Heading out for New Year’s Eve festivities in Delhi? Check out these security curbs

In and around Connaught Place, vehicles will be restricted from several key points – including Mandi House roundabout, Bengali Market and Patel Chowk – and only those with valid passes will be allowed to access the inner, middle, or outer circles. So, if you plan on driving into the heart of the celebration, be prepared to leave your car at one of the designated parking areas set up at places like Gole Dak Khana, Mandi House and Patel Chowk which are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The India Gate area will also see diversions. “If the crowds grow too large, traffic will be diverted from key points such as Q-Point and Mathura Road,” police said.

To ensure safety and smooth traffic flow, the Delhi Traffic Police has announced several measures with road closures beginning at 8 pm and lasting until celebrations wind down. Authorities have urged everyone to avoid driving into the busiest zones, particularly around Connaught Place and India Gate.

“Large crowds will gather in popular spots like Connaught Place, India Gate, and key hotels, so we’re focusing on controlling traffic and ensuring safety. Vehicles without passes won’t be allowed in these areas,” authorities said.

Security stepped up

Beyond traffic management, the Delhi Police are ensuring that public safety remains a top priority. The New Delhi DCP said police have deployed SWAT teams, bomb disposal squads and motorcycle patrols in key locations like Connaught Place, India Gate, Hanuman Mandir, Bangla Sahib and Rakab Ganj gurdwaras and surrounding hotels. With 28 door-frame metal detectors in place for screening, they are prepared to handle any situation quickly and efficiently.

The New Delhi District has been divided into two zones for effective supervision, said the DCP, adding that “Zone 1 will cover Parliament Street and Connaught Place, while Zone 2 will oversee Chanakyapuri, Barakhamba Road and Tughlak Road.”

DCP Mahla further said, “648 Delhi Police staff, 100 Home Guards and 11 companies of CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces), including both male and female teams, have been deployed.” Additionally, live CCTV monitoring will allow authorities to track crowd movements in real-time, enabling rapid intervention if necessary.

Officers will also be closely monitoring drunk driving, with strict penalties for violators, and surveillance teams will be on the lookout for illegal substances.

In the Southwest District, DCP Surendra Choudhary highlighted that the focus will be on road safety and securing key public areas. “We’ve set up 27 traffic checkpoints equipped with breath analysers and barricades, and 57 pickets will monitor suspicious activity,” he said.

Additionally, Quick Response Teams and 16 PCR vans will be deployed.

DCP Choudhary also mentioned that key celebration venues like Hauz Khas Village will also see heightened security while 35 designated locations will get special attention. Police have further reinforced public transport security by deploying staff at 21 bus stops across the district.

Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with officers on duty and celebrate responsibly. Police said no one will be allowed to consume liquor in public spaces and stringent action will be taken against anyone found indulging in such activities.

Moreover, specific action will be taken against those involved in disturbances or anti-social activities. Special checks will also be carried out to prevent narcotics use.