Massive Traffic Jam on Mumbai-Pune Expressway Due to Coldplay Concert
Navi Mumbai, 18th January 2025: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has been jammed for several hours due to the Coldplay Concert, causing severe traffic congestion in both directions. The gridlock extends for 8 to 10 kilometres from Turbhe to Kharghar, affecting thousands of commuters.
Maharashtra State Government ministers travelling to Pune have also been caught in the traffic snarl, forcing them to navigate through the congestion. Several ambulances are reportedly stuck in the jam, raising concerns about emergency services.
The traffic chaos has occurred due to the start of Coldplay’s highly anticipated “Music of the Spheres” world tour concerts at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The British rock band is scheduled to perform on January 18, 19, and 21, 2025, marking what some speculate could be their final live shows before retirement.
The concert has drawn massive crowds, overwhelming local infrastructure despite authorities’ preparations. Traffic police are struggling to manage the influx of vehicles heading towards the venue.
Adding to the controversy, there have been allegations of ticket scalping, with reports of tickets being resold at inflated prices on unauthorized platforms. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had previously raised concerns about the official ticketing platform BookMyShow’s inability to meet demand, leading to a thriving black market for tickets.
As the first show kicks off, authorities are scrambling to alleviate the traffic situation and ensure smooth movement for emergency vehicles. Concertgoers and regular commuters alike are advised to expect significant delays and plan their travel accordingly for the duration of the three-day event.
