Mumbai Traffic Diversions Announced In Sakinaka For Metro 6 Construction
Mumbai’s eastern suburbs are set for significant traffic changes as the city accelerates work on its expanding metro network. Beginning 5 November, the Mumbai Traffic Police will implement diversions in the Sakinaka area to facilitate construction of Metro Line 6, the long-awaited connector between the western and eastern corridors. The restrictions, expected to last until mid-January 2026, aim to ensure commuter safety and streamline construction logistics.
According to traffic officials, the northbound service road on the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), from A.M. Naik Tower Road to Saki Vihar Road, will be closed during this period. Vehicles will be rerouted via alternative lanes, including detours through Ganeshghat Selfie Point and Rambagh Bridge, before looping back towards Saki Vihar Road. The move is part of a coordinated plan to facilitate critical infrastructure tasks known as Elements Launching Work for Metro Line 6.
Authorities have urged motorists to plan travel routes in advance and adhere to temporary road signage. “The objective is to maintain safety while ensuring the pace of Metro construction is not compromised,” said a senior traffic officer overseeing the project. The department has also engaged with local stakeholders to minimise disruptions for residents and businesses in Sakinaka, Andheri, and Powai.
In a parallel development, traffic restrictions will also affect the Goregaon–Mulund Link Road (GMLR) due to the installation of a massive 56-metre-long steel span for Metro Line 4. This structure, part of the ongoing effort to connect Wadala to Kasarvadavali in Thane, will require cranes and heavy machinery to be deployed during late-night hours. Temporary road closures have been scheduled on 1 and 2 November, with contingency dates reserved for 8 and 9 November if work extends.Officials have clarified that the LBS Road junction near the GMLR will operate with partial lane closures until the end of December. The phased approach, they explained, is designed to minimise overall congestion while accommodating the metro’s technical and safety requirements.
Urban transport analysts say these measures, while inconvenient in the short term, are crucial for long-term mobility transformation. Once operational, Metro Lines 4 and 6 will help reduce road traffic volume, cut carbon emissions, and improve last-mile connectivity across the city’s expanding suburbs. The projects form part of Mumbai’s broader vision of a low-emission, multimodal transport ecosystem that prioritises sustainability and accessibility.Despite temporary disruptions, commuters and civic planners alike acknowledge that the metro expansion represents a turning point in Mumbai’s public transport evolution. The city’s challenge now lies in managing the transition balancing construction with commuter convenience and ensuring that infrastructure growth supports a greener, more efficient urban future.
