Mumbai is bracing for significant traffic changes and diversions due to the ‘Jahir Sabha’ event organized by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena at Shivaji Park. With high-profile attendees including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, security and traffic management are being prioritized to ensure the smooth running of the event and minimal disruption to daily commuters.
The Mumbai police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory to avoid vehicular congestion and ensure that residents and attendees can navigate the area efficiently. The traffic restrictions are set to commence from 10 PM on May 16 and will remain in force until midnight on May 17. Here’s a detailed look at the traffic changes and how you can plan your journey accordingly.
Key Traffic Restrictions and No Parking Zones
To facilitate the event and ensure security, several major roads and junctions around Shivaji Park will be declared no parking zones. Commuters are advised to avoid these areas or seek alternate parking spots. Here are the specific areas where parking will be restricted:
- SVS Road from Baba Saheb Worlikar Chowk (Century Junction) to Hari Om Junction
- Keluskar Road South and North in Shivaji Park
- Dadasaheb Rege Marg
- MB Raut Marg, Pandurang Naik Marg (Road No. 5)
- Lt. Dilip Gupta Marg – from Shivaji Park Gate No. 4 to Shitaladevi Road
- N.C Kelkar Road from Hanuman Temple Junction to Gadkari Junction
- T.H Kataria Road – from Ganga Vihar Junction to Asawari Junction in Mahim
- Thadani Road from Poddar Hospital Junction to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk
- L.J Road – from Gadkari Junction in Dadar to Shobha Hotel in Mahim
- Tilak Road – from Kotwal Garden Circle in Dadar to RA Kidwai Marg in Matunga East
- Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan Road from Sea Link Road to JK Kapur Chowk up to Bindu Madhav Thackeray Chowk
- Dr. Annie Besant Road from Poddar Hospital Junction to Dr. Narayan Hardikar Junction
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (BA) Road – from Maheshwari Circle to Kohinoor Junction
Designated Parking Areas for Event Attendees
To manage the influx of vehicles, designated parking areas have been set up for those attending the ‘Jahir Sabha’. Utilizing these spots will help avoid the no-parking zones and ensure a smoother experience. Here are the allocated parking spaces:
- Bus Parking:
- Entire Reti Bandar, Mahim Junction
- Entire RAK Road No. 4 from Arora Junction, Lijjat Papad Junction up to AIDS Hospital
- Entire Senapati Bapat Marg, Mahim Railway Station up to Tilak Bridge
- Entire Nathalal Parikh Road, St. Joseph School up to Khalsa College in Matunga
- Kamagar Stadium (Senapati Bapat Marg) at Elphinstone Road
- Lodha PPL Parking, Senapati Bapat Road at Lower Parel
- Sasmira Road in the Worli Bus Depot Area
- Durdarshan Lane at Worli
- Pandurang Budhkar Marg from Glaxo Junction to Kurne Chowk and towards Deepak Talkies Junction
- Car Parking:
- Raheja PPL Parking in Worli
- Kohinoor PPL Parking in Shivaji Park
- India Bull Finance Center PPL Parking at Elphinstone Road
- Narayan Hardikar Marg from Hardikar Junction to Sacred Heart High School, Worli
Suggested Traffic Diversions and Alternate Routes
To manage traffic flow and minimize congestion, the Mumbai police have laid out potential diversions. These alternate routes are designed to keep traffic moving smoothly and ensure that people reach their destinations with minimal delay.
- If SVS Road North Bound from Siddhivinayak Junction to Yes Bank Junction is closed:
- Traffic will be redirected from Siddhivinayak Junction to SK Bole Road, then through Agar Bazar, Portuguese Church, and finally, a left turn onto Gokhale Road or SK Bole Road.
- If SVS Road South Bound is closed:
- Drivers can take the route via Dandekar Chowk, make a left turn onto Pandurang Naik Marg, then proceed to Raja Badhe Chowk. From there, make a right turn onto L.J Road to reach Gokhale Road or NC Kelkar Road, depending on the destination.
Recommendations for Commuters
For those planning to travel in or around the affected areas, here are some recommendations to help you navigate the disruptions:
- Plan Ahead: If you have travel plans, especially involving air or train journeys, make sure to leave early to accommodate any potential delays.
- Use Public Transport: If possible, opt for public transportation to avoid the hassle of finding parking and navigating road closures.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on real-time traffic updates through navigation apps or local news channels to stay informed about any sudden changes or new diversions.
- Follow Police Instructions: Adhere to any instructions given by traffic police or event marshals to ensure your safety and the smooth flow of traffic.
- Avoid the Area: If you do not need to be in the vicinity of Shivaji Park, consider avoiding the area altogether during the event to minimize congestion and delays.
Conclusion
The ‘Jahir Sabha’ at Shivaji Park is set to be a significant event with notable attendees, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While such events bring excitement and attention, they also necessitate meticulous planning and cooperation from the public to manage the accompanying disruptions. By staying informed and following the guidance provided by Mumbai police, residents and visitors can navigate the traffic changes effectively and ensure a safe and smooth experience during this prominent event.