Around 400 personnel deployed to manage heavy traffic on the Konkan route.

The Traffic Plan

With thousands of devotees expected to travel to Konkan for Ganeshotsav, Navi Mumbai Police have prepared a special traffic management plan for the period beginning September 11. Around 400 police personnel will be deployed from Vashi to the Kharpada toll plaza to manage traffic and prevent congestion. Nearly one lakh vehicles, including ST buses, private buses and other vehicles, are expected to use the Palspe-Kharpada route during the festival.

To keep traffic moving, police have identified alternative routes and arranged cranes, breakdown vehicles, mechanics and emergency services along the highway. Vehicles travelling from Thane and Kalyan may be diverted through the Uran Phata underpass towards the airport road or through the T-Point to reach Palspe and Kharpada. The toll concession on the Atal Setu is also expected to encourage light vehicles travelling from Mumbai towards Konkan to use the bridge and proceed via Palspe. Officials hope this will reduce pressure on roads in Vashi, Sanpada, Belapur, Kalamboli and Panvel.

Arrangements have also been made to help ST buses in case of breakdowns. Facilities for obtaining toll concession passes will be available at designated Navi Mumbai police chowkies. Hotels and roadside eateries along the Palspe-Kharpada stretch have also been encouraged to provide temporary toilets and drinking water for travellers.

Police have appealed to motorists to follow traffic instructions and use alternative routes wherever possible.

Civic body expands eco-friendly immersion facilities across Navi Mumbai ahead of Ganeshotsav.

The Ponds

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has prepared 170 artificial ponds across the city for Ganesh idol immersion during this year’s Ganeshotsav. The initiative aims to reduce pollution in the sea, creeks and other natural water bodies.

The civic body has appealed to citizens to use artificial ponds for immersing smaller idols. As per court directions, Ganesh idols below six feet are to be immersed in artificial ponds. NMMC has increased the number of artificial immersion facilities to make the process more convenient for residents and reduce crowds at traditional immersion points.

The civic body has also urged devotees to choose eco-friendly Shadu clay idols instead of Plaster of Paris idols. Citizens have been encouraged to avoid plastic and thermocol decorations and opt for reusable and environmentally friendly materials. Several facilities will be provided at the immersion locations, including lifeguards, volunteers, fire brigade personnel, medical services, drinking water, cleanliness arrangements and CCTV surveillance.

Among the major areas, Nerul will have 29 artificial ponds, followed by Airoli with 25, Belapur with 22 and Turbhe with 21. Vashi, Koparkhairane, Ghansoli and Digha will also have multiple artificial ponds. Through the arrangements, NMMC aims to ensure a smoother and safer Ganesh immersion while encouraging citizens to celebrate the festival in an environmentally responsible manner.

Potholes and traffic congestion on the Uran route could make the festival journey difficult for thousands of devotees.

The Roads

With Ganeshotsav approaching, thousands of devotees from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are preparing to travel to their hometowns in Konkan. However, poor road conditions along the Uran route have raised concerns about their journey.

Several stretches, including parts of the Mumbai–Goa National Highway and the Khopate Bridge, are reportedly affected by potholes. The Gavanphata–Chirner–Kharpada route is also in need of repairs, raising fears of slower traffic and longer travel times during the busy festival period. Traffic congestion has already been reported on the Chirner–Gavanphata–Dighode stretch. With a significant increase in vehicles expected during Ganeshotsav, residents fear that the existing problems could become even worse.

Roads maintained by CIDCO and the Public Works Department (PWD) have also come under scrutiny. The Khopate–Koproli road, in particular, has several potholes, while unauthorised parking in some areas is further adding to traffic difficulties. For many families travelling to Konkan for Ganeshotsav, the journey is an important part of the festival. Residents have therefore urged authorities to repair the damaged roads before the rush begins.

Meanwhile, Uran traffic police are preparing measures to manage the expected increase in traffic and minimise congestion during the festival.