This is a crucial area for any new visitor. Navi Mumbai, a planned city, is generally considered very safe, especially when compared to other major metropolitan areas. However, being informed and prepared is always the best approach. Here is a detailed guide for safe travel, helpful tips, and essential contacts for your visit.
Travel Safely: General Safety & Tips
Navi Mumbai operates under the jurisdiction of the Navi Mumbai Police, a dedicated force separate from the Mumbai Police, giving it a strong security presence in its main nodes (Vashi, Nerul, Kharghar, CBD Belapur, etc.).
1. Personal & Valuables Safety
- Be Aware of Pickpockets: This is the most common issue in any crowded Indian city.
- Keep your bag zipped and wear it in front of you in crowded areas like the railway platforms, local trains (Harbour Line), and bus stops.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use a secure money belt or the hotel safe for extra valuables.
- Documentation: Carry physical copies of your passport and visa, and keep digital copies (photos) saved on your phone and email. Leave the original documents securely locked in your hotel safe.
- Mobile and Connectivity:
- Keep your phone charged, especially when travelling alone or at night.
- Consider buying a local SIM card for better connectivity and GPS/app usage (Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone are common providers).
2. Transportation Safety
- Use Trusted Apps: For taxis and auto-rickshaws (tuktuks), rely on app-based services like Uber and Ola for reliability, transparent pricing, and GPS tracking.
- Auto-Rickshaws: If hailing a street auto-rickshaw, insist the driver use the meter (“meter chalu karo”) to avoid inflated tourist pricing. Note the auto-rickshaw’s license plate number and share it with a contact.
- Local Trains (Harbour Line):
- Avoid Peak Hours: Travel outside of the extreme rush hours, which are typically 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Stay Behind the Yellow Line on platforms, as trains move quickly.
- Secure your luggage and valuables closely, as carriages are packed during non-peak times.
3. Health & Climate Tips
- Hydration: Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are hot and humid. Drink plenty of bottled or filtered water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
- Food Safety: Eat from clean, reputable establishments. If buying street food, opt for stalls that are busy and have a high turnover of customers.
- Monsoon Safety (June to September): Expect heavy rains. Carry a small umbrella and waterproof phone case. Avoid walking or driving through deep puddles, as roads can get waterlogged.
Safety Tips for Women Tourists
Navi Mumbai is considered one of the safer zones for women travellers, but extra precautions are always advisable, especially at night.
- Use Ladies’ Coaches:
- Local Trains: Always use the designated Women-Only Compartments (marked with a pink stripe or signage) for maximum comfort and safety, especially during non-peak hours.
- Buses (NMMT/BEST): Sit near the front or near other families.
- Travel Alone at Night: If you must travel alone late at night, choose app-based cabs (Uber/Ola).
- Share Your Ride Status: Use the app feature to share your live location and driver/car details with a trusted contact.
- Sit in the back seat directly behind the driver to cut off direct physical access and prevent distraction.
- Dress Code: While Navi Mumbai is metropolitan, dressing modestly when visiting religious sites helps you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation, person, or vehicle feels unsafe or wrong, immediately leave the area or demand to be dropped off in a well-lit, public place.
Important Emergency Contacts in Navi Mumbai
Save these numbers in your phone before your trip. The national emergency number 112 is the centralized, all-in-one number for the fastest response.
| Service | Contact Number | Notes |
| All-in-One Emergency | 112 | Centralized Emergency Response System (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
| Police (Control Room) | 100 | For reporting crime or needing immediate police assistance. |
| Fire Brigade | 101 | For fire hazards and rescue. |
| Ambulance (Medical) | 102 / 108 | For medical emergencies. 108 is often the faster, free-service. |
| Women’s Helpline | 103 | Dedicated support for women in distress (Navi Mumbai Police). |
| Cyber Helpline | 1930 | For reporting online/cyber fraud. |
| Traffic Police | 7738393839 | For reporting traffic issues or violations. |
| Railway Helpline (All India) | 139 / 182 | For train-related safety or enquiry. 182 is the dedicated security helpline. |
| Navi Mumbai NMMC | 1800-222-309 / 1800-222-310 | Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Disaster Helpline. |
| Tourist Information (MTDC) | 022-27580347 | Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) – Navi Mumbai office. |
Major Hospitals in Navi Mumbai (Vashi & CBD Belapur)
It’s useful to know the location of a major, reputable hospital near the main nodes:
- NMMC General Hospital, Vashi (Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation)
- MGM Hospital, CBD Belapur / Vashi
- Apollo Hospital, Belapur (Major private hospital)