Why did the Indian security forces and RAW fail to prevent the 26/11 Mumbai attack?

 The Indian Intelligence and RAW received numerous intels of an attack on India but it was the lack of coordination that allowed the 26/11 attacks to happen. Like how it’s shown in Dhurandhar, the 26/11 was supposed to be in September-October 2008 as told by David Headley. But due to logistical delays it got postponed. It’s highly possible that an Indian spy told the Indian Intelligence about the attacks and that’s why it was postponed. In September 2008, RAW intercepted a phone call between the LeT handlers in Pakistan. The conversations explicitly mentioned to attack the sea facing locations in Mumbai. In the same month, the American Intelligence told India about an upcoming target specifically on the Taj Palace, Mumbai. The security was tightened inside the palace but when nothing happened, it was loosened shortly before 26 November. The European intelligence specifically the British intelligence also informed India by tracking Zarrar Shah and Headley’s trail in Europe.

On 19 November, RAW intercepted that a fresh vessel from Karachi was moving towards India however the location of the vessel couldn’t be locked down. Seperate intelligence fragments suggested that LeT was undergoing maritime training in Pakistan. The attacks happened because the intel was separate and the coordination between the RAW, IB and the Mumbai police was never aggregated to deduce an attack on Mumbai. Aftermath the 26/11, in December 2008, the NIA was formed which also dismantled and is handling the case of Kanhaiya Lal. Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI also had a huge a huge hand in 26/11 and for that, Pakistan was heavily condemned. The Al-Qaeda and LeT also were planning to attack Delhi that was supposed to be much worse than 26/11. The 26/11 was a prime example of Pakistan’s bleed India with a thousand cuts as Mumbai is India’s financial capital and derail India’s economic momentum and foreign direct investment. By targeting the foreign nationals in the attacks, Pakistan wanted to cause a conflict between India and other nations and also defame the Hindus by framing the attacks as Hindu terror and to trigger a civil war in India.

What are some lesser known facts about Mumbai Local?

 A standard Mumbai local train is designed to carry 1,700 passengers. During rush hour, it routinely packs in over 4,500—a phenomenon engineers officially call the "Super Dense Crush Load."

Passengers hang from the open doors of a moving Mumbai local train, a common sight during peak hours when compartments reach their maximum crush capacity. Photo by Everhard van Eimeren is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This translates to an astonishing density of 14 to 16 passengers per square meter. To accommodate this intense flow of humanity, the trains operate without closing doors, allowing vital ventilation and enabling passengers to board and alight in seconds. Beyond the crowding, the network holds several quirks, historical firsts, and specialized infrastructure that most outsiders never see.

To protect female commuters from this crushing environment, the Western Railway line introduced the world’s first "Ladies Special" train on May 5, 1992. Entire trains were reserved exclusively for women, a pioneering concept that proved so successful it was quickly adopted across the entire Mumbai network and eventually by other transit systems globally.

The network also caters to the city's informal economy through specialized rolling stock. Certain early-morning trains feature dedicated "fish coaches" for Mumbai’s Koli fisherwomen. These compartments lack standard center seating, providing large, open floor spaces to accommodate massive bamboo baskets of fresh catch. This prevents the strong smell of fish from permeating the standard commuter coaches while ensuring the vendors can transport bulk goods to inland markets affordably.

This same precise infrastructure is the backbone of the famous Dabbawalas. Over 200,000 lunchboxes are delivered daily with a near-perfect Six Sigma accuracy rate (roughly one mistake in six million deliveries), all without modern digital tracking. The entire operation relies on the strict, predictable timetable of the Mumbai local, using specific platform sectors and baggage compartments to move tiffins across the metropolis in total synchronization with the railway's rhythm.

Who was the first don of Mumbai?

Karim Lala (1911–2002) is proverbially known as the first crime lord of Mumbai.

Afghan : He belonged to Kunar province of Afghanistan.

Poverty compelled him to relocate to Mumbai (then Bombay).

He lived in Bhendi Bazaar, an impoverished Muslim dominated area.

Worker : He started his life as a simple dock worker at Mumbai port.

Recovery agent : Later, he became a recovery agent for money lenders and property owners.

His dementor and mannerism made him a curious personality.

Gang : Cops claim that he soon formed a gang of fellow Pathans.

His gang collected money on the behalf of rich tycoons from victims.

Later, it became notorious for extortion business, kidnapping, extortion etc.

