The Gudi Padwa celebrations in Dombivli are expected to draw large crowds this year, prompting the Thane Traffic Police to announce special traffic arrangements ahead of the festivities on March 19. Authorities anticipate heavy movement of people and vehicles as residents gather to take part in the traditional New Year welcome procession. To maintain public safety and ensure smooth traffic flow, officials have introduced several restrictions and diversions across key roads in the area. The advisory has been issued to minimise congestion while allowing the cultural celebrations to proceed smoothly throughout the morning hours.
The procession will begin at 6:30 am from Bhagshala Maidan in Dombivli West and will move along several major roads before concluding in Dombivli East. According to the traffic notification released by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pankaj Shirsat, the rally will pass through Kopar Bridge, Shiv Mandir Road–Char Rasta, Bajiprabhu Chowk, and Phadke Road. The event is being organised by Shri Ganesh Mandir Sansthan, Dombivli East and will feature traditional cultural performances including Lezim Pathak displays, Sanai Choughada music, devotional bhajans and Dindi groups. Several social organisations, families, youth groups, and community members are also expected to participate enthusiastically in the festive march.
1. Road Closures
Several key roads in Dombivli will remain closed or face restrictions during the procession hours due to the large turnout expected for the celebrations. Traffic congestion is likely on Tilak Road, Ganapati Mandir Road, Chheda Road, Phadke Road, Madan Thackeray Chowk, Bajiprabhu Chowk, Modern Café junction, Chintamani Jewellers Road, Agarkar Road, and the stretch near IDBI Bank. To manage the situation, the traffic department has implemented entry restrictions at multiple junctions. Vehicular movement on Phadke Road between Bajiprabhu Chowk and Apadatar Chowk will remain completely closed while the procession passes through the area.
Authorities have also restricted the entry of private buses and heavy vehicles heading toward Tilak Chowk from Kalyan Road via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circle in Dombivli East. These vehicles will not be permitted to continue along the restricted route during the event. Similarly, vehicles travelling from Nehru Road toward Ganesh Mandir Road will not be allowed to move beyond the Ganesh Mandir gate on Nehru Cause Road. Additional closures will also be enforced at Samrat Chowk, Nana Shankar Sheth Road, and Samrat Ashok Chowk when the procession reaches these locations.
2. Alternate Routes
To reduce inconvenience for commuters, the traffic police have also announced several diversion routes for vehicles affected by the road closures. Motorists approaching the closed stretch on Phadke Road will be redirected through Nehru Road toward Dombivli Railway Station and further guided to Lokmanya Tilak Road via Savarkar Road and Indira Chowk. These alternative routes have been designated to keep traffic moving while the procession takes place along the main roads.
Vehicles travelling via Chheda Road toward the Ganesh Temple will be stopped near Tulsi Sweet Corner and diverted through Ganesh Mandir Road, Apte Road, Shivaji Path, and Dr Mukherjee Road. Similarly, private buses and heavy vehicles that are restricted from entering Tilak Chowk will be required to take a U-turn at Gharada Circle and continue toward their destinations from there. During the procession, vehicles may also be diverted through Ghanshyam Gupte Road, MG Road, and Retibandar Road, depending on the location of the rally. Traffic officials have urged motorists to avoid the affected routes, follow the diversions, and plan their travel accordingly to prevent delays during the festive celebrations.