Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
Traffic diversion at Vashi on immersion days
No other vehicles will be allowed entry into Shivaji Chowk other than those carrying Ganesh idols to curb traffic jams
To ease traffic congestion on days of immersion of Ganesh idols at Shivaji Chowk in Vashi, the Navi Mumbai traffic police have imposed a blanket ban on the movement of vehicles at the chowk other than those carrying idols and earmarked routes for diversion.
The ban on entry of vehicles at the chowk will be in force from 2 pm to midnight on September 9, 10 and 11 of Ganeshotsav immersions respectively. On the final day of immersion when most idols are immersed the ban will be effective from 12 noon on September 15 to 6 am on September 16.
Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Arvind Salve said: “In a bid to stop vehicles carrying lord Ganesh idols and other motorists from getting stuck in traffic jam on days of immersion at the chowk in sector 17 in Vashi, we have suggested alternative routes for regular traffic.”
These are fifth, sixth, seventh and tenth days of the festival when a huge number of idols are taken to the town from different places of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai to immerse in the creek.
“Since all the groups pass through the Shivaji Chowk area in Vashi, it becomes virtually impossible for other vehicles to ply in this stretch. Therefore we have declared this area as no entry zone for other vehicles on those days,” said Salve.
“These rules will be applicable from 2 pm to 10 pm on September 9, 10 and 11. On September 15, the residents will have to follow it from 12 midnight to 6am of next morning,” Salve said.
“We appeal to the residents to cooperate with us for ensuring a proper traffic management in the city during the festival. Punitive measures will be taken in case of violation of the rules,” he added. The pandal set up by Vashi Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal at Vashi’s Sector 17. A pandal at Tapal Naka in Panvel depicts the bridge collapse tragedy of Mahad.