The day to leave your car behind at home and head out for some fun and frolic is here. The Mumbai Car Free Day started two years ago and returns for its third edition this Sunday. Apart from encouraging Mumbaikars to adopt a fitter lifestyle and cut down on pollution, the event also gives people an opportunity to enjoy a stress-free, no-traffic environment.
This year, the organisers have arranged for a couple of interesting activities through the day at Carter Road, Bandra, including gully cricket, football, hockey, live chess tournaments and art workshops. “We have many performances lined up. Popular Bollywood artistes such as Sunidhi Chauhan and Rahul Vaidya will be a part of the celebrations. And there are several indie artistes and bands performing , including punk band Blek, singer-songwriter Nirmika Singh and Hindi outfit Rang, among others,” says Lloyd D’Souza, one of the organisers.
While the Car Free Day has enjoyed its share of popularity through the years, there were a few issues when it came to on-ground logistics. “This year, we have taken more care in redirecting traffic. Way before one enters Carter Road, a couple of signs have been put up to let motorists know that the road ahead is blocked. We are trying our best to ensure that no one is inconvenienced,” says D’Souza.
Ask him the kind of reception he expects this time from Mumbaikars, and he says, “The first time we organised this event, about 80,000 people turned up. Next year, it went up to 2,00,000. I’m definitely hoping that an even bigger crowd turns up this time.”
{{/usCountry}}Ask him the kind of reception he expects this time from Mumbaikars, and he says, “The first time we organised this event, about 80,000 people turned up. Next year, it went up to 2,00,000. I’m definitely hoping that an even bigger crowd turns up this time.”
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