Mumbai-Pune Expressway Blocked Due To Coldplay’s Concert In Navi Mumbai; Check Alternate Routes & Restrictions

The much-anticipated Coldplay concert at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai led to severe traffic disruptions on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, causing a huge traffic jam, as reported by Pune Pulse.

The traffic jam extended over eight to 10 kilometres between Turbhe and Kharghar, with thousands of cars stuck in the gridlock. Among those affected were Maharashtra state government ministers who were heading towards Pune, though their names were not disclosed. Ambulances were also caught in the jam, raising concerns about delays in emergency services. The chaos was compounded by the nearby Sonu Nigam concert, adding to the traffic volume.

Photo Credit: PTI

Coldplay Concert And Police Restrictions

Coldplay's "Music of the Spheres" world tour is taking place in Mumbai from January 18 to 21, with massive crowds expected. Due to the large number of concertgoers, authorities have issued travel advisories, urging commuters to plan their journeys with caution to avoid delays.

In response to the situation, nearly 1,000 police officers have been deployed in Navi Mumbai to maintain law and order during the event. To further manage traffic, authorities have imposed road restrictions and banned heavy vehicles from Uran, Nhavasheva, Pune, and Thane during the three-day event.

Road Closures And Traffic Rerouting

Service Road Near DY Patil Stadium: The stretch from Bhimashankar Society to LP Rickshaw Stand will be closed for vehicles and parking. Traffic will be redirected via the Sion-Panvel Highway from Uran Phata to LP Bridge.
Turbhe MIDC Service Road: This road, including the Indian Oil Corporation Terminal, will be closed to general traffic and parking. Only vehicles belonging to Indian Oil Corporation are allowed, and traffic will be rerouted via Punyagiri and Uran Phata.
Hydrilia Company to LP Bridge Service Road: Vehicles coming from Hydrilia Company will be redirected through the LP Bridge service road to alternate routes.

Heavy Vehicle Restrictions

To ease congestion, Thane city police have also restricted the movement of heavy vehicles at key locations:

Ghodbunder Road: Restrictions near Fountain Hotel for vehicles coming from Mumbai, Vasai, and Virar.
Bhiwandi to JNPT/Navi Mumbai: Entry banned at Ranjnoli Naka on Bhiwandi-Kalyan Road.
Sonale Village to JNPT/Navi Mumbai: Restrictions near Basuri Hotel on Nashik Road.
Gujarat to Ghodbunder Road: Heavy vehicles will be stopped at Chinchoti Naka.
Kalwa Route to Navi Mumbai: Restrictions at Kalwa Naka for vehicles coming via Balkum, Saket, and the new Kalwa Bridge.
Parsik Circle to Navi Mumbai: Restrictions for heavy vehicles from Kharegaon Toll Naka, Gammon Junction, and Mumbra Bypass at Parsik Circle.

Authorities are urging commuters to remain patient and expect significant traffic delays over the next few days.