Turf : His illicit activities were centered around Muslim dominated areas (Bhindi Bazaar)

He run a durbar ( personal court) for mediation and counselling.

His writ ran large across these areas as many feared him.

Robinhood : Ironically, he was seen as a Robinhood by poor Muslims as he used to help them.

Interestingly, he maintained a good public image among urbane Mumbai.

He was quite friendly with who's who of Mumbai elite.

Movies : Many movies like Gangubai Kathiawaadi, Angaar , Insaaniyat , Once upon a Time in Mumbai have depicted his character.

Facts : But, a tough police action against his gang pushed him into an early retirement.

He later ran hotels and a travel business ; far away from his former life of crime

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What is wrong about Mumbai?

 EVERYTHING !

• Already overpopulated, yet new housing complexes and skyscrapers coming up everywhere

• Horrible Roads. We should lease it to NASA for simulation for riding on Moon or Mars.

• Horrible peak hour traffic.

Overcrowded local trains during peak hours.

• Every Monsoon, we are subject to this.

Inspite of repeated promises from the Municipal Corporation every year before monsoon, that there would be no water logging, we, Mumbaikars, are like this. YEAH RIGHT !

• City bursting at it’s seams and now Mumbai is almost starting to encroach on Lonavala in the near future. We have already encroached on Panvel and beyond.

• Alarming Real Estate prices : For Example : A new residential complex named Vasant Oasis, located just a stone’s throw from where I live. The prices of apartments:

2 Bedroom Hall Kitchen : Rs. 3 Crores + (Almost half million $)

3 Bedroom Hall Kitchen : Rs. 4 Crores + (More than half million $)

• Crumbling Infrastructure and shoddy construction.

This happened during the recent monsoon at a residential complex which was a fairly new construction. And the blame game goes on forever.

I can go on and on with what is wrong with Mumbai, but that being said, having lived in Mumbai all my life, I would never trade places with any other city.

• The variety of food for everyone.

• Awesome Public Transportation.

Local Trains : The City’s Lifeline.

• Mumbai Nightlife

• Has it’s own open spaces and greenery.

• Has it’s own beaches.

Manori Beach

Juhu Beach

Girguam Chowpatty Beach

• The City that never sleeps and is safest for women as compared to most of India.

As I always keep saying:

“Mumbai is like a drug, one whiff of it and you will always keep coming back for more and be addicted for life.”

Pravasi Meet Thanks for the A2A

Pic Credits : Cellphone camera and Google Images

How many beaches are there in Mumbai?

 Mumbai has around 20+ beach including Main Mumbai City and Navi Mumbai small and Major beach

⭐In Mumbai main city

1. Aksa Beach

2. Dana Pani Beach

3. Erangal Beach

4. Chowpatty Beach (Girgaon Chowpatty)

5. Gorai Beach

6. Juhu Beach

7. Madh Island Beach

8. Manori Beach

9. Marve Beach

10. Suruchi Beach (near Vasai Road)

11. Uttan Beach

12. Versova Beach

⭐Near Navi Mumbai

13. Danda Beach

14. Kegav Beach

15. Mankeshwar Beach, Uran

16. Pirwadi Beach

17. Uran Nagav Beach

So overall Juhu, Versova, Aksa, Marve Beach, Girgaon Chowpatty Beach are the prime spot and busier beach during the weekend

Chowpatty Beach, Commonly known as Girgaon Chowpatty, is the iconic public beach in South Mumbai, heart of the city, situated at the northern end of Marine drive, celebrated for its vibrant sunset views cultural significance and bustling street food.

Interesting fact is Juhu Beach spanning around 6 km, Mumbai’s most famous and accessible beach, known for vibrant street food like bhelpuri.

Juhu beach is also known as Beverly Hills of Bollywood because many celebrities visit and frequently spotted this beach due to its proximity from home, entertainment hub. Celebrities often used these cost is scratch for morning jogs or evening strolls.

What is normal in Mumbai, but weird in other places?

 Few Random facts

1. People mind their business.
2. Girls can roam in the city at midnight without worrying of safety.
3. Getting decent 1bhk in south Bombay even in budget of Rs 60–70k per month is a challenge.
4. Self discipline: People stand in queue on their own while waiting for taxi, bus and metro etc.
5. People love helping each other. Nobody sneaks into your business, but as soon as you ask for help, mumbaikar will go to any extent and help you.
6. Mumbai BMC budget is greater than the budget of several countries.
7. Wanna Celebrate- let's go to Marine Drive.
8. Feeling Sad- No worry, let's go to Marine Drive.
9. Wanna Peace- let's go to Marine Drive. In short- People Love Marine Drive.

