In anticipation of massive crowds for New Year's Eve celebrations, the Kolkata Police has rolled out an extensive traffic and parking management plan. The restrictions, issued on the directions of Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, will be in effect from December 31, 2025, to January 1, 2026. The move aims to ensure smooth movement for both vehicles and pedestrians around key party hubs like Park Street, New Town, and the Maidan area.
Major Roads Converted To One-Way Traffic
To prevent gridlock, several important thoroughfares will operate as one-way streets or have entry completely restricted. Motorists need to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays and fines.
The specific changes include:
- Park Street: Traffic flow will be one-way from west to east.
- Shakespeare Sarani: One-way movement from east to west between JL Nehru Road and AJC Bose Road.
- Ho-Chi-Minh Sarani: Will function as a one-way from west to east.
- Camac Street: One-way from north to south between Park Street and AJC Bose Road.
Additionally, certain crossings will be closed. Vehicles from the Royd Street/Free School Street crossing cannot proceed towards Park Street. A right turn from Park Street onto Russel Street will also be prohibited.
Strict Parking Regulations For Festive Period
Finding parking will be exceptionally difficult as authorities have declared several areas as strict 'No Parking' zones for most of the festive period. Commuters are strongly advised to use public transport.
Major No-Parking Stretches: Park Street, Camac Street, Middleton Street, Kyd Street, Free School Street, and Wood Street.
Limited Parking Allowed: Some relief is offered with parallel parking permitted on Russel Street (both eastern and western sides), Free School Street (between Royd St. & Marquis St.), and certain portions of Middleton Row.
Goods Vehicle Bans And Commuter Advisory
To keep roads clear for passenger vehicles and emergency services, heavy restrictions are placed on goods vehicles.
All heavy and medium goods vehicles are banned from moving towards the Maidan area from 4:00 PM on December 31 until 4:30 AM on January 1. The ban will be re-imposed on the evening of January 1. These vehicles must use alternate routes like AJC Bose Road, St. Georges Gate Road, Strand Road, and APC Road. An exemption is made for vehicles carrying essential commodities and small goods vehicles with a gross weight under 1600 kg.
The police have advised commuters to expect significant delays around JL Nehru Road and AJC Bose Road. Traffic personnel will be stationed at major intersections to manage flow, and regulations may be adjusted in real-time based on crowd density. The final advice from authorities is to opt for the Kolkata Metro and public bus services to avoid the hassle of parking and traffic snarls during the New Year revelry.
