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In view of the upcoming Ganeshotsav, the state government has taken an important decision so that the journey of the devotees visiting Konkan is comfortable and safe, and also to avoid possible traffic jams on the highways. During Ganeshotsav, movement of all types of heavy vehicles with lifting capacity of 16 tonnes or more has been banned on Mumbai-Goa National Highway No. 66. The Transport Department has issued an official order in this regard. On the occasion of Ganeshotsav, a large number of extra buses are run by ST Corporation for the passengers visiting Konkan. Apart from this, the traffic of private vehicles also increases a lot. During such times, heavy vehicles, trailers and vehicles carrying sand/sand create huge jams on the highways, causing inconvenience to the commuters. To avoid this, this decision has been taken under the rules of the Motor Vehicle Act.

When will heavy vehicles be banned?

1. Journey of arrival and preparation of the idol: 11 September 2026 (from 00:01 PM) to 15 September 2026 (till 23:00 PM); Five days Ganpati Visarjan/Return journey: 18 September 2026 (08:00 AM to 23:00 PM); Gauri-Ganpati Visarjan (seven days) / Return journey: 19 September 2026 (08:00 am to 23:00 pm) and 20 September 2026 (up to 23:00 pm); Anant Chaturdashi (immersion and long return journey): 25 September 2026 (08:00 AM onwards) to 26 September 2026 (20:00 PM onwards).

These vehicles are exempted from the ban:

The government has taken precautions to ensure that while the ban on heavy vehicles is in place to avoid inconvenience to passengers, it does not impact essential and vital services. These trains have been exempted from this ban: Trains carrying goods imported and exported from JNPT and Jaigarh Port. Vehicles carrying milk, petrol, diesel, LPG cylinders for cooking, medicines, liquid oxygen, vegetables, grains and perishable goods. Ambulances, police vehicles, fire brigade, disaster management and other essential service vehicles.

Vehicles carrying goods for widening and repairing the Mumbai-Goa Highway (these vehicles will have to obtain a pass from the Traffic Police/Highway Police). Also, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner and Superintendents of Police of the respective districts have been given the authority to relax the restrictions as per the need after reviewing the local situation. This order is expected to provide great relief to Ganesh devotees and Konkan residents coming to Konkan for Ganeshotsav.

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