Ahead of the PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron`s visit to Mumbai, the city police have issued a traffic advisory for motorists for February 17.
In an official traffic notification, the Mumbai Traffic Police announced temporary traffic restrictions on the Western Express Highway (WEH) on February 17, 2026, due to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of France.
The restrictions have been imposed as part of heightened security arrangements for the two dignitaries and to prevent traffic congestion in the western suburbs.
According to the notification, movement of all Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) will remain completely prohibited on both northbound and southbound carriageways of the Western Express Highway.
The restriction will be in force from 8.00 am to 9.00 pm between Vakola Flyover and Dahisar Toll Naka.
The order has been issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Western Suburbs, Ajit Borhade, under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, along with relevant rules and government circulars.
Exemptions for emergency services
Certain vehicles will be exempted from the ban. These include ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, police vehicles, government vehicles deployed for VVIP security and vehicles specifically permitted by the Mumbai Traffic Police for operational needs.
Officials have warned that violators will face action under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The Mumbai Traffic Police have appealed to motorists to cooperate and follow instructions to ensure smooth movement and public safety.
Macron to visit Mumbai
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to arrive in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on Monday, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) announced.
After their Mumbai meeting, both leaders will travel to New Delhi to participate in the AI Impact Summit 2026.
During the Mumbai visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron are scheduled to exchange memorandums of understanding (MOUs), followed by a joint press statement., reported the AI.
The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace will host the India-France Innovation Forum, which will be followed by celebrations marking the India-France Year of Innovation and Cultural Commemoration at the Gateway of India, the news agency reported.
Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Madame Brigitte Macron will visit Mumbai and Delhi during their visit to India from February 16-19, the officials said/
The Year of Innovation 2026 initiative will be celebrated throughout the year in both countries and aims to deepen collaboration in innovation, technology, research, and people-to-people exchanges.
