Mumbai: Restrictions imposed on vehicles weighing more than 16 tons entering the Mumbai-Goa highway near Pandharpur due to the Ganesh festival have caused inconvenience to devotees traveling to the Konkan region. In order to avoid overcrowding and ensure the safety of devotees during the Ganesh festival, this decision has been taken.
The Mumbai-Goa highway has restricted the entry of vehicles weighing more than 16 tons, except for those carrying essential goods such as milk, petrol or diesel, self-cooked gas cylinders, liquid gas, medical supplies, oxygen, food grains, etc. during the Ganesh festival.
On September 7th, the arrival of Lord Ganesh will take place. Mumbai witnesses a grand celebration of the Ganesh festival with great enthusiasm. The number of Mumbai residents visiting Konkan for Ganesh festival is also significant. AC buses, private cars, and motorcycles travel to Konkan in large numbers. In order to avoid traffic congestion, the government has imposed restrictions on heavy vehicles.
During this period, the following restrictions will be in place:
– From midnight on September 5th to 11 pm on September 8th, vehicles weighing more than 16 tons will be restricted.
– For the immersion of Ganesh idols and Gauri-Ganpati idols from September 5th to 7th, and for return journeys, vehicles will be restricted from 8 pm on September 12th to 11 pm on September 13th.
– For the immersion of Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi on September 11th, and for return journeys, vehicles will be restricted from 8 am on September 17th to 8 pm on September 18th.
These restrictions will not apply to vehicles carrying essential goods such as milk, petrol or diesel, self-cooked gas cylinders, liquid medical oxygen, food grains, vegetables, and perishable goods. The Mumbai-Goa National Highway 66 will not be affected by these restrictions.
In order to facilitate transportation, the concerned transportation department and highway police will issue permits to vehicles carrying essential goods. The police officials in charge of the Ganesh festival and the highway authorities will monitor the situation and make necessary decisions based on the circumstances.
In conclusion, the restrictions on heavy vehicles entering the Mumbai-Goa highway during the Ganesh festival are aimed at ensuring the safety and convenience of devotees. The authorities are working to streamline transportation and ensure smooth traffic flow during this festive period.