It's New Year's Eve, and the party people are gearing up to make it a night to remember. But before you carry out your plans, take a look at the Delhi Police's traffic advisory that has been issued to ensure smooth movement and safety during the celebrations in the national capital on the night of December 31. Popular spots like Connaught Place, India Gate, and Hauz Khas are expected to see large crowds as people gather with family and friends to ring in the New Year. In preparation, the Delhi Police will implement proactive measures to manage traffic flow and public safety around these bustling areas.
For traffic management, the Delhi Traffic Police will deploy approximately 2,500 personnel on New Year's Eve, including 250 specialised teams tasked with monitoring drunken driving throughout the night. Additionally, 11 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), along with 40 motorcycle patrol teams and an equal number of foot patrol teams, will be stationed at key locations. These forces will ensure safety and order in areas such as Connaught Place, where traffic control measures will be in place from 8 pm on December 31 continuing well past midnight.
According to the advisory issued by the Delhi Police on X, certain areas around Connaught Place, such as Mandi House, Bengali Market, and various other important intersections, will have restrictions on vehicular entry after 8 pm. Only vehicles with valid passes will be allowed to enter the inner, middle, or outer circles of Connaught Place during the celebrations.
Parking will also be restricted in various parts of the city, with designated parking zones near Gole Dak Khana, Patel Chowk, and Mandi House available on a first-come, first-served basis. The authorities will tow and penalise unauthorised vehicles parked in restricted areas.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has also issued an advisory in light of the large crowds expected at metro stations. Passengers exiting from Rajiv Chowk Metro Station will not be allowed after 9 pm, although entry will be permitted until the last train departs. The DMRC has urged commuters to plan their journeys accordingly, while metro services will continue on a regular timetable for the rest of the network.
Due to possible congestion, the authorities have recommended alternative routes for those heading to New Delhi Railway Station, including Ram Manohar Lohiya Park Street, Mandir Marg, and Rani Jhansi Road. Commuters have been advised to use the metro to avoid traffic delays, particularly on Bhairon Road and Mathura Road between Hazrat Nizamuddin and Pragati Maidan, which are expected to experience heavy traffic on the night of December 31.