Mumbai: As the grand finale of Ganeshotsav unfolds on Anant Chaturdashi, cities including Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have imposed sweeping traffic restrictions and diversions to manage the mammoth movement of devotees for Ganesh idol immersions. The measures are aimed at ensuring smooth mobility and public safety, with authorities relying on technology and massive personnel deployment to navigate one of the busiest cultural days of the year.
In Mumbai alone, nearly 6,500 community idols and over 1.75 lakh household idols are expected to be immersed across beaches and artificial ponds. To facilitate processions, traffic police have issued diversions covering South, Central and Eastern suburbs. A technology-enabled control room at Girgaon Chowpatty is using artificial intelligence for real-time updates, while more than 3,000 traffic personnel have been stationed across key corridors. Officials noted that selected stretches in Colaba, Chembur, Tardeo and Opera House have restricted movement, with commuters encouraged to opt for the Coastal Road and alternative arterial routes.
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In Pune, the traffic police issued a detailed advisory for closed routes and diversions around immersion sites. With swelling crowds expected to gather near the central riverbanks and major chowks, authorities urged residents to use public transport to reduce congestion. Several roads across the core city are restricted to ensure that processions move seamlessly while allowing ambulances and emergency services unobstructed passage.
Ahmedabad has also rolled out restrictions effective from Friday afternoon, which will remain until all idols are immersed. The advisory covers sensitive points around the Sabarmati riverfront and city centres, with diversions mapped out to prevent gridlocks. Meanwhile, Hyderabad has adopted a citywide strategy with traffic diversions across immersion routes. Officials confirmed that special measures have been taken to ease bottlenecks along Tank Bund and Necklace Road, the main sites of idol immersion.
Urban mobility experts argue that such large-scale processions underscore both the challenges and opportunities of festival-related transport management. They highlight that coordinated traffic advisories, deployment of AI-based control systems, and public adherence to diversions represent an important step in balancing cultural traditions with modern mobility needs. Importantly, these measures reduce vehicular idling, lower emissions, and ensure that the festive spirit is celebrated with minimum disruption to the environment.
As India’s cities continue to grow, festivals like Ganeshotsav highlight the importance of integrated planning between civic agencies, police, and transport operators. With citizens gradually embracing public transport and alternate mobility options during peak days, officials see an opportunity to embed sustainable practices into the urban culture of celebration. The day may be about faith and farewell, but it also demonstrates how cities can come together to create safer, cleaner, and more inclusive mobility experiences.
