Special Trains and Bus Services to Ensure Smooth Travel for Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024
Mumbai is preparing for the annual Mahaparinirvan Diwas on December 6, 2024, when thousands of devotees will visit Chaityabhoomi in Dadar to pay homage to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The city’s transport network is bracing for an influx of passengers, especially at Dadar Station, which is a key transit point for devotees. To ensure smooth travel, Central and Western Railways, along with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) services, have made extensive arrangements. These measures include special trains, adjusted bus routes, and crowd management strategies to handle the expected increase in footfall.
Dadar Bracing for Surge in Footfall on Mahaparinirvan Diwas
Dadar, being one of the busiest railway stations in Mumbai, will witness a significant surge in passengers on December 6. The daily passenger count at Dadar Station, typically ranging from 75-80 lakh, is expected to jump to nearly 90-95 lakh during the Mahaparinirvan Diwas event. With such a dramatic increase in foot traffic, it’s crucial to have special transport measures in place to facilitate the movement of devotees.
Both Central and Western Railways have announced route diversions, especially for trains entering or leaving the station during peak hours. The large pedestrian bridge connecting Central and Western Railway platforms will remain open only for platform transfers, while the skywalk bridge will be used for passengers entering or exiting from the east or west side of the station. This will help streamline foot traffic and minimize congestion.
Special Trains and Adjusted Bus Services for Efficient Movement
In a bid to handle the increased number of commuters, both Central and Western Railways will run special trains on December 6, catering specifically to devotees heading to Chaityabhoomi. These special services will operate during peak hours and will run at regular intervals to reduce waiting times.
Similarly, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) has also stepped up its efforts to manage the surge. Special buses will be deployed across key routes, particularly those that pass through Dadar and surrounding areas. The routes will be adjusted to ensure smooth movement, with buses running more frequently throughout the day. The BEST services will focus on connecting key transit hubs to Chaityabhoomi, ensuring devotees can reach the site without much hassle.
Traffic and Pedestrian Management for Crowd Control
Given the large number of devotees expected to visit Chaityabhoomi, traffic management and pedestrian flow will be a top priority. Several roads around Dadar and the Chaityabhoomi area will experience heavy traffic congestion. In response, local authorities have imposed access restrictions and route diversions to reduce the chances of traffic snarls. Key roads will remain closed to vehicular traffic, with only emergency vehicles allowed to pass.
For pedestrian traffic, Mumbai Police and transport authorities have set up clear signage and crowd management teams to direct the movement of people to prevent overcrowding at any given point. These teams will also ensure that devotees maintain an orderly flow while walking to the memorial, minimizing the risk of accidents.
Route Diversions and Access Restrictions from Midnight December 5
To manage the crowd and ensure safety, certain routes will be diverted from midnight on December 5 to midnight on December 6. These diversions are designed to streamline the movement of both passengers and vehicles, helping prevent any congestion near the station or Chaityabhoomi. Local traffic will be directed along alternate routes, with clear instructions for commuters.
For those planning to visit on foot, authorities have created designated walking paths and areas for people to gather, ensuring a safe and manageable crowd flow. The pedestrian routes, including the Central Large Bridge, will be specifically earmarked for platform transfers, ensuring that commuters do not block the entry or exit points of the station.
Preparing for the Surge: Safety First
In addition to the transportation arrangements, safety measures have been put in place for the safety of the public. Mumbai Police will deploy a large number of personnel to ensure peace and order throughout the day. They will also be stationed at various key locations to provide assistance and ensure that the crowd management protocols are followed.
Health and emergency services will be available at all times. Ambulances will be stationed at various points around Dadar and Chaityabhoomi to provide immediate assistance in case of any medical emergencies. Fire safety teams and first-aid facilities will also be in place to ensure that the large gathering remains safe and well-managed.