Mumbai, March 31: Mumbaikars will be banned from using their vehicles in the vicinity of Wankhede stadium on Saturday because of the World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka, says a media report.
The traffic police have declared the area a no-vehicle zone for the World Cup final, with some concessions being granted to VVIPs.The restriction follows an alert issued by intelligence agencies warning of a vehicle-laden terror strike ahead of the India-Lanka clash.
“Vehicles, excluding those belonging to VVIPs and the police, will not be allowed beyond the Princess Street flyover to the west of the stadium,” said additional police commissioner (traffic) Brijesh Singh.For the first time, the traffic cops have devised a concept of having separate lanes for spectators' vehicles.
“They will have to stick to the right lane, keep their tickets ready and produce it when asked to. Diversions will start from Worli and further at Haji Ali. Presence of traffic cops has been stepped up at al diversion points,” Singh added.Cautionary boards on diversions will be installed at key points on the route.
“In view of the several security checks, spectators should arrive at least three hours before the match,” deputy commissioner Nandkumar Chaugule said.
“We would like to request the spectators to use the public transport. Those who can't should go in for car-pooling. Churchgate station is very close to the stadium so hopping on to a train will be the best option,” Chaugule added.
More than a dozen designated parking lots have been identified for spectators' vehicles and a provision has also been made for contingency parking.BEST undertaking has agreed to provide shuttle services between parking lots and the match venue.
The traffic police have also decided to close the north-bound stretch of Queens Road. “Route maps have been uploaded on the police website."Four hundred signages will be put up across the city and information will also be provided on VMS boards and through text messaging groups.
"We have held a series of meetings with residents' associations in Churchgate. Passes have been issued for one car per family in every society; additional vehicles will have to be parked at the designated lots,” Chaugule said.
