As Ganesh Chaturthi begins, authorities have issued traffic advisories and route restrictions across Mumbai to ensure smooth movement during Ganesh Utsav 2026. Mumbai Police and the Traffic Branch have implemented targeted diversions, enhanced security patrols along major immersion corridors such as Girgaon Chowpatty, and enforced heavy-vehicle restrictions to minimise congestion.
Traffic Arrangements
Traffic will be regulated along B.A. Road and key South Mumbai corridors to accommodate idol processions. High-visibility security marches and crowd-control patrols are deployed from Two Tanks (Don Taki) to Girgaon Chowpatty. The city’s prohibitory orders limit large gatherings and enforce guidelines for public mandals to keep roads clear. Joint planning with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and festival committees ensures pandals maintain clear access for commuters and emergency vehicles.
What Are The Restrictions?
Heavy and oversized goods vehicles are restricted from entering Thane and key arterial routes into Mumbai on major immersion days. Traffic on Dr BR Ambedkar Road (B.A. Road) near Parel and major idol workshops will face intermittent diversions toward CSMT during peak procession hours.
The Mumbai Coastal Road will operate 24/7 throughout the festival period to ease internal traffic congestion. Heavy vehicles travelling toward Ghodbunder are being rerouted via Kharbav Toll Naka, Mankoli, and Anjurphata to avoid localised bottlenecks.
How to plan your travel during Ganesh Mahotsava
For Ganesh Mahotsav, Mumbai Metro Line 3 will operate until midnight from September 14 to 25 to accommodate late-night pandal visits and idol processions.
As areas like Lalbaug and King’s Circle experience heavy congestion, commuting via local trains at Chinchpokli, Curry Road, or Lower Parel is recommended to avoid delays.
While taxis and auto-rickshaws are suitable for shorter distances, travellers should anticipate diversions and potential walking segments due to road closures. Additionally, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has scheduled extra buses between Mumbai and Thane to support festival commuters.