On match days like Thursday, Art Deco lanes of Marine Drive turn into a high-security zone with, cop deployment, and roaring crowds, leaving residents juggling traffic chaos, parking woes and booming stadium noise
The crowded streets at Marine Drive as the police officials guide them to the venue. Pics/By Special Arrangement
When cricket fever grips Wankhede Stadium, the roar of the crowd spills far beyond the stands into the quiet Art Deco lanes of Marine Drive, turning match days into a mix of celebration and inconvenience for residents living next door.
Barricaded roads, heavy police deployment, parking restrictions and booming stadium announcements transform the neighbourhood into a tightly controlled security zone hours before the first ball is bowled. While fans in blue jerseys flood the stretch from Churchgate to the stadium, locals say match days bring three predictable challenges: traffic gridlock, noise and parking disruptions.
Yet many residents say they have learned to live with the chaos of cricket in a city where the sport borders on religion.
Residents’ concerns
Parking access
Residents say vehicles often have to be parked far from their homes. “Last-mile connectivity to parking areas like Nariman Point would help. The BJP and Shiv Sena both have also assured us this in their promise,” said Naresh Kapoor, a resident of D Road.
Noise pollution
Some residents say stadium anchors and announcements amplify disturbance. “Is it necessary for anchors to keep screaming on the mic? The sound of the game itself is enough,” said Vivek Kapadia, a resident of D Road.
Crowd surge on match days
The Marine Drive-Churchgate stretch fills with fans wearing blue India jerseys hours before the match.
Outside Churchgate station
>> India jerseys sold Rs 300-Rs 800
>> National flags and merchandise sold by hawkers
Crowd control reminder
The scale of gatherings around Marine Drive became evident during the T20 World Cup victory rally, when the entire stretch was packed and authorities later recovered truckloads of footwear left behind by crowds.
Indrani Malkani, managing trustee of V Citizens Action Network (VCAN)
Police preparedness
Authorities say detailed planning goes into match-day management.
Security plan
>> 2600 SRPF personnel deployed
>> Traffic diversions issued in advance
>> Coordination meetings with residents
Officials say the aim is to manage crowds while minimising inconvenience for locals in one of Mumbai’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
Location: Wankhede Stadium precinct
Neighbourhood affected: Marine Drive-Churchgate stretch
Police deployment: 2600 State Reserve Police Force personnel + local police units
Match day snapshot
Security measures
>> Main IMC Road barricaded
>> Entry allowed only for ticket holders
>> Housing society gates guarded by police
>> Multiple roads diverted due to concretisation work
What Marine Drive residents face
3 main inconveniences
>> Traffic congestion
Narrow lanes near the stadium choke with vehicles and fans.
>> Noise levels
Loud music, announcements and cheering continue throughout the match.
>> Parking restrictions
Residents’ vehicles often need to be parked far away.
“We have three key inconveniences: traffic, noise, and parking,” said Ashok Gupta, a resident of Zaver Mahal near the stadium.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
