Mumbai Traffic Police Announce Extensive Road Restrictions for High-Profile India-France Event
The Mumbai Traffic Police have officially announced comprehensive road restrictions and traffic management arrangements in anticipation of the main 'India-France Year of Innovation' event. This high-profile gathering will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, necessitating significant security and logistical preparations across the city.
Schedule of Bilateral Engagements and Inauguration
According to the detailed schedule released by authorities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron are scheduled to hold crucial bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan starting at approximately 3:15 PM on February 17. Following these discussions, the two world leaders will jointly inaugurate the landmark India-France Year of Innovation (IFYI) 2026 initiative at around 5:15 PM.
The inauguration ceremony and subsequent address to business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators will take place at the iconic Gateway of India in South Mumbai. This event marks a significant milestone in Indo-French diplomatic and technological cooperation.
South Mumbai Traffic Restrictions and Alternative Routes
Police authorities anticipate substantial congestion on adjoining roads due to VVIP movements along Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, P Ramchandani Marg, B K Boman Behram Marg, and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg. These restrictions will be in effect from 2 PM to 9 PM to ensure smooth passage and security for the dignitaries.
Specific road closures in South Mumbai include:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg will be completely closed for all traffic except emergency vehicles from Regal Junction. The stretch from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk will remain shut for all vehicular movement in both directions, with emergency vehicles being the sole exception.
- P Ramchandani Marg will see closures on the stretch from North Court to Adam Street Junction, as well as from Jokhim Alva Chowk to Adam Street junction, again with exemptions only for emergency vehicles.
Alternative routes have been designated for commuters:
- For Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg closure: Vehicles may take Regal In-Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, proceed via Mahakavi Bhushan Road and Roman Behra Marg to reach their desired destinations. Alternatively, commuters can use Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Mahakavi Bhushan Road, and B K Boman Behram Road.
- For P Ramchandani Marg closure: Vehicles should divert from Alva Chowk to Radio Club via P Ramchandani Marg, then take Haji Niyaz Azmi Road, turn right at Bhid Bhanjan Mandir onto Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, proceed to Regal Junction for a complete turnaround, then return via Shahid Bhagat Singh Road and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg. Another option involves diverting via Jagannath Palav Chowk before taking the turnaround toward Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg.
Temporary Traffic Flow Adjustments and Parking Restrictions
In a temporary adjustment to normal traffic patterns, Rambhau Salgaonkar Road will be converted from a one-way road to two-way traffic between Indu Clinic Junction and Volga Chowk. This change will be in effect from 1 PM to 4 PM to facilitate smoother traffic flow during the event period.
Stringent no-parking restrictions will be enforced on multiple roads:
- Nathalal Parekh Road
- Jagannath Bhosle Road
- Captain Prakash Pethe Road
- Rambhau Salgaonkar Road
- Shahid Bhagat Singh Road
- B K Boman Behram Marg
Additionally, the stretch behind Hotel Taj from Raobahadur Desai Chowk to Hotel Diplomat has been declared a no-parking zone. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly and avoid these areas to prevent inconvenience and potential penalties.
Public Transport Adjustments and Western Suburbs Restrictions
Significant adjustments to public transport infrastructure have been announced. The taxi stand and BEST bus stand situated on Adam Street and at Indu Clinic Junction will be completely closed during the restriction period. Similarly, taxi and BEST bus stands at Adam Street and P Ramchandani Marg will remain shut to accommodate security arrangements and traffic management.
In the Western Suburbs, heavy vehicle movement faces complete prohibition:
Movement of all heavy vehicles will be completely banned on both north-bound and south-bound carriageways of the Western Express Highway. This restriction applies specifically between Vakola flyover and Dahisar toll naka and will be enforced from 8 AM to 9 PM. Exemptions are granted only for ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, police vehicles, and government vehicles deployed specifically for VVIP security purposes.
The Mumbai Traffic Police have urged citizens to cooperate with these arrangements, plan their travel in advance, and consider alternative routes to minimize disruption. These comprehensive measures reflect the high security protocol required for events involving heads of state and aim to ensure both safety and smooth traffic flow during this significant international engagement.
