Published 16:19 IST, September 12th 2019
Ganesh Visarjan 2019: Routes to avoid and diversions to follow
On account of Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai, the police have issued a major traffic advisory; multiple roads in the metropolis will be partially or fully shutdown.
During Ganesh Visarjan, Mumbai city throngs with thousands of devotees and revelers taking to the streets to bid adieu to the Ganesh idols. Following this, the traffic in the metropolis usually takes a masive hit. The visarjan processions are bound to disrupt the traffic movement in the city. Commuters also face some serious inconvenience. Hence, the Mumbai Police has issued a traffic advisory for a safe and easy travel for the commuters.
Mumbai Police issues traffic advisory
The visarjan is marked by immersion of Ganesh idols in several water bodies spread in and around Mumbai. According to reports, over 130 such Visarjan spots have been identified by the police.
Hence, to ensure a smooth and free-flow of traffic, the police have taken stringent measures for the same. Traffic on major routes has been diverted to other roads which are also converted into 'one-way'.
Among the many visarjan spots in Mumbai city, the main ones are Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, Shivaji Park, Malad T Junction, and Powai Lake. These are locations where the maximum number of immersions take place in a single day. Therefore, the Mumbai Police has decided to shut down more than 50 roads in the city, so that commuters do not get stuck.
Mumbai Police even tweeted out a map which displays the routes that Mumbaikars should avoid and the diversions that they should follow.
Routes to avoid and diversions
At Girgaum Chowpatty, the biggest Visarjan point in the city, almost all streets leading to Marine Drive will be given access to the immersion spot. Mumbaikars can expect a significant delay in traffic movement around this location. However, idols placed on trucks and carts will be expected to use two different sides for immersion. The ones on carts and in cars have been provided spaces along the left-side of the Chowpatty and the big idols like Lalbaug Cha Raja will be directed towards the right side of the Chowpatty near the Nana-Nani Park.
In Central Mumbai's Dadar, which is a major hub that connects to the Western Suburbs of the city, only the processions are expected to make their way through NC Kelkar Marg. All processions from areas like Parel will be directed towards Shivaji Park through NC Kelkar Marg. The surrounding and nearby streets have been kept open and traffic has been diverted to other roads. However, still keeping in mind the swelling visarjan crowds, some of the roads have been marked 'No Entry'.
In Kurla, traffic is expected to take a hit as one complete lane of the LBS Marg has been dedicated to visarjan processions. However, apart from the area near Sheetal Talao (Sheetal Lake), other roads will be free with a comparatively slow movement of traffic. In Powai, regular traffic will see a slower pace as devotees throng to Powai Lake for immersions. The lane beside the lake promenade will be jammed, but Mumbai Police has ensured swift management measures to tackle the same.
Additional measures taken on visarjan
Apart from this, Mumbai Police and BMC have installed several hundred towers. Over 50000 personnel have been deployed across the city who will also be assisted by Scout Guide volunteers. Thousands of CCTV footage will be monitored by police authorities. According to reports, Mumbai Police has also decided to use drones for aerial surveillance of the processions. The BMC has also issued alerts for old bridges under the risk of collapse.
Updated 19:05 IST, September 12th 2019