Coldplay Concert Brings Mumbai-Pune Expressway to a Standstill, Congestion Spans 8-10 Kilometers
Navi Mumbai, January 18, 2025: The highly anticipated Coldplay concert at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has caused a massive traffic jam on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Stretching from Turbhe to Kharghar, the gridlock has affected thousands, including Maharashtra State Government ministers en route to Pune. The congestion spans an estimated 8 to 10 kilometers, with ambulances also stuck, sparking concerns over emergency services.
The British rock band kicked off their “Music of the Spheres” world tour on January 18, with subsequent performances scheduled for January 19 and 21. Fans have flocked to the venue in droves, as rumors swirl that these could be the band’s final live shows before retirement. Despite preparations, local infrastructure has been overwhelmed, and traffic police are struggling to control the vehicle influx near the stadium.
Adding fuel to the fire, ticket scalping has become a hot-button issue. Reports suggest that tickets are being resold at exorbitant prices on unauthorized platforms, leaving fans frustrated. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had earlier criticized the official ticketing partner, BookMyShow, for its failure to manage demand, indirectly leading to a thriving black market.
Authorities are now working round the clock to manage traffic and facilitate emergency vehicle movement. Commuters and concertgoers are being urged to anticipate delays and plan their travel accordingly over the next three days.
