Mumbai Traffic Snarls as Sea of Maratha Protestors Hit Roads Near Azad Maidan

The streets of Mumbai were overtaken by a massive protest led by the Maratha Kranti Morcha, spearheaded by Manoj Jarange Patil. Supporters gathered in large numbers in South Mumbai, particularly around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Fort area. The demonstrators blocked major roads, causing significant traffic disruptions across the city.

The protest coincided with Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Mumbai. Shah's schedule included attending Ganesh mandals and meeting BJP leaders, necessitating additional security measures at various locations. This overlap added complexity to the city's already strained security operations.

Massive Police Deployment

In anticipation of the protest's scale, Mumbai Police undertook one of their largest security deployments. At Azad Maidan alone, nearly 1,000 personnel were stationed, transforming it into a heavily guarded area. Across the city, approximately 18,000 officers were already engaged in duties related to Ganeshotsav celebrations.

To manage the influx of protesters and maintain order, police set up barricades early in the day at Byculla. Vehicles carrying demonstrators were redirected from JJ Flyover to Mohammad Ali Road, further congesting already busy routes. The previous night saw vehicles halted at Carnac Bridge to prevent a complete shutdown of South Mumbai.

Traffic Chaos

The diversion of vehicles added pressure on alternate routes as protesters made their way to Azad Maidan on foot from Wadi Bunder. This resulted in widespread traffic jams throughout south central Mumbai. Visuals captured large crowds on CSMT platforms and surrounding areas as they marched towards their destination.

Specialised units such as the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Riot Control Squad, Quick Response Team (QRT), CRPF companies, and Bomb Disposal squads were also placed on alert to ensure safety during the protest. Additional reinforcements included two Additional Commissioners of Police and six Deputy Commissioners among others.

Protest Timing Challenges

The timing of this mass mobilisation posed a significant challenge for law enforcement due to its overlap with Ganeshotsav festivities. The dual responsibility of managing both festival activities and political agitation tested Mumbai's security apparatus like never before.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil arrived in Mumbai with thousands of supporters ahead of his planned indefinite hunger strike during Ganeshotsav. His presence further intensified the situation as authorities worked tirelessly to maintain peace and order amidst these converging events.

The convergence of these events created an unprecedented test for Mumbai's security forces as they navigated through festival management alongside political demonstrations while ensuring public safety remained paramount throughout this challenging period.