Mumbai is preparing for a massive influx of visitors on December 6 to pay homage at Chaityabhumi in Dadar on the occasion of Mahaparinirvana Day. Lakhs of Ambedkar followers across Maharashtra and other states are expected to arrive in the city to observe the 69th Mahaparinirvana Day of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Anticipating heavy commuter movement across the city between December 5 and 6, the Mumbai Police Commissioner on Saturday issued special crowd-control and safety directives. While issuing the directives, Mumbai Police highlighted some key restrictions and diversions.
Diversions and Restrictions
Central Large Bridge (East–West Link)
All entry points to the Central Bridge and Platform No. 12 will remain closed for commuters entering from city limits. The access road to Platform No. 13 (East) will also be shut. Also, the bridge will remain accessible only for passengers coming from suburban or mail trains to exit east–west or shift between platforms.
Skywalk Bridge
The skywalk will remain open for regular commuters entering the station from city limits to access the platforms. However, the passengers arriving by suburban/mail trains at Dadar will also be allowed to exit the station via the skywalk.
Mahanagara Palika Bridge
The bridge will remain open for commuters coming from east–west access roads. However, passengers arriving at Dadar by local trains will not be allowed to exit the station via the Mahanagara Palika bridge. Moreover, the additional northern pedestrian bridges between the Central and Western lines will remain open only for platform transfers, with passengers being diverted toward the skywalk where required. At Dadar (West), only Gates 1, 6, and 7 near the skywalk will remain open, while the blind-access bridge at Platform 1 will remain closed.
Western Railway south bridge
Passengers getting off at Platforms 2/3 and 4/5 at Dadar West will be allowed to use this bridge to move east–west via the skywalk. Also, the commuters can also use it to access Central Railway Platforms 9/90, 10/11, and 12–14. The bridge will be accessible from Platform 1.
As per the railway authorities and Mumbai Police, these measures will be enforced from 00:01 hours on December 5 until 24:00 hours on December 6, covering the peak movement period.
The instruction issued by the Mumbai Police on Saturday will aim to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly movement amid the city’s largest annual gathering.
