As New Year celebrations approach, police forces across major Indian cities have stepped up security arrangements to prevent public disorder and ensure safety during late-night festivities. From intensified patrolling to technology-backed crowd monitoring, authorities are preparing for heavy footfall at popular celebration hotspots.
Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru are witnessing heightened vigilance, with additional police deployment, checkpoints and emergency response teams put on alert to manage crowds, curb violations and respond swiftly to any untoward incident.
Delhi ramps up checks against drunk driving, traffic violations
In the national capital, Delhi Police has intensified efforts to curb drunk driving, traffic violations and dangerous stunts during New Year celebrations. According to reports, around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city, with more than 50 checkpoints set up at strategic locations.
These checkpoints will conduct breathalyser tests and enforce traffic rules, particularly during peak celebration hours. Authorities have also identified nearly 60 party zones and hotspots, including malls, markets and nightclubs, where enhanced checks will be carried out.
“We have deployed static and mobile patrol teams at various locations,” Joint Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Jain told ANI
Control rooms have also been activated to monitor violations, while police teams have been instructed to remain highly visible on roads to deter unlawful behaviour and reassure the public.
Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai tighten vigil with tech-backed monitoring
In Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said over 20,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city, including specialised women squads. Modern technology, including heat map tools, is being used to monitor crowds and traffic movement at major hotspots.
Quick response teams, traffic police and emergency services have been placed on high alert. To ensure smoother travel, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation has announced extended bus services till 2 am on January 1.
Kolkata, another major New Year’s Eve hub, has also tightened security. Over 17,000 personnel have been deployed, with reinforced arrangements at busy metro stations such as Park Street, Esplanade, Maidan and Rabindra Sadan. Railway Protection Force teams will regulate passenger movement, while additional women officers will be stationed at key locations.
Mumbai Police, meanwhile, has urged citizens to use emergency helpline numbers 100 and 112 if needed and launched a special enforcement drive aimed at maintaining public safety through the night.
Across cities, authorities say the focus remains on prevention, quick response and ensuring that celebrations pass off without incident.