Parts of South Mumbai and major routes, including stretches linked to the Western Express Highway in the city are expected to witness heavy congestion on Tuesday (Feb. 17) as French President Emmanuel Macron holds high-level engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to India.
Both the leaders will also be launching the India-France Year of Innovation 2026. Due to the high security event, Mumbai Traffic Police have imposed extensive road closures and diversions across sensitive corridors. President Macron is on an official visit from Feb. 17 to 19 to participate in the AI Impact Summit hosted by India and to hold a bilateral summit with the Prime Minister in Mumbai.
This is Macron's fourth visit to India and his first to Mumbai. The two leaders are expected to review progress in the India-France strategic partnership, discuss expanding cooperation into new and emerging sectors, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Use Mumbai Metro, Urges MMRCL
Amid traffic congestion, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has requested commuters to use the Metro-3 Aqua Line to avoid delays.
In a post on X, the MMRCL said: “Attention Mumbai commuters: Due to a high-profile visit, traffic restrictions will be in place across parts of the city. Use Metro-3 to avoid delays. Parents and SSC students — please take the metro to reach exam centres on time. Plan ahead and travel safely.”
Additionally, authorities have urged commuters to plan journeys in advance and use alternate routes to minimise inconvenience.
What is the Schedule?
At 3:15 pm, PM Modi and President Macron will hold bilateral engagements at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, followed by the inauguration of the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 by both the leaders, who will also address business leaders, start-ups, researchers, and innovators from both countries at 5:15 pm.
Traffic Restrictions
Traffic arrangements have been put in place for an India-France Year of Innovation event scheduled at the Gateway of India in South Mumbai.
The Mumbai Traffic Police expect congestion on adjoining roads due to VVIP movement on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, P. Ramchandani Marg, B. K. Boman Behram Marg, and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg from the junction of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk will remain closed to all vehicular traffic, except emergency vehicles, in both directions. Motorists may use an alternative route via Regal Junction connecting to Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Mahakavi Bhushan Road, and Bomen Behram Road to reach their destinations.
The stretch from Jokhim Alva Chowk to Adam Street junction will also remain closed to vehicular movement, except for emergency vehicles. Vehicles may proceed from Alva Chowk to Radio Club via P. Ramchandani Marg, Haji Niyaz Azmi Road, and Jagannath Palav Chowk (Bhid Bhajan Temple), then take a right turn toward Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk, complete a turnaround via Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg, and proceed further.
The taxi stand and BEST bus stand located at Adam Street and P. Ramchandani Marg will remain affected. No-parking restrictions will be enforced on Nathalal Parekh Road, Jagannath Bhosle Road, Captain Prakash Pethe Road, Rambhau Salgaonkar Road, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, and B. K. Boman Behram Road. A stretch behind Hotel Taj from Raobahadur Desai Chowk to Hotel Diplomat will also be designated as a no-parking zone.
Also Read: French President Macron's India Tour: What's On Agenda?
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