This civil disturbance risk advisory analyses the ongoing gig workers’ protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, scheduled for 16 July 2025. Drawing on past transport union protests in Maharashtra, this advisory aims to help businesses ensure employee safety, maintain operational continuity, and prepare mitigation plans for urban mobility disruptions.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Civil Disturbance Events?
Civil disturbance risk assessments evaluate how strikes, protests, and mass mobilizations impact safety, urban mobility, supply chains, and daily business operations. These advisories provide decision-makers with early warning intelligence and response strategies for minimizing disruption and risk.
Executive Summary: High Risk Level
- Date of Incident: 16 July 2025
- Location: Azad Maidan, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
- Severity Score: 4/5
- Confidence Level: 85%
A high turnout is expected at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, as gig workers demand aggregator policy implementation and pay parity. Protests may extend over 3–7 days with ripple effects for up to two weeks. Urban mobility, especially app-based cab services, will be heavily affected, with secondary disruption to logistics, office commutes, and food delivery services. Non-violent but high-impact disruptions are likely across commercial districts and key transport arteries.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
- Azad Maidan (protest epicentre)
- Western Express Highway (WEH), Eastern Express Highway (EEH)
- Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Lower Parel, Nariman Point
- CSMT, Dadar, Churchgate, and Bandra railway stations
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Road Access: Major congestion and probable roadblocks around Azad Maidan and nearby arterial roads.
- Public Transport: BEST and local trains may see overloads. Ola/Uber service likely to be limited or suspended.
- Utility Services: No anticipated disruption, though local network strain possible due to increased mobile usage.
- Business Operations: Delays, absenteeism, and temporary closures expected in retail, logistics, and IT-BPM sectors.
Recommended Actions
- Arrange pooled or staggered commutes for critical staff.
- Switch to backup delivery logistics partners where needed.
- Issue safety advisories for employees working in affected areas.
- Maintain real-time contact via internal communication platforms.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 100
- Fire Department: 101 / 102
- Ambulance: 108 / 102
- BMC Helpline: 1916
Final Thoughts
Given Mumbai’s dense urban structure and prior experiences with transport-related protests, proactive measures are essential. Work-from-home activation, alternate commute support, and continual real-time monitoring can help organizations navigate disruptions effectively. City-wide risk management requires coordination between businesses, civic bodies, and law enforcement.
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