and Byculla. In addition, the Panvel–Vashi Up and Down Harbour lines will be blocked from 11:05 am to 4:05 pm, excluding the Port line. Consequently, Up Harbour line services for CSMT leaving Panvel from 10:33 am to 3:49 pm and Down Harbour line services to Panvel and Belapur leaving CSMT from 9:45 am to 3:12 pm will remain cancelled. Trans-Harbour line services towards Thane leaving Panvel from 11:02 am to 3:53 pm and services towards Panvel leaving Thane from 10:01 am to 3:20 pm will also be cancelled. However, special local trains will run on the CSMT–Vashi route during the block period, and Trans-Harbour line services will be available between Thane and Vashi or Nerul. Port line services will continue to operate as usual. Railway authorities have appealed to passengers to bear with the inconvenience, stressing that these maintenance blocks are crucial for infrastructure upkeep and the safety of train operations.
13 June,2025 03:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen Sandhurst Road Station Manager Vinayak Shewale leaves his Parel home each morning for work, he’s already thinking about what his next “thought of the day” will be, just like he used to in school. For the past two years, Shewale has been diligently updating a green board inside the station with a fresh thought or slogan every single day. What started as a personal initiative has now become a daily ritual for many Mumbai commuters, who eagerly read and even share the board’s messages on their social media before heading to work. The quotes aren’t lofty philosophical musings, but practical, meaningful messages — public service slogans, motivational lines, and reminders on civic duties. What has won hearts is the consistency and sincerity behind it. With quiet focus, Shewale writes out the day’s thought , a habit that has turned into a heartfelt ritual for Mumbai’s rail users Asked what inspired the idea, Shewale says it stemmed from his daily experiences as a station master. “We are often the first to reach the site in case of accidents or mishaps. I’ve seen victims in pain, broken limbs, and traumatised passengers. It made me want to communicate, to counsel in some way. These messages became my way of doing that. It also helps maintain the distinct identity of Sandhurst Road station,” Shewale told mid-day. He admits he never imagined it would catch on. “Mumbai commuters are always in a rush. I thought nobody would stop to read it. In the beginning, very few did. But then we added some visual art to the board and kept at it. Over time, people started noticing. Now, if we ever miss updating it, regulars come and ask why. That’s when I realised it had truly become part of their routine.” Some of the messages on the board. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi The topics range from women’s safety, water conservation, and environmental awareness to reminders about fuel-saving and national observances. Sachin Nalawade, a commuter from Lalbaug, said, “I read his board every day and share it in my WhatsApp groups. He even sends updates about weekend mega blocks — always a day in advance — which is incredibly helpful.” Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer Dr Swapnil Nila, lauded the initiative: “It’s a great way to promote public service messages. All our staff are encouraged to stay connected with passengers and build goodwill wherever possible.”
13 June,2025 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarCatchment areas received some rain on Thursday; water stock in seven lakes that supply drinking water to Mumbai is currently at 9.5 per cent
13 June,2025 11:47 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentADVERTISEMENT
