Kumar Bahukhandi
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Satyanarayan Choudhary and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Manoj Kumar Sharma brief the media on security and traffic arrangements for Ganesh Visarjan at the Police Headquarters in Mumbai. More than 24,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city for the final immersion processions on Friday, September 25, 2026. Photo: Courtesy/Official.
AI-enabled surveillance, specialised security units, mounted police and extensive traffic restrictions planned as the city prepares for final Ganesh idol immersions on Anant Chaturdashi
Key Highlights
- More than 24,000 police personnel will be deployed across Mumbai for Ganesh Visarjan on Friday, September 25.
- Deployment includes 3,213 officers, 18,940 police personnel and 1,050 trainees, besides senior officers and specialised units.
- AI-based surveillance, facial-recognition technology and the city’s CCTV network will assist police in monitoring crowds and sensitive locations.
- Specialised units including RAF, SRPF, Force One, QRTs, anti-drone squads and riot-control teams have been placed on alert.
- Around 3,500 traffic personnel and 7,000 volunteers will assist in traffic management.
- 84 roads will be closed to regular traffic, while 20 routes will operate as one-way roads during the immersion arrangements.
- Police have asked citizens to report suspicious or unattended objects and use emergency numbers 100 or 112 when necessary.
Mumbai: Mumbai is preparing for one of its largest annual religious gatherings with more than 24,000 police personnel set to guard Ganesh immersion processions as the 10-day Ganeshotsav reaches its culmination on Anant Chaturdashi on Friday.
Thousands of devotees are expected to accompany Lord Ganesh idols through the city’s streets towards natural and artificial immersion sites. The scale of the gathering has prompted Mumbai Police to put in place an extensive security, surveillance and traffic-management plan.
The deployment includes 3,213 police officers, 18,940 personnel and 1,050 trainees. Six Joint Commissioners of Police, nine Additional Commissioners, 38 Deputy Commissioners and 66 Assistant Commissioners will also be deployed as part of the security arrangements.
Technology, Special Units to Strengthen Security
Mumbai Police will combine personnel on the ground with technology to monitor the huge crowds expected during the processions.
AI-based systems and facial-recognition technology will be used at important locations alongside the city’s CCTV network to monitor crowd movement and identify potential security concerns.
Specialised units including the Rapid Action Force, State Reserve Police Force, Force One, Quick Response Teams, anti-drone squads and riot-control personnel have also been placed on alert.
Another notable feature this year will be the use of a horse-mounted police unit for crowd management at beaches. Police officials said 22 horses had been trained, although the final number to be deployed was still being determined. Mounted personnel are expected to improve surveillance in sandy beachfront areas where conventional patrol vehicles face limitations.
Major Traffic Plan Across Mumbai
Traffic management will form another crucial part of the operation.
Around 3,500 traffic personnel, 250 officers and approximately 7,000 volunteers will be deployed. Five temporary traffic control rooms and 51 watchtowers have been arranged, including 17 at Girgaon.
As many as 84 roads will be closed to regular vehicular traffic and 20 routes will be converted into one-way stretches. Restrictions will also apply to heavy vehicles on designated routes.
Traffic restrictions in parts of south and central Mumbai are scheduled to remain in force from noon on September 25 until 6 am the following morning.
Hydraulic cranes will be stationed to remove vehicles that break down, while additional boats, rafts and cranes have been arranged at major natural immersion locations including Girgaon, Juhu, Dadar and Versova.
Police have appealed to devotees to remain patient, follow instructions and cooperate with personnel managing the crowds. Citizens have also been asked to immediately report suspicious or unattended objects and contact police on 100 or 112 in an emergency.
With security personnel, traffic teams, volunteers and technology working together, Mumbai’s preparations are aimed at ensuring that the city’s massive Ganesh Visarjan processions conclude safely and with minimum disruption.
