In a massive security operation to ensure safe and incident-free New Year celebrations, the Chennai City Police have unveiled a comprehensive, multi-layered bandobust plan. The arrangements place special emphasis on the bustling East Coast Road (ECR), popular beaches, leisure hubs, hotels, pubs, restaurants, and beach resorts across the metropolis.
Unprecedented Police Deployment and Key Restrictions
The police force will deploy approximately 19,000 personnel, a contingent that includes inspectors, sub-inspectors, constables, armed officers, Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) personnel, and around 1,500 Home Guards. Security has been significantly intensified at beaches, places of worship, major roads, and all public gathering points anticipating heavy footfall.
Authorities have issued a strict prohibition on bursting firecrackers in both public and residential areas. Furthermore, organizing any New Year celebration or using loudspeakers in apartment complexes and residential neighbourhoods will require mandatory permission from the police and other relevant departments. The police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against all violators.
Traffic Management and Public Safety Measures
Extensive traffic and surveillance measures will be activated from 9 pm on December 31. Vehicle checks will be conducted at 425 strategic locations spanning all 12 police districts in the city. Major traffic diversions include the closure of Kamarajar Salai from the War Memorial to the Lighthouse. The Foreshore Estate Loop Road will also remain closed to vehicles on the evening of December 31 and throughout January 1. Additionally, 25 flyovers will be shut for public access during this period.
In a critical safety move, public entry into the sea will be completely prohibited from the evening of December 31 until January 1. The traffic police will leverage automated number plate recognition (ANPR) systems and CCTV cameras to detect violations under the Motor Vehicles Act and generate e-challans automatically. Enforcement will be particularly stringent against offences like drunk driving, overspeeding, rash driving, triple riding, riding without helmets, and using vehicles with tampered silencers.
Special measures are in place to ensure the safety of women and children at government-approved events. Clear instructions have been given to event organizers to not allow children in areas where alcohol is served.
Coastal and Racing Zone Surveillance
Coastal areas, including Marina, Santhome, Elliot's Beach, and Neelankarai, will be under intense monitoring. The police will utilize mounted police units, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), drone cameras, and set up temporary police assistance booths. The Coastal Security Group and the Marina beach anti-drowning unit will coordinate closely with the city police, while specially trained sea rescue teams patrol the shoreline.
To curb dangerous two-wheeler racing, the police have formed 30 dedicated surveillance teams. These teams will be deployed along vulnerable stretches such as Guindy, Adyar, Taramani, Neelankarai, Thoraipakkam, Maduravoyal Bypass Road, and GST Road. Separate road safety teams on two-wheelers will also patrol to spread awareness, assist motorists, and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Barricades and police presence have been strengthened across the city to deter drunk driving, racing, and other traffic violations. The police have stated they will deal firmly with violators by detaining them, impounding their vehicles, and imposing spot fines.
In the Tambaram police commissionerate, coastal areas like Panaiyur and Kovalam beaches will remain under tight surveillance. The arrangements here include temporary police assistance booths, help-centre tents, warning boards, drone monitoring, ambulance services, and signboards at key spots. Within the Tambaram jurisdiction alone, 2,500 police personnel and 260 Home Guards have been assigned to bandobust duty.
