Traffic and transport

At a glance

The Jio World Convention Centre is in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), a business district built on reclaimed land between the western and central rail lines. It has a lot of office traffic and only a few roads in and out. The best way to reach it is the Metro, which has a station at BKC, then a short walk. Trains and buses are the next best choices, and cabs the least reliable at peak hours.

Traffic and peak hours

• Roads around BKC are busiest roughly 8 to 11 am and 5 to 8 pm, and the slowest stretch is usually 4 to 8 pm.
• The main roads that feed BKC are the Western Express Highway, which brings you in via Kalanagar junction, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, and the Eastern Express Highway. They back up at rush hour, and BKC's internal roads are crowded.
• Big events at BKC slow things further. Fintech and concert crowds have triggered traffic advisories in the past. Check for notices before you travel.
• A trip of a few kilometres can take 10 minutes early in the morning or 45 minutes or more in the evening.

Whatever mode you choose, build in a buffer, and leave earlier than the app says on the first day until you learn the route. Mumbai TBC

Planning around your shift

The working shift plan on this site is 7 am to 2 pm and 12 pm to 7 pm, with times still subject to change. Here is how the traffic fits each one.

Check in and out with the Volunteer Attendance Lead at the start and end of every shift. Do not cut it close, because a late arrival affects the rotation. If you are stuck in traffic, message your lead and Ornella on Telegram early. For what to carry on shift, see the practical essentials.

Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line)

• Line 3 is the underground Aqua Line running from Cuffe Parade in the south to Aarey in the north, with a Bandra Kurla Complex station that is a 7 to 10 minute walk from the venue.
• Reported running hours are about 6:30 am to 10:30 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 8:30 am on Sundays. Devcon runs Tuesday to Friday.
• Trains come about every 6 to 7 minutes at rush hour and every 15 to 20 minutes off-peak.
• Fares are low, reported at between ₹10 and ₹80 depending on distance.
• It is air-conditioned and unaffected by road traffic, which is why it suits a shift.

Check the current timings and fares on the operator's app or site before you travel, since they change. Mumbai TBC

Local trains

• The suburban railway is the backbone of the city. The nearest stations to BKC are Bandra, Kurla and Santacruz, and from each you continue by auto, cab or bus.
• Second class is very cheap and first class costs more but is far less crowded. First class is worth it for the commute.
• Women can use the ladies' compartment, which is well enforced and generally safer and quieter.
• Peak trains are packed. Stand near the doors only if you are getting off soon, and keep bags in front of you.
• If you are travelling with luggage, avoid peak trains altogether.

Buses

• BEST runs the city's buses, and several routes serve BKC from Bandra, Kurla, Dadar and other areas. Routes S102 and S180 have been listed as serving the venue.
• Buses are cheap but slow in evening traffic, and the network is hard for newcomers to read. A route app or Google Maps helps.
• Carry small change for the fare.

Cabs and autos

• App cabs such as Uber and Ola work across the city and show you the price up front. Expect surge pricing and long waits at peak hours.
• The traditional black-and-yellow taxis run mostly in South Mumbai. Ask for the meter to be switched on.
• Auto-rickshaws serve the suburbs, including near BKC, but not South Mumbai. Insist on the meter, and keep small notes.
• Share your trip details with a friend for late rides, and check the number plate against the app before you get in.

Driving

• Do not plan on driving to the venue. Parking arrangements for Devcon and for volunteers have not been announced. Mumbai TBC
• If you do drive, avoid BKC's internal roads at rush hour, and keep a fallback of the Metro or a rideshare.

From the airport

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road from the venue in light traffic, and much longer at peak hours.
• Use the app-cab pickup zone or the official prepaid taxi counters, and ignore unsolicited offers.
• Metro Line 3 connects the airport area to BKC, so it is the most reliable option with a light bag.
• The Devcon Welcome Booth is at Terminal 2 arrivals, according to the travel section.

Staying safe

• Keep valuables in front, especially on crowded trains and buses.
• Do not accept unsolicited help or lifts. Use app cabs, official taxis or the Metro.
• Keep your phone charged and your Telegram open so you can message your lead.
• For emergencies, 112 is India's emergency number. The emergency numbers list has the rest.
• During Diwali week, markets and roads are crowded, so read the Diwali transport notes as well.

Still to confirm

These items stay marked until confirmed.

• Whether Devcon runs a shuttle for attendees or volunteers, and where it stops.
• Current Metro timings and fares, and whether they change for the event.
• The drop-off points near the gates.
• Any road closures or diversions around BKC during the event.
• The official shift times, which may move the commute plan.