Ganesh Visarjan 2024 Mumbai: Traffic Advisory & Road Restrictions Guide
As the Ganpati festival in Mumbai enters its final phase, preparations are underway for the grand Ganesh Visarjan on Tuesday, September 17. This marks the culmination of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, with the immersion of idols on Anant Chaturdashi. The city is gearing up for massive processions, colorful festivities, and a vibrant display of culture and devotion.
Traffic Advisory and Diversions
To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and manage the large crowds expected during the Visarjan processions, the Mumbai Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory. Various traffic diversions will be in place throughout the city to accommodate the grand immersion processions and ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
One key measure to facilitate smoother travel between North and South Mumbai is the decision to keep the Coastal Road open 24 hours a day until September 18. This strategic move aims to ease congestion on major routes and provide an alternate route for commuters. However, authorities are strongly urging the public to avoid using private vehicles and instead rely on local trains and BEST buses to reduce traffic congestion during the festivities.
Road Restrictions and Guidelines
The Mumbai Police has set new guidelines for traffic management during the Ganesh Visarjan. Railway Overbridges (ROBs) will have restrictions in place, limiting the number of people crossing at any given time to 100. This measure is crucial to maintain the structural integrity and safety of these bridges during the heavy footfall expected on the day of immersion.
Furthermore, processions, dancing, and the use of loudspeakers on these bridges are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. While the Coastal Road will remain accessible for vehicles traveling from North to South Mumbai, several key routes such as the Eastern Freeway, P D’Mello Road, CSMT Junction Road, and Princess Street will be open for traffic. However, certain areas in South Mumbai, including Colaba, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, and Rambhau Salgaonkar Marg, will be closed off to vehicles.
In addition, restrictions will be in place on Mahapalika Marg outside CSMT railway station and several roads in Kalbadevi, such as JSS Road, Vitthalbhai Patel Road, Baba Saheb Jaykar Road, and others. These areas are expected to experience heavy congestion due to the influx of devotees and processions during the Ganesh Visarjan.
Traffic Congestion Hotspots
Areas like Girgaon Chowpatty and its surroundings, including Girgaon, Thakurdwar, VP Road, SVP Road, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road in Kalbadevi, are anticipated to witness heavy traffic congestion during the immersion processions. Cuffe Parade, Badhwar Park in Colaba, Metro Junction near CSMT, and parts of Bhendi Bazaar, Pydhonie, and DB Marg are also expected to experience significant traffic delays.
In Nagpada, heavy congestion is projected at Agripada, Saat Rasta Junction, Khada Parsee Junction, NM Joshi Marg, and Mumbai Central Junction. Motorists are advised to use main roads like Dr. BA Road, Lalbaug Flyover Bridge, Sir JJ Flyover, and the Coastal Road as alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in inner street traffic jams.
Suburban Traffic Restrictions
In the Dadar area, traffic congestion is expected around Hind Mata Junction, Bharat Mata Junction, Parel TT Junction, and Ranjit Bidhakar Chowk during the Ganesh Visarjan processions. Dr. Annie Besant Road at Worli Naka and NM Joshi Marg will be closed off as the Lalbaugcha Raja procession passes through. Swatantraveer Savarkar Marg in Dadar will also be closed near Siddhivinayak Temple as processions head towards Shivaji Park Chowpatty.
Suburban areas like Kandivali and Borivali will also have traffic restrictions in place. In Kandivali, Damu Anna Date Marg near the Dahanukar Wadi Immersion Pool will see heavy traffic, while in Borivali, LT Road from Don Bosco Junction to Borivali Jetty Road will be affected by the immersion processions.
Railway Overbridge Restrictions
The Mumbai traffic police have imposed restrictions on 13 Railway Overbridges, including those at Ghatkopar, Currey Road, Byculla, Marine Lines, and Dadar Tilak ROB. These restrictions limit the number of people crossing at a time to 100 and prohibit the use of loudspeakers and dancing on these bridges to ensure the safety of participants and maintain order during the immersive festivities of Ganesh Visarjan.
As Mumbai gears up for the grand culmination of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with the Ganesh Visarjan, it is essential for residents and commuters to plan their travel routes in advance, adhere to traffic guidelines, and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and smooth immersion process. Let us come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion with joy, devotion, and respect for our city’s traditions and cultural heritage.
