Ahead of Thursday’s high-voltage T20 semi-final between India and England, the Mumbai Traffic Police has issued a detailed traffic advisory warning commuters of likely traffic jams in the Marine Drive area.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, the ministry urged citizens to plan their journeys in advance and take alternative routes to avoid inconvenience.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium at 7pm, with gates opening at 4pm. Due to the expected large turnout, authorities said “traffic congestion is expected in and around Marine Drive”.
Officials strongly advised spectators traveling to the venue to use public transport. The proposed routes include Western Railway services via Churchgate Railway Station and Marine Lines Railway Station as well as Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) via Churchgate Station.
A gateway advisory was also issued:
- Spectators with tickets for gates 1 and 7 are advised to access the stadium via Churchgate Rail Station or Churchgate Tube Station via E Street.
- Those heading to Gates 3 and 4 can use Marine Lines Railway Station and FOB near Roopkala Showroom on Maharshi Karve Road.
- Fans assigned to gates 5 and 6 can use Churchgate Railway Station or Churchgate Metro Station which access the FOB on Maharshi Karve Road opposite the Income Tax Office.
The advisory concluded with the reminder: “Your cooperation is essential for the smooth movement of traffic.”
How did India and England fare before the semi-final clash?
India enter the semi-finals after a strong campaign, winning six out of seven matches in the tournament. Their only setback came at the Super 8 stage where they suffered a 76-run defeat against South Africa.
The defending champions are aiming to become the first team to retain the T20 World Cup title. They will face two-time champions England in the semi-finals for the third tournament in a row, with both teams having won one match each in their previous meetings at this stage.
The winner of Thursday’s clash will advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face either South Africa or New Zealand, who will meet in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
Ahead of the decider, several members of the Indian men’s cricket team visited the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Mumbai on Wednesday to seek blessings. Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma were among those who prayed.
