The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has launched a ‘Pay and Park’ facility at its Wadala bus depot to manage the increased traffic congestion expected during Mumbai’s Ganeshotsav 2024. With an influx of devotees visiting popular Ganesh mandals such as the GSB Ganpati and Ram Mandir in Wadala, this initiative aims to ease parking woes and prevent unauthorized roadside parking, ensuring smoother traffic flow throughout the festival.
The ‘Pay and Park’ facility will remain operational until the end of the festival on 17th September 2024. This initiative comes as a proactive measure in response to the expected surge in two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles from Thursday onwards. In a city like Mumbai, where finding a parking spot is often more challenging than navigating traffic, unauthorized parking has been a consistent problem, exacerbating congestion, especially during festivals. To address this, BEST has designated the Wadala bus depot as a secure and convenient parking area for devotees.
An official from BEST explained, “Vehicles parked on streets during the festival often attract penalties, adding to the traffic situation. With several roads already closed for the festival, unauthorized parking can worsen congestion on alternative routes. The designated parking at Wadala depot is aimed at offering a more organised parking solution.” The facility Is designed to cater to both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, with parking available at reasonable rates. This initiative is expected to provide a hassle-free parking experience for devotees, discouraging roadside parking that can lead to roadblocks and traffic disruptions.
BEST also shared this announcement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “Visiting #GSB Ganapati Wadala Ram Mandir? The PAY & PARK facility is available at Wadala bus depot during Ganapati festival till 17th September. Specially opened for devotees to avoid roadside unauthorized parking.” By implementing this ‘Pay and Park’ system, BEST aims to create a more orderly and efficient environment during the Ganpati festival, accommodating the large number of visitors while maintaining the flow of traffic. As the festival progresses, this initiative will play a crucial role in managing the city’s traffic, ensuring that devotees can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about parking issues.
This measure is a part of Mumbai’s broader efforts to improve traffic management during the Ganesh festival, a period that traditionally sees a significant increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. With the new parking system in place, authorities hope to minimise disruptions and ensure a smooth experience for all.
