Maharashtra Politics & Governance

Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link inaugurated

1 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Mumbai–Pune Expressway Missing Link on Maharashtra Day. The new route, developed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, includes tunnels and a cable-stayed bridge; access for traffic began in stages, with the initial directional availability changing in subsequent reports.

The link bypasses the Khandala Ghat section. A journey-time saving of about 30 minutes was projected, rather than established as a measured outcome.

Key Facts

• The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), a state-government-owned company, develops, builds and maintains roads across Maharashtra.
• The Missing Link was designed to bypass congestion and hazardous, landslide-prone Khandala Ghat sections.

Digital Census self-enumeration begins in Maharashtra

1 May 2026

Maharashtra began the digital self-enumeration phase of the 2027 Census on 1 May, allowing households to submit information through the official portal until 15 May. The portal issues an 11-digit self-enumeration ID, which households are to show enumerators for verification during their visit.

In Nagpur, door-to-door house-listing work was scheduled for 16 May to 14 June. The self-enumeration portal was available in 16 languages.

Key Facts

• Self-enumeration lets households enter census information online; enumerators later verify and confirm submissions using the household’s SE ID.

Western Railway expands AC and 15-coach services

1 May 2026

Western Railway introduced 12 additional AC local services from 1 May, taking the reported total from 133 to 145. The change replaced 12 non-AC services with AC services.

The railway also scheduled 17 services using 15-coach trains, including eight on the Virar–Dahanu route, expanding the number of longer trains on the suburban network.

Key Facts

• Longer suburban train formations help address overcrowding; 15-coach trains were introduced on Mumbai’s network in 2009.

Maharashtra HSC results record an 89.79% pass rate

2 May 2026

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education announced a pass rate of 89.79% for the 2026 HSC examinations. Konkan division recorded the highest pass rate at 94.14%, while Latur had the lowest at 84.14%. Girls’ pass rate was 93.15%, compared with 86.80% for boys.

Key Facts

• MSBSHSE is Maharashtra’s statutory, autonomous board responsible for conducting SSC and HSC examinations.

Maharashtra to include mothers’ names in school records

2 May 2026

Maharashtra decided that, from the coming academic year, students’ names in school records will include the mother’s name after the student’s name and before the father’s name and surname. The change is to apply to documents including attendance registers, result records and school-leaving certificates. The policy also provides for records to reflect the circumstances of children with separated or divorced parents and adopted children.

Key Facts

• The policy aims to recognise mothers’ contributions, promote gender equality and support social balance.

Maharashtra voter-list revision completes 66.82% of pre-scrutiny work

2 May 2026

Maharashtra’s voter-list revision process had completed 66.82% of its pre-scrutiny work, according to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office. Mapping had been completed for about 6.56 crore of the state’s 9.88 crore voters, with Booth Level Officers carrying out the exercise using the 2002 electoral roll as a reference. Nandurbar reported the highest district progress at 73.33%, followed by Gadchiroli at 70.91%.

Key Facts

• The revision aims to include every eligible voter and remove ineligible names from electoral rolls.

PMRDA sets deadline for Hinjawadi-area pre-monsoon drainage work

2 May 2026

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) set 31 May as the deadline for pre-monsoon work in the Hinjawadi–Maan IT Park area. It directed the National Highways Authority of India, MIDC, PMRDA, gram panchayats and the Irrigation Department to coordinate, clear and deepen or widen main drains, and remove encroachments.

Key Facts

• PMRDA is the statutory planning and development authority for the Pune Metropolitan Region.

Hadapsar–Banaras Amrit Bharat Express scheduled to begin daily service

2 May 2026

A daily Hadapsar–Banaras Amrit Bharat Express service was scheduled to begin on 4 May. The published timetable listed a 7:50 am departure from Hadapsar and arrival in Banaras the following day, with stops including Ahilyanagar, Manmad, Bhusawal, Itarsi, Prayagraj Junction and Gyanpur Road.

Key Facts

• Amrit Bharat Express offers low-cost, non-air-conditioned sleeper and unreserved travel on long-distance routes.

Weekly Akola–Tirupati Express service begins

3 May 2026

The weekly Akola–Tirupati–Akola Express service ...