Mumbai’s Kandivali Traffic Police have announced temporary traffic restrictions on Madh-Marve Road ahead of Chhath Puja celebrations at Marve and Aksa beaches, where an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 devotees are expected to gather for the festivities.
According to a traffic notification issued on Wednesday, the movement of all types of heavy goods motor vehicles (HGMVs) will be prohibited on the stretch between Baf Hira Junction and Aksa Beach from 4 pm on November 15 to 11 am on November 16.
The restriction has been imposed in view of the Chhath Puja celebrations scheduled to take place at Marve Beach and Aksa Beach on November 15 and 16.
The traffic police said the expected turnout of a large number of devotees, coupled with the narrow width of the road, could lead to congestion and pose safety risks. The temporary restriction has therefore been introduced to ensure public safety and prevent accidents during the festivities.
Which vehicles are exempt?
The ban will not apply to police vehicles, fire brigade vehicles, ambulances and vehicles engaged in other essential services.
Vehicles transporting essential commodities, including milk, vegetables, fruits, bread, bakery products, petrol, diesel and LPG, will also be exempt from the restrictions.
The movement of all other vehicles will continue as usual along the affected stretch, the notification stated.
The traffic police have urged motorists to follow the instructions issued by traffic personnel in the area. Violations of the restrictions will invite legal action.
The notification was issued by Ajit Borhade, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (Western Suburbs).
Separate traffic curbs announced around Juhu Beach
In a separate advisory, Mumbai Traffic Police have also announced temporary traffic restrictions around Juhu Beach for Chhath Puja celebrations on November 15 and 16. The arrangements will remain in force from 2 pm on November 15 to 11 am on November 16 and will apply to roads under the Santacruz Traffic Division.
Parking of vehicles, except those belonging to police and essential services, will be prohibited on both sides of Juhu Tara Road, AB Nair Road, Birla Lane, VM Road and Juhu Church Road.
Juhu Tara Road will remain closed to vehicles between Santacruz Police Station Junction and Juhu Beach, as well as between Tulip Star Hotel Junction and Juhu Beach. Vehicles associated with Chhath Puja will be exempt from this restriction.
The stretch of AB Nair Road between Church Road and Balraj Sahani Marg will operate as a one-way route, as required. The U-turn in front of Hotel Maharaja Bhog on Juhu Tara Road will also remain closed for vehicles travelling south towards Juhu Koliwada via Tulip Star Hotel. Motorists will have to use the U-turn at Juhu Koliwada Junction instead.
Alternative routes for motorists
Motorists travelling from Link Road towards Juhu Tara Road have been advised to take a right turn at Santacruz Police Station Junction, followed by a left at Standard Chartered Bank Junction, and proceed via SV Road.
Vehicles approaching from Tulip Star Hotel Junction towards Juhu Tara Road can use V M Road. Motorists can also take NS Road No 13 via Juhu Church Road or Alfredo Criado Road to reach their destinations.
