Heavy motor vehicles will be blocked in Mumbai for almost 13 hours on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as the city tightens security ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron – a move that is likely to disrupt travel for thousands of commuters through the western suburbs.
The Mumbai Traffic Police has announced that HMVs will not be allowed on both the north and southbound Western Express Highway (WEH) from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, with restrictions on the key stretch between Vakola flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka. Officials said the curbs are part of standard VVIP security measures and are meant to prevent congestion on one of Mumbai’s busiest corridors.
Heavy vehicles banned at Mumbai’s WEH on February 17: What commuters should know
According to the official notification, the movement of all heavy motor vehicles will be completely prohibited on both the Western Express Highway on:
Mumbai Section Affected: Vakola flyover to Dahisar Toll Naka
This means that trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles will not be allowed to pass through the corridor during the restricted hours.
Authorities have warned that even light motor vehicles may face slower movement as traffic is diverted to feeder and parallel routes.
Why Mumbai is introducing traffic curbs ahead of Modi-Macron visit
The restrictions coincide with the arrival of the French president, who is expected in Mumbai on February 16, ahead of scheduled meetings with Prime Minister Modi on February 17, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Authorities said the temporary curbs are aimed at ensuring smooth security arrangements for VVIP movement and prevent congestion on the expressway, which serves as a key north-south link for Mumbai.
Emergency services exempt from Western Express Highway restrictions
The notice makes clear that emergency services will not be affected.
Ambulances, fire engines, police units and government vehicles meant for VVIP security will be allowed to move. Vehicles permitted by traffic officials for operational reasons will also be exempt.
Traffic jam is expected in South Mumbai near Gateway of India from February 14 to 22
The impact of the security measures will extend beyond the Western Express Highway.
In a post on X, the Mumbai Traffic Police noted that traffic jams are expected on roads adjacent to the Gateway of India between February 14 and 22, with the main event scheduled for February 17.
South Mumbai traffic arrangements will be in place from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on the day of the event.
Road closures in Colaba: Which sections will be closed
In order to control the movement of vehicles in Colaba and adjoining areas, several roads will remain closed for normal traffic.
The stretch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg from Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk (Regal Junction) will be closed in both directions, except for emergency vehicles.
Motorists were advised to use the following alternative routes:
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg
Similarly, the road from Jokhim Alva Chowk (North Court) to Adam Street junction via P. Ramchandani Marg will remain closed for non-emergency traffic.
Commuters heading towards the Radio Club side will be diverted through designated internal routes connecting Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg.
How the Western Express Highway connects Mumbai’s suburbs to the city
The Western Express Highway is among the most critical transport corridors in Mumbai.
The 25.33 km WEH is a vital 8-10 lane north-south arterial connecting Dahisar (on National Highway 48) with Bandra in the south. It serves as the primary route connecting the western suburbs, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the city center and further connects to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link for southbound travel.
The corridor provides connectivity between:
Officials noted that the presence of the Western Express Highway metro station further improves accessibility, underscoring its role as the essential backbone of daily movement in Mumbai.
Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India: Dates, itinerary and key events
At the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, the President of the French Republic JE Emmanuel Macron will visit India from February 17 to 19, 2026.
The French president is expected to land in Mumbai on February 16, where he will meet Prime Minister Modi on February 17, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
During the visit, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation as enshrined in the Horizon 2047 plan. Regional and global issues of common interest, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, will also be on the agenda.
The two leaders are expected to jointly launch the Indo-French Year of Innovation, which will be celebrated throughout 2026 in both countries.
On February 19, President Macron will travel to New Delhi to attend a summit on the impact of artificial intelligence.
The visit follows Prime Minister Modi’s trip to France in February 2025 and reflects what officials described as the mutual trust and depth of the India-France strategic partnership and a shared commitment to further deepening it.
Alert for Mumbai commuters: Plan ahead and avoid last-minute delays
Transport authorities have urged commuters – especially those who rely on the Western Express Highway – to plan their journey well in advance and consider alternative routes.
Those traveling to work, school or on journeys connected to the airport have been advised to allow extra time as congestion is expected not only on the motorway but also on link roads and parallel corridors.
Public transport users may also experience minor delays, particularly on motorway-dependent routes.