Several offices at Mumbai's prestigious commercial hub, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), have instructed their employees to work remotely until July 15. This decision stems from traffic diversions and restricted access due to the upcoming wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of Viren Merchant, will marry on July 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, with festivities continuing until July 14.
The extravagant celebrations have caused inconvenience and frustration among local residents and office workers in Mumbai.
Roads near the venue - the upmarket Jio World Convention Centre owned by Ambani's Reliance conglomerate in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai's central business district - will remain open only for "event vehicles" between 1 p.m. and midnight from July 12-15, raising the ire of locals.
Mumbai is already notorious for its congested traffic, particularly during the monsoon season. Traffic has slowed around the immediate area of the venue, which is being adorned with decorative lights and red flowers. Marigolds and bright yellow lights have also been used to decorate the trees outside Ambani's 27-storey mansion, Antilia, in Mumbai.
The fairytale wedding has caused a notable spike in hotel bookings and prices across Mumbai. Hotels in BKC are reportedly charging up to Rs 1 lakh per night, with venues like Trident and Oberoi fully booked from July 10 to 14. The lavish event has attracted a star-studded guest list from Bollywood, Hollywood, business, and sports circles.
Source: The Mint