Special Traffic Arrangements Announced In Mumbai For PM Modi And Macron Event

The city of Mumbai is preparing for extensive traffic arrangements on Tuesday, February 17, as it hosts a high‑profile event featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and French President Emmanuel Macron. The measures, issued by the Mumbai Traffic Police, are part of heightened security and logistical planning ahead of bilateral engagements and the inauguration of the India‑France Year of Innovation (IFYI) 2026.

Traffic authorities have announced a comprehensive 13‑hour ban on heavy motor vehicles on the Western Express Highway (WEH) — one of the city’s major arterial roads connecting the northern suburbs with South Mumbai. The prohibition will be in force from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday between the Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka, with exceptions only for emergency services, police, and VVIP security vehicles. Commuters using this key corridor are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

In South Mumbai, significant stretches of roads near the Gateway of India and the event venues will be closed to general traffic from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to facilitate the smooth movement of VVIP convoys and maintain public safety. Roads such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg and P. Ramchandani Marg will see closures, while no‑parking zones and bus stand suspensions will further affect regular traffic flow in the area.

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Traffic police have also issued advisories urging residents and commuters to avoid certain central city routes during peak restriction hours and to follow official diversions. The combined effect of heavy vehicle bans, road closures, and parking restrictions is expected to substantially disrupt normal commuting patterns across Mumbai on Tuesday. Authorities emphasized that cooperation from motorists will be essential in managing congestion and ensuring the security of dignitaries.

Public transport users are likely to experience delays, particularly on services that intersect major restricted corridors such as the WEH and South Mumbai arterial routes. Officials have reiterated that while light vehicles may still operate on these roads, congestion should be anticipated throughout the day, and alternative options should be considered where feasible.

The traffic arrangements come as part of broader preparations for high‑level diplomatic engagements between India and France, reflecting both the logistical challenges and administrative coordination required when hosting foreign heads of state in a densely populated urban environment.

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