Mumbai Diary

The Kanheri caves in North Mumbai are known to have been developed some 2,000 years ago for Buddhist monks. Archeology enthusiasts have found several more caves in different areas in the past few years. Nala Sopara on Mumbai’s western suburban line too was a major Buddhist centre during the
Mumbai Diary

Buddhism circuit near Maximum City
The Kanheri caves in North Mumbai are known to have been developed some 2,000 years ago for Buddhist monks. Archeology enthusiasts have found several more caves in different areas in the past few years. Nala Sopara on Mumbai’s western suburban line too was a major Buddhist centre during the Ashoka era. The then harbor of Shoorparak was crucial in India’s trade with Arabia, Africa, Egypt and Rome. All these places are likely to be linked in a chain to develop a Buddhish Tourism Circuit around Mumbai. The Maharashtra government has already taken up the task. The Pagoda at Gorai, where 10,000 people can meditate at any given time, is an added attraction.

Trains to gain speed, commuters to benefit 
If Central and Western Railway officials are to be believed, the suburban railway service - often called lifeline of the city - will become speedier in the near future. While the speed on Panvel-Mankhurd stretch of the harbour line is expected to go up from 85 kmph to 105 kmph, the speed on the Churchgate-Virar stretch will be raised from 70 kmph to 90 kmph. Apart from reducing the travelling time, the increased speed will be supplemented with special measures to avoid other routine problems such as the signal or the OHE failure that causes delays in the services, the officials said.

Politics over Mumbai’s ‘real’ heritage
The issue of Mumbai’s heritage propped up recently after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to take up a section of road leading to the Gateway of India for ‘Heritage Work’. The civic body was involved in the restoration of several British-era structures for past some time. But, for the first time, a composite plan to restore all structures in an area has come up in this form. However, the CPI has opposed the proposal, saying the ‘real heritage’ of Mumbai needs to be restored and not the British structures. By real heritage, the CPI wants the BMC to highlight the heritage of the freedom struggle and the Samyukta Maharashta Movement. It needs to be seen who supports the CPI in this demand.

Majidi shares movie shooting experience 
Iranian film-maker Majid Majidi was in Mumbai recently to promote his upcoming film ‘Beyond The Clouds’. The film which stars Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan in the lead roles, opened the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November, is now all set for a worldwide release on April 20. It captures the numerous moods and shades of Mumbai life in a typical Majidian style, critiques have said. About 90% of the film was shot at various Mumbai locations, including the crowded Dhobi Ghat and the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminous. “You’ll be able to see the city like never before in this film,” Majidi said after screening of the trailer.

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