Mumbai Traffic Police have announced temporary traffic restrictions on the Western Express Highway on Feb.17 on account of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the city. Restrictions will be in place to ensure smooth security arrangements for the VVIP movement and to avoid traffic congestion on the busy stretch.
According to the traffic police, movement of all heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be completely prohibited on both northbound and southbound lanes of the Western Express Highway between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka from 8 am to 9 pm on Feb. 17.
Emergency response units will remain unaffected by the restrictions. Ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and government vehicles assigned for VVIP security measures will be permitted to travel on the highway. Traffic enforcement officials have also indicated that vehicles authorised by them due to operational needs will be excluded from the restrictions.
Alternative Routes
Traffic restrictions have been imposed on key stretches in Colaba to manage vehicular movement and ensure smooth access for emergency services. The stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Regal Junction) will remain closed to all vehicular traffic in both directions, except for emergency vehicles, with motorists advised to use Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Mahakavi Bhushan Road and Boman Behram Road as alternate routes.
Similarly, the road from Jokhim Alva Chowk (North Court) to Adam Street junction via P. Ramchandani Marg will be shut for regular traffic, with exemptions only for emergency vehicles. Commuters from Alva Chowk toward Radio Club side will have to divert via P. Ramchandani Marg, Haji Niyaz Azmi Road, and Jagannath Palav Chowk (Bhid Bhanjan Mandir), take a right onto Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, loop around Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Regal Junction), and then proceed via Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg to reach their destinations.
Commuters, particularly those commuting via the Western Express Highway, must plan their travel in advance and consider alternative routes
French President's Itinerary
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to land in Mumbai on Feb. 16, where he will engage with Prime Minister Modi on Feb.17, as reported by the External Affairs Ministry.
After their discussion, PM Modi and the French President will proceed to New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026.
Also Read: French President Macron's India Tour: What's On Agenda?
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