Which Bollywood actor has a huge mansion in Mumbai?

 Almost every bollywood actors and actresses own huge and multiple houses from Salman Khan to Arjun Kapoor, from Kriti Sanon to Deepika Padukone. Here, are some famous mansions of bollywood stars-

●Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Nawab:

Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has built himself an opulent new home in Mumbai. Nawaz has named his bungalow, located on Yari Road, ‘Nawab’ in the memory of his father. Approximately, the bungalow costs around Rs 12 Crore.

His hardwork pays off once he told to media “Today my bathroom is as big as the house I once lived in”.

●SRK's Mannat:

SRK bought the house in 2001 for Rs 13.32 crore. Currently valued at approx Rs 200 crore, Mannat is a constant on the Bollywood celebs most expensive homes. It is a 6-storey high, a sea-facing house that comes with its own gym, swimming pool, gaming room, walk-in wardrobe, a huge library and has been declared a heritage site.

Salman Khan was offered Mannat before Shah Rukh Khan but Salman's dad Salim Khan said: ' What you do alone in such big banglow?' so, he changed decision.

●Big B's Jalsa:

Amitabh Bachchan has five houses in Mumbai. But the one he resides in, Jalsa, is the most famous of all, where he has been living for more than three decades. However, this house was not built by him. It was a gift from director Sippy for his fabulous performance in Satte Pe Satta movie. The house is roughly valued between Rs 100 crore and Rs 120 crores.

Please, someone gift me banglows and expensive cars like Sippy sir gifted banglow to Big B 🤣

Are Mumbai Central and CST the same location?

 •No, Mumbai Central (MMCT) and Mumbai CST are not the same location, they are different stations in Mumbai.

•Mumbai Central is located near the Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro Station and nearby area-Byculla, whereas Mumbai CST locates near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Wankhede Stadium

•Mumbai Central comes under Western Railways whereas Mumbai CST comes under Central Railways

•Mumbai Central Station mainly handles trains to Gujarat, Rajasthan,Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, whereas Mumbai CST operates trains to Goa,South India, Central India,West Bengal,Odisha.

•Within Maharashtra it operates to other destinations like Pune, Kolhapur, Sawantwadi, Solapur, Nanded, Nagpur, Manmed, Sai Nagar Shirdi and Dhule

•Just like in India, different railway terminals operate trains to different regions.

•Howrah Jn & Sealdah

•New-Delhi & Anand Vihar Terminal

•Chennai Central & Chennai Egmore

•Now Mumbai CST is officially known as Mumbai CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)

What are the first five things that come to your mind when someone mentions Mumbai?

 

• Vada Pav: It’s considered to be the Indian version of the famous “burger”. One can get it in Rs 10–15. Toothsome indeed!

• Bollywood(India’s Film Industry): The reason why so many aspirants flock from different parts of the country to this metropolis every year in order to fulfill their dreams.

• Marine Drive: Just spending some time, besides experiencing the cool sea breeze, here with a loved one(s) is a rewarding experience in itself.

• Rains: No one can deny their importance. A Mumbaikar eagerly waits for it after June first week, every year.

• Local trains: The most vital means of public transport which ferries about 4 million passengers every day throughout the year, and indirectly contributes to the economy of Mumbai as well as the nation.

Some other notable mentions:-

• Ganesh Chaturthi: That time of the year when the entire city transforms into one mega carnival and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Moraya” reverberate in your ears.

• Dabbawalas(Tiffin Carriers): These noble and hard-working souls always ensure that millions of office-goers get to relish their tiffins. Also, the efficiency with which they work is truly commendable.

• Gateway Of India: This iconic structure is reminiscent of the erstwhile British Era. Also not to forget, it’s the most popular tourist destination in the city.

• Foodie’s and Shopper’s Paradise: Whether it is about having a cutting chai(tea at a roadside stall) or feasting at a posh fine-dining restaurant, Mumbai has all the options available. The same applies for the shoppers who wish to buy branded clothes and accessories at pocket-friendly prices. Palladium or Fashion Street; The Taj or Khau Galli(Eat Street); you name it, we have it! :)

• Friendly nature of the locals: Be it a natural calamity or a man-made disaster, we always come forward and extend our help and support to those affected.