Mumbai, February 17 — Authorities have imposed a 13-hour restriction on heavy vehicle movement along the Western Express Highway in Mumbai today, in anticipation of the high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. The ban is part of extensive security arrangements for the India-France Year of Innovation events happening in the city.
According to Mumbai Traffic Police, the restriction is in effect from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and affects both northbound and southbound lanes of the highway, which spans approximately 25.33 km from Dahisar to Bandra. Heavy vehicles, including trucks and trailers, are prohibited from entering the highway during this period, especially between the Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka.
The traffic advisory highlights that congestion is expected on roads near the Gateway of India between February 14 and 22, with the main event scheduled for February 17. South Mumbai roads will witness additional restrictions from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Key route closures include:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg: Closed from Shyama Prasad Mukharjee Chowk (Regal Junction) for all traffic except emergencies.
- P. Ramchandani Marg: Closed between Jokhim Alva Chowk (North Court) and Adam Street Junction, with restrictions on taxi and bus stands on Adam Street and P. Ramchandani Marg.
Motorists are advised to use diversion routes such as Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Mahakavi Bhushan Road, and Boman Behram Road for affected corridors. Specifically, vehicles on P. Ramchandani Marg from Alva Chowk towards Radio Club are directed to take alternate roads including Haji Niyam Azmi Road, Jagannath Pava Chowk, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road to bypass closures.
Additionally, Rambhau Salgaonkar Road will operate as a two-way street from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to ease congestion, despite usually being one-way.
Parking bans are in place on Nathalal Parekh Road, Jagannath Bhosale Road, Captain Prakash Pethe Road, Rambhau Salgaonkar Road, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, and portions of BK Boman Behram Marg behind the Taj Hotel.
Significance of the Western Express Highway
This vital artery connects Mumbai’s western suburbs—including Bandra, Andheri, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, and Mira Bhayandar—to the city center and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The highway also links to the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, facilitating regional and international transit.
India-France Engagements
French President Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day visit, with major bilateral talks scheduled for February 17, focusing on strengthening ties and discussing the Horizon 2047 Roadmap. Macron will also participate in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi on February 19, concluding his visit.
Authorities urge commuters to plan accordingly and follow designated diversion routes to avoid disruptions during this period.
