Mumbai Viral Video Shows Illegal Horse Cart Race on Western Express Highway, Police Promise Action

Mumbai is again debating road safety after a Mumbai viral video showed an illegal horse cart race on the Vakola flyover of the Western Express Highway. The clip, widely shared on social media, raised concerns about public safety, traffic violations and animal cruelty on one of the city’s busiest stretches.

The incident happened on the heavily used Western Express Highway, where traffic is often bumper to bumper. The Vakola flyover links key western suburbs and handles dense commuter movement daily. Any reckless activity on this route, especially involving slow, unprotected vehicles like horse carts, can quickly endanger many road users.

Mumbai Viral Video illegal horse cart race highlights danger on Western Express Highway

The Mumbai viral video, reportedly filmed by a passing motorist, shows a horse cart racing along the Vakola flyover amid moving traffic. At least four people are visible on the cart, standing or sitting without any safety gear. Nearby vehicles appear close, creating a clear risk of collision or pile-up.

As the illegal horse cart race continues, the person recording keeps honking, apparently trying to warn the riders and other motorists. The horse cart moves at speed, weaving through vehicles. People on the cart seem relaxed, even posing for the camera, showing little concern for their safety, the horse, or surrounding traffic.

Mumbai Viral Video illegal horse cart race draws online outrage and police response

The Mumbai viral video was first posted on X, formerly Twitter, by Mumbai-based journalist Jeet Mashru. Mashru tagged Mumbai Police and Mumbai Traffic Police, calling the race illegal and dangerous for Western Express Highway commuters. Mashru also alleged the horse cart jumped the divider on the Vakola flyover and turned back towards Andheri.

Mashru questioned why there appeared to be no police personnel nearby during the illegal horse cart race. The post triggered public anger, with many users pointing to repeated safety lapses on Mumbai’s main highways. Commenters also flagged possible breaches of animal welfare rules, as the horse pulled a heavy cart at speed through traffic.

Responding on X, Mumbai Traffic Police wrote, "We have informed Vakola Traffic Division of the necessary action." Officials have not yet confirmed whether any arrests, fines or other penalties were issued against those on the cart. There is also no update on possible action under animal cruelty or motor vehicle laws.

Residents note this Mumbai viral video is part of a pattern, not a one-off stunt. Illegal horse cart races have appeared earlier on stretches of the Western Express Highway near several western suburbs. Despite occasional crackdowns and repeated assurances from authorities, similar clips keep surfacing online, leaving commuters still worried about safety and enforcement on the Vakola flyover and beyond.