Palghar | January 18, 2026

The Palghar district administration has announced major traffic restrictions on National Highway-48 (Mumbai–Ahmedabad Highway) and within Palghar city on January 19 and 20, 2026, in view of large-scale protest marches planned by fisherfolk groups and a CPI(M)-led “Long March” over issues related to water, forests, and land.

Additional District Magistrate Subhash Bhagade has issued an official notification outlining the restrictions, citing concerns over road safety, potential traffic congestion, and law-and-order management, as nearly 10,000 to 11,000 protesters are expected to participate in the demonstrations.

Background of the Protests

Two major agitations are scheduled in Palghar during this period:

• January 19, 2026: The Palghar District Fisherfolk Community has organised a protest march to the District Collector’s Office, alleging that certain government-backed development projects are harming coastal livelihoods and indigenous communities. Around 5,000 to 6,000 participants are expected.

• January 19–20, 2026: The Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with allied organisations, will lead a “Long March” from Charoti Naka to the Palghar District Collector’s Office, raising concerns over government policies related to “Jal-Jangal-Jameen” (Water, Forest, and Land).

Since the march will proceed along the lane of NH-48 from Gujarat towards Mumbai, authorities have deemed it necessary to impose traffic diversions to avoid accidents and maintain public order.

Traffic Restrictions on NH-48

To prevent congestion and ensure safety, the district administration has imposed the following restrictions:

For Heavy Vehicles:

• January 19, 2026: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• January 20, 2026: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM

All heavy and extra-heavy vehicles travelling from Gujarat towards Palghar, Ghodbunder, Thane, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai will be stopped at Acchad Naka and will not be allowed to proceed further.

These vehicles have been advised to halt at designated safe parking spaces, including hotels, dhabas, and petrol pumps between Acchad Naka and Amboli.

Restrictions Inside Palghar City

Within Palghar city, additional curbs will be in place:

• Heavy vehicles from Boisar and Manor (Mastan Naka) towards Palghar city and vice versa will be completely restricted from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on both days.

• During the passage of the procession through Palghar Char Rasta towards the District Collector’s Office, both heavy and light vehicles from the Boisar side will be temporarily barred from entering Palghar city.

Alternative Routes for Light Vehicles

To minimize inconvenience, authorities have suggested the following diversion routes for light vehicles:

On NH-48:

• Mahalaxmi Bridge – Waghadi – Kasa – Talwada – Vikramgad – Palphata – Wada/Manor

• Charoti Naka – Sarani – Nikavali – Amboli – Masada – Peth – Ambeda – Chikhlipada – Chinchpada/Nagjhiri

Around Palghar City:

• Manor to Palghar:

  • Varai Phata – Saphale – Makunsar – Mahim – Palghar

  • Chilhar Phata – Boisar – Umroli – Palghar

Common diversion routes:

• Palghar Char Rasta – Kokaner Gaon – Gundale – Man – Boisar

• Boisar – Man – Gundale – Kokaner – Palghar Char Rasta

Exempted Vehicles

The following vehicles will be exempt from the restrictions:

• Police vehicles

• Revenue department vehicles

• Fire brigade

• Ambulances and emergency services

• Vehicles with special permission from competent authorities, including police, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Taluka Magistrate, or the National Highways Authority (Thane Division)

Administration’s Appeal to Citizens

The Palghar district administration has appealed to citizens, commuters, and transport operators to cooperate with authorities, follow traffic advisories, and use designated alternative routes during the protest period to avoid inconvenience.

Authorities have assured that efforts will be made to restore normal traffic movement as soon as the protests conclude.