Ganesh Chaturthi 2023: Here are details about traffic restrictions and special arrangements in Mumbai

In preparation for the upcoming festive season, Mumbai's traffic authorities have issued restrictions on heavy vehicles and private buses to ensure smooth traffic flow. The restrictions will be in effect on various dates in different parts of the city.

South Mumbai Restrictions

On September 21, 24, 26, and 29, heavy vehicles and private buses will not be allowed to enter or ply on the roads in South Mumbai. However, between September 19 and 29, they can operate between 12 am and 7 am on all other days.


Greater Mumbai (except South Mumbai) Restrictions

In Greater Mumbai, excluding South Mumbai, heavy vehicles and private buses will face restrictions from 11 am to 1 am on September 20, 23, and 25. Additionally, these vehicles will be prohibited from entering the city and using the roads on September 28 from 10 am to 6 am on September 29. On all other days between September 19 and 29, heavy vehicles and private buses are not permitted from 8 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Notably, certain essential service providers, including ambulances, vegetable, milk and bakery suppliers, government and semi-government vehicles, drinking water providers, petroleum vehicles, and school buses, are exempt from these restrictions.

All private buses transporting passengers to and from the city, as well as exempted heavy vehicles, must be parked in privately owned spaces, rented spaces, or authorized parking lots. On-street parking will be strictly prohibited.

Special Traffic Arrangements for Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

In anticipation of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, Mumbai Police have put special traffic arrangements in place to prevent congestion and traffic jams during the festival, which runs from September 19 to 29.

These arrangements include diversions, no-entry points, and alternate routes. To ensure the smooth flow of traffic, a total of 13,726 police personnel will be deployed across Mumbai during the Ganesh festival.

Furthermore, a comprehensive ban on the movement of all heavy commercial vehicles and private buses will be enforced in South Mumbai.

As the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities draw near, an air of celebration and excitement can be felt not only in Maharashtra but throughout the country. Devotees eagerly await the arrival of 'Gajanana' at Ganesh pandals or mandals in Maharashtra. Locals are busy adorning their homes with flowers and rangoli designs while welcoming idols of Lord Ganesha into their homes.

Markets and streets are bustling with shoppers making last-minute purchases for the festival, including decorative items, lights, lamps, crockery, and clothes. Vendors are selling garlands, fruits, sweets, and 'Matoli' items such as betel nuts, local citrus fruits, coconuts, and incense. Exquisitely crafted Ganesha idols by artisans and students are ready to grace the mandals ahead of the festival.

Mumbai is gearing up for a festive season filled with devotion, celebration, and cultural richness while ensuring traffic management and safety measures are in place.