Mumbai Traffic Advisory Issued as Maratha Quota Stir Cripples South Mumbai
Day 4 of Maratha quota stir: Commuters face major delays in South Mumbai. Police warn of slow traffic, diversions, and disruptions.
Day 4 of Maratha Quota Protest: Mumbai Police Warns of Heavy Traffic Near Azad Maidan
Mumbai is bracing for major traffic disruptions 🚧 as the Maratha quota agitation entered its fourth day on Monday. Mumbai Police have issued an urgent advisory for commuters to avoid key roads in South Mumbai, particularly around Azad Maidan and CSMT Junction.
According to the advisory, motorists are urged to use alternative routes to minimize delays. Traffic in surrounding areas such as Fort, Marine Lines, and Crawford Market has already slowed due to the protest, led by activist Manoj Jarange.
Traffic advisory highlights
♦ Affected zones: Azad Maidan, CSMT Junction, Fort, Marine Lines, Crawford Market
♦ Expected impact: Slow-moving traffic, occasional blockades during morning rush hour
♦ Police instructions: Follow on-ground guidance at junctions to reduce congestion
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mumbai Traffic Police warned:
“As the agitation at Azad Maidan continues, traffic is impacted in nearby junctions. Motorists are advised to avoid these routes and take alternate routes to reach their destination.”
Additional police personnel have been deployed at sensitive points, including Mantralaya, CSMT, and Azad Maidan, to maintain law and order near government offices.
Why the protest?
The demonstration, which began on August 29, demands the classification of Marathas as Kunbis to secure OBC reservation. Jarange, the 43-year-old protest leader, launched a hunger strike after failed talks with the Maharashtra government.
“From tomorrow, I will stop taking water as the government is not accepting the demands. But I am not going back till the quota demand is met,” Jarange declared Sunday, calling the demand “constitutionally valid.”
The stir has sparked opposition from existing OBC groups, escalating tensions in Mumbai.
