Mumbai is preparing for a crucial civic exercise as voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and several other urban local bodies across Maharashtra takes place on Thursday, January 15, 2026. With Mumbai at the centre of this massive democratic exercise, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has declared a public holiday across areas falling under the BMC limits to ensure maximum voter participation.
Polling will be conducted from 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM across 893 wards covering nearly 2,900 seats in cities including Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Ulhasnagar, Jalgaon and Dhule. The counting of votes will take place on January 16. Security arrangements have been tightened, with around 25,000 police personnel and senior officials deployed across Mumbai to ensure peaceful and smooth polling.
As part of the election arrangements, the state government has declared January 15 as a public holiday for all government offices, semi-government bodies, municipal departments, public sector undertakings, banks and central government offices located within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation limits. This decision was taken after detailed election preparedness meetings held earlier this month involving senior election officials, police officers and civic authorities.
Most government-run and BMC-managed schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed on January 15. Many private schools and colleges are also expected to suspend classes, particularly where buildings are being used as polling stations. Parents and students are advised to check their school notifications in advance.
All banks operating within Mumbai will remain closed for the day, in line with the declared public holiday. However, digital banking services, ATMs, and online payment platforms will continue to function as usual. Government offices, BMC departments and public sector institutions will also remain shut across the city.
Private offices are not legally required to close, but many companies are expected to either declare a holiday or allow work-from-home options so employees can vote. Corporate hubs in Mumbai usually observe election day as a non-working day, especially in areas with heavy polling activity.
Despite the holiday, essential services will continue without disruption. Hospitals, emergency medical services, ambulances, fire brigades and police departments will operate normally throughout the day to ensure public safety and healthcare access.
Mumbai’s public transport system will also run as usual. Local trains, BEST buses, metro services and other public transport options will be available to help voters reach their polling stations. Authorities have also made special arrangements to avoid inconvenience and overcrowding on election day.
Polling stations across Mumbai have been equipped with electricity, clean drinking water, toilets and ramps to ensure accessibility. Special assistance will be provided to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and parents with young children so that no voter is left behind.
The BMC election plays a vital role in shaping Mumbai’s future governance, infrastructure and public services. By declaring January 15 a holiday, the Election Commission aims to give every eligible voter the opportunity to take part in this important democratic process without the pressure of work or school.
January 15, 2026 is a public holiday in Mumbai for BMC elections. Banks, government offices and most schools will remain closed. Hospitals, emergency services and public transport will operate normally. Polling will take place from 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM, and vote counting will be held on January 16. Special facilities have been arranged for senior citizens and vulnerable voters.