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The grand Ganesh Visarjan procession marking the end of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai is a significant event that brings the city to a standstill. As the idols are immersed in the sea, millions of devotees take to the streets, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression. To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of the public, the Mumbai Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for Ganesh Visarjan 2024. This advisory outlines traffic diversions, restrictions, and recommendations for the public to navigate the city during the immersion processions.
The Mumbai Police has announced the Coastal Road will remain open for 24 hours until September 18, allowing unimpeded travel between North and South Mumbai. This strategic decision aims to minimize disruptions to regular traffic during the peak hours of the immersion processions. The advisory further emphasizes the importance of using public transportation, urging people to avoid using private vehicles, especially during peak hours. The local trains and BEST buses are expected to be the most efficient modes of transport during the Ganesh Visarjan period.
To ensure the safety of the public, the Mumbai Police has implemented new guidelines for Railway Overbridges (ROBs) during the immersion processions. These guidelines restrict the number of people allowed on each bridge to 100 at any given time, with loudspeakers and dancing prohibited. This measure aims to prevent overcrowding and ensure that pedestrians can cross the bridges safely. While these guidelines are crucial for public safety, they may cause inconvenience to some people who wish to witness the processions from the ROBs. Therefore, the Mumbai Police encourages the public to plan their travel accordingly and opt for alternative routes or timings to avoid congestion.
The article further details specific road closures and traffic restrictions in various areas of Mumbai. These restrictions, including those on roads like Colaba, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, and Rambhau Salgaonkar Marg, will remain in effect throughout the immersion processions. The advisory also indicates heavy congestion anticipated in locations such as Girgaon, Thakurdwar, VP Road, SVP Road, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road in Kalbadevi. Similar congestion is anticipated in Cuffe Parade, Badhwar Park in Colaba, Metro Junction near CSMT, and areas in Bhendi Bazaar, Pydhonie, and DB Marg. The advisory recommends using main roads such as Dr BA Road, Lalbaug Flyover Bridge, Sir JJ Flyover, and the Coastal Road as alternative routes to avoid inner streets.
The Mumbai Police has also issued specific traffic restrictions for suburban areas, including Dadar’s Bhoiwada area, Dr Annie Besant Road at Worli Naka, NM Joshi Marg, Kandivali, and Borivali. These restrictions are in place to accommodate the movement of the immersion processions and minimize disruption to traffic flow. For those planning to travel by train, the Mumbai Traffic Police advises that the crossing on 13 railway bridges, including Ghatkopar, Currey Road, Byculla, Marine Lines, and Dadar Tilak ROB, is limited to 100 people at a time. The use of loudspeakers and dancing on these bridges is also prohibited for safety reasons. These restrictions are essential to maintain order and prevent accidents during the processions.
The comprehensive traffic advisory issued by the Mumbai Police serves as a vital resource for citizens navigating the city during the Ganesh Visarjan processions. It outlines various traffic restrictions, diversions, and recommendations to ensure the safety and convenience of the public. The Mumbai Police's efforts in managing traffic flow and crowd control during the festive season highlight their commitment to public safety and the smooth operation of the city during this significant cultural event.
Source: Ganesh Visarjan 2024: Mumbai Police issues traffic advisory, check details