As Ganeshotsav kicks off tomorrow, September 6, Mumbai gears up for a vibrant celebration. Here’s a quick roundup of key updates from extended metro and bus services to traffic advisory for smooth immersion processions.
Get ready for a festive season filled with devotion and excitement!
First look of Lalbaugcha Raja unveiled for Ganesh Chaturthi
The first look of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja was revealed on Thursday for Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees were mesmerised by the idol’s maroon attire. Situated in Putlabai Chawl, Lalbaugcha Raja is the most visited Ganesh mandal in Mumbai, attracting thousands of Mumbaikars, from commoners to celebrities, each year.
Anant Ambani donates ₹15 crore worth 20-kg gold crown to Lalbaugcha Raja
Anant Ambani has donated a 20-kg gold crown valued at ₹15 crore to Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja for Ganesh Chaturthi. This contribution, facilitated by the Reliance Foundation, highlights his deep ties with the iconic mandal. Ambani, who has supported the mandal for 15 years, has also been honoured with an honorary membership.
Late-night metro extensions for Ganpati festival by MMMOCL
To manage the increased demand during Ganpati Festival, Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) will extend its metro services. From September 11 to 17, the last trains from Andheri West and Gundavali will run until 11:30 PM. This extension includes 20 additional trips across key routes, enhancing convenience for late-night commuters and festival-goers.
BEST expands night bus services for Ganesh Utsav 2024
To accommodate late-night commuters during Ganesh Utsav, BEST will run additional buses from September 7 to 16, 2024, between 10:30 PM and 6:00 AM. These buses will serve key routes in Central and South Mumbai, including Colaba, Girgaon, Lalbaug, Parel, and Chembur, ensuring smoother travel for both devotees and tourists during the festival.
Indian Railways to operate 304 special trains for Ganesh Chaturthi
To manage the festival rush, Indian Railways is running 304 special trains, including 56 by Western Central Railway and 7 by Konkan Railway in September. Lakhs of people travel to Konkan from Mumbai for Ganesh Utsav, starting September 7. Special trains like Mumbai Central-Thokur and Mumbai Central-Sawantwadi will operate on key routes with multiple halts to accommodate passengers.
Traffic advisory for Ganeshotsav immersions
For Ganeshotsav 2024 in Mumbai, traffic measures are in place for smooth immersion processions on September 8, 11, 12, 13, and 17. From 12:00 PM to 6:00 AM, diversions and road closures will affect key areas, including Colaba, Marine Drive, and Byculla. Alternate routes are provided, and no-parking zones and restrictions on heavy vehicles will be enforced to manage congestion effectively.
Free Toll and Road Tax for Konkan-bound vehicles from September 5-19
The Maharashtra government has announced a toll and road tax exemption for vehicles heading to Konkan for Ganesh Chaturthi from September 5 to 19. This applies to vehicles on the Mumbai-Bengaluru, Mumbai-Goa national, and state highways. A pass, issued by RTO officials, is required for the exemption, covering both onward and return journeys.
Coastal Road to stay open 24/7 during Ganesh Chaturthi
For the Ganesh festival from September 7 to 17, Mumbai Traffic Police has requested that the Coastal Road remain open 24/7. Currently, the road is closed at night for Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) connector work and weekends for construction. Keeping it open all day will help manage traffic congestion, especially on immersion days.
