The Maharashtra government has declared a day of mourning on Thursday in tribute to industrialist Ratan Tata, according to the chief minister’s Office.
Tata, who played a key role in building the Tata Group into a global conglomerate, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday night at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai following a brief illness.
Early Thursday morning, his body was transported from the hospital to his residence in Colaba, Mumbai, accompanied by police vehicles. Several prominent figures, including chief minister Eknath Shinde, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, education minister Deepak Kesarkar, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, visited the hospital upon hearing the news.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast on government buildings in Maharashtra on Thursday as a mark of respect, according to a statement quoting Chief Minister Shinde. Additionally, there will be no entertainment events on this day.
Tata’s body will be placed at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai from 10am to 3.30pm on Thursday for the public to pay their respects.
Police official Abhinav Deshmukh stated that there will be no parking available at the venue, and visitors will need to alight at designated drop-off points.
Tata’s last rites are scheduled to be performed later in the day in Mumbai’s Worli area.
