Ganeshotsav 2026: Mumbai Mandals Raise Safety Concerns Over Potholes, Cables & Dilapidated Structures Amid Aagman Processions

Mumbai's Ganeshotsav 2026 preparations are facing safety concerns as several mandals highlight issues such as potholes, hanging cables, unauthorized parking, and traffic bottlenecks along idol procession routes. A meeting held on August 14 saw Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Mumbai Traffic Police Joint Commissioner Satyanarayan Choudhary discussing these matters.

The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has urgently requested the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Traffic Police to address road repairs and safety measures prior to idol arrival and immersion processions. This includes fixing potholes along key routes such as the Andheri-Kurla Link Road between Marol and Ghatkopar, and securing overhead cables at safe heights to prevent obstruction of tall idols and procession vehicles.

Last year's fatal cable-related accident during idol immersion prompted the committee to emphasize the need for proper cable management. They also seek special traffic arrangements at Jagruti Nagar Metro Junction in Ghatkopar West, citing the existing one-way system as a potential cause of severe congestion during the festival. With the Aarey immersion lake being unavailable, the committee anticipates more mandals utilizing the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road towards Shyam Nagar Lake, urging the Traffic Police to manage traffic flow along this route.

Additional safety concerns were raised over dilapidated railway bridges and structures that could pose risks during the festival, particularly along routes in Lalbaug used for idol arrivals, where rainwater leaks from structures beneath flyovers and monorail bridges have been reported. Mayor Tawde assured that the administration would address these issues as soon as possible.