Mumbai Air Show: Traffic advisory issued, check routes to avoid

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday kickstarted the air show over the Marine Drive in Mumbai as part of its mega outreach programme to create awareness and promote a deeper connection with the local community.

The air show, being held in collaboration with the Maharashtra state government, will continue till Sunday (January 14).

“The city of Mumbai is slated to witness a spectacular aerial display on 14 January 2024. The Indian Air Force will enthrall the city with a multi-faceted air display by its elite Suryakiran fixed wing and Sarang helicopter aerobatic display teams over the iconic Marine Drive," the South Western Air Command said in a post on social media site X.

It stated that the ‘Akashganga’ skydiving team of the Indian Air Force will perform a scintillating display at Chowpathy Beach on Saturday. The IAF will also have flypasts by other fighter aircraft and helicopters.

The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, which was established in 1996, has been designated as a brand ambassador for the IAF and is a part of the 52nd Squadron. It includes 13 pilots and operates Hawk MK 132 aircraft, PTI reported.

Because of the air show, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has announced that two runways will remain closed from 12 pm to 1 pm for three days, from January 12-14.

“The Indian Air Force has planned an Aerial Display exercise at Mumbai. Due to this, Mumbai's CSMIA runways (RWY 09/27 & 14/32) will remain non-operational from 12:00 hrs. to 13:00 hrs on 12th, 13th and 14th January, 2024. Passengers are urged to verify their scheduled flights with their respective airlines before heading to the airport during these days,” CSMIA stated.

The Mumbai Traffic Police also issued a travel advisory for the air show in the city, stating that these restrictions will be in effect from 9 am to 5 pm on January 13 and 14.

Check details of the restrictions and the alternate routes:

The road will remain closed for all types of vehicular movement except for emergency vehicles towards both bounds, from NCPA and Girgaum Chowapatty.

As an alternative route, commuters can take Ramnath Poddar Chowk (Godrej Junction) — take a right by Maharshi Karve-Road Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate Junction) — Marine Lines — Charni Road — Pandit Paluskar Chowk (Opera House) — will be right on track towards their desired destination.

Also, commuters can take the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Junction left turn via Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil — CTO Junction— and from there will move towards the desired destination.

Route from Girgaum Chowapatty (Vinoly Chowapatty) to NCPA/Hutatma Rajguru Chowk (Mantralaya Junction) will be closed for all vehicle movements as per requirement.

As an alternative route, commuters are advised to take Kemps Corner Bridge — take left and proceed to their destination choice at Nana Chowk, or they can also take left from RTI Junction to NS Patkar Marg — Pandit Paluskar Chowk — left turn — SVP Road, also a right turn at Pandit Paluskar Chowk – (Opera House) and from there can move towards their destination via Maharshi Karve Road.

Northbound Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate Junction) to Kilachang Chowk (Sunder Mahal Junction) shall remain closed to all vehicular traffic.

Commuters can reach their destination via Maharshi Karve Road — Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk — Marine Lines — Charni Road — Pandit Paluskar Chowk.

The route from Dinshaw Vacha Road – Northbound from Chowk to Ratanlal Babuna Chowk (Marine Plaza Junction) will also remain closed for all vehicular movement.

As an alternative route, commuters can take Maharshi Karve Road — Ahilyabai Holkar Chwok — Marine Lines — Charni Road — Pandit Paluskar Chowk, from where they can reach their destination.

The Northbound route from Hutatma Rajguru Chowk (Mantralaya Junction) to Venutai Chavan Chowk (Air India Junction) will be shut for all types of vehicular traffic.

On this route, commuters can go via Maharshi Karve Road — Ramnath Poddar Chowk — Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk — Marine Lines — Charni Road — Pandit Paluskar Chowk.

The Free Press Journal junction to NS Road will be shut for all vehicular movement (excluding local residents and emergency vehicles)

The Northbound route from Jamanalal Bajaj Marg to Murali Deora Chowk — NS Road Vinay K Shah Marg leading towards the road will also remain shut for traffic movement.

As per the Mumbai Traffic Police advisory, there will be no parking facilities available from 07:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs on January 13 and 14 at N S Road, Barrister Rajni Patel Marg, Madam Cama Road, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Dinshaw Vacha Road, Veer Nariman Road, Maharshi Karve Road, Vinay K Shah Road, Jamanalal Bajaj Marg and Free Press Journal Road.