Chaos after Mumbai metro put on halt for PM Modi’s roadshow

Mumbai Metro services were partially suspended due to security concerns as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in the Ghatkopar area. The suspension affected services between Jagruti Nagar and Ghatkopar stations from 6 pm to 7.40 pm, according to a spokesperson of Mumbai Metro One. The Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro, crucial for connecting the eastern and western suburbs, serves over three lakh commuters daily.

"Due to security reasons, metro services will be suspended between Jagruti Nagar and Ghatkopar Metro Stations, from 06:00 pm till further notice. Commuters are requested to plan their journey accordingly. Inconvenience is regretted," Mumbai Metro said in a post on X. The post was done at 2.55 pm.

According to The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) official, a usual practice involves keeping about 5% of BEST buses on standby for emergencies and breakdowns. These reserve buses are then utilized for special reservations like this, ensuring minimal disruption to regular services.

Chaos after Mumbai metro put on halt

The suspension is anticipated to impact numerous commuters as the Ghatkopar-Andheri-Versova Metro service serves as a crucial link between the eastern and western suburbs, with over three lakh commuters relying on it daily.

The advisory precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled roadshow in Ghatkopar, eastern Mumbai. Covering a distance of 2.5 km, the roadshow is set to commence at 8 pm from Shreyas Cinema on LBS Road in Ghatkopar and conclude at Gandhi Market.

In response, the Mumbai Police has issued a stringent traffic advisory, implementing road closures from 2 pm to 10 pm. Sections of LBS Road, Mahul Ghatkopar Road, AGL Road, Hiranandani Kailas Complex Road, and Golibar Maidan, among others, will be closed for vehicular traffic as required.

To alleviate traffic congestion, alternative routes have been proposed, including the Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway, Andheri-Kurla Road, Saki Vihar Road, MIDC Central Road, Santacruz-Chembur Link Road, Sion-Bandra Link Road, and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road.

Passengers intending air travel or long-distance train journeys are advised to plan their routes in advance and utilize the announced alternative routes to ensure timely arrival at their destinations and avoid inconvenience.

Moreover, the police have prohibited the use of drones, paragliders, balloons, kites, and remote-controlled microlight aircraft in the city. Prohibitory orders have been issued under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure from 00.01 hrs until 24.00 hrs of May 15 (Wednesday) and May 17 (Friday) to restrict the flying of these objects.

Reaction

"This terrible situation in the ghatkopar bridge due to the route changed because the metro was closed and no one was a police officer standing there," an X user said, sharing a video of crowd at Ghatkopar bridge.

This could’ve been conveyed in much better & in advance. So this could’ve been avoided. #MumbaiMetro
Rumour was Versova-Ghatkopar complete route suspended. #Mumbai https://t.co/ilB5HHGPU4 pic.twitter.com/9B4W5kP44e

— Akash Rohit Kothari (@awesome_ark) May 15, 2024

"Why didn’t you put out this notice yesterday? What about people who are now stranded at Ghatkopar metro station? Who will be responsible if a stampede takes places?" a user said.

"This could’ve been conveyed in much better & in advance. So this could’ve been avoided. Rumour was Versova-Ghatkopar complete route suspended," another user said.