Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Mumbai traffic restrictions are set to affect lakhs of daily commuters on February 17, 2026, due to the visit of the Prime Minister of India and the President of France. As part of the security plan, the Mumbai Traffic Police will enforce temporary traffic diversion across key stretches of the city. The main impact will be on the Western Express Highway, one of Mumbai’s busiest arterial roads.
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If you travel between the suburbs and south Mumbai, especially during office hours, this advisory matters to you. The restrictions will be in force for most of the day, and traffic authorities are asking people to plan ahead, start early, and rely on alternate routes wherever possible.
SEO keywords such as traffic diversion Mumbai, Mumbai traffic restrictions, and Western Express Highway traffic are already trending as commuters look for updates ahead of the high-profile visit.
WHAT IS CLOSED AND WHEN
According to instructions issued by the Mumbai Traffic Police, the movement of all heavy motor vehicles will be completely prohibited on both the northbound and southbound carriageways of the Western Express Highway.
- Date: February 17, 2026
- Time: From 8 am to 9 pm
- Affected stretch: Vakola Flyover to Dahisar Toll Naka
This means trucks, trailers, and other heavy vehicles will not be allowed to pass through this corridor during the restricted hours.
ADVISORY FOR COMMUTERS
Commuters are advised to plan their travel accordingly and use alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. Those travelling for work, school, or airport-related trips should factor in extra time, as traffic congestion is expected on feeder roads and parallel routes.
Light motor vehicles are likely to face slower movement as traffic is diverted. Public transport users may also see minor delays, especially on routes that depend on the highway.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The PM–France President visit is a high-security event, and such traffic diversion in Mumbai is part of standard safety measures. While the restrictions are temporary, the Western Express Highway traffic ban on heavy vehicles for nearly 13 hours could have a citywide ripple effect.
Authorities have urged cooperation from citizens to ensure smooth movement and avoid last-minute chaos on the roads.
Inputs: Dipesh Tripathi
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
