In anticipation of massive festive crowds, the Kolkata Police has unveiled a comprehensive security and traffic management blueprint for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. The plan involves the deployment of approximately 2,500 police personnel to oversee law and order and regulate the movement of revellers across key locations in the city.
Extensive Security Grid and Personnel Deployment
The core of the security apparatus will be concentrated around the iconic Park Street and its adjoining areas, where a huge influx of people is expected. Out of the total force, around 2,000 personnel will be stationed specifically along the Park Street corridor. An additional 500 officers will be positioned in the surrounding periphery to manage the spillover crowd.
In a significant shift from previous years, authorities are considering a complete vehicular restriction on Park Street starting from Christmas Eve. Traditionally, the road was closed only on Christmas Day. Police officials attribute this proactive measure to recent minor accidents and the anticipated surge in pedestrian footfall, aiming to ensure complete safety for those celebrating.
The security plan incorporates multiple layers of surveillance and patrol. Four watchtowers have been erected at crucial intersections like J L Nehru Road and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road for enhanced oversight. The police will employ drones for real-time crowd monitoring. To ensure women's safety, all-women 'Winners' and 'Shakti' teams will patrol the zones on two-wheelers. Plainclothes detectives and Special Branch officers will also mingle with the crowds to identify and deter pickpockets.
Security arrangements extend well beyond Park Street. Other popular destinations like St Paul’s Cathedral and Alipore Zoo will see intensive patrolling and naka checks. Additional police contingents have been assigned to manage crowds at local carnivals and restaurant hubs in areas such as Kasba, Patuli, and Lake Town. The Fire and Emergency Services department has positioned nine fire tenders at strategic points, including Bow Barracks and Allen Park.
To ensure maximum manpower availability, the state government has taken a decisive step by cancelling all leave for police personnel across all ranks until January 20, 2025. This order guarantees the presence of specialised units like the RAF (Rapid Action Force) and the Gorkha Battalion throughout the extended festive period.
Detailed Traffic Restrictions and Parking Bans
The Kolkata Traffic Police has issued specific notifications to manage vehicle movement and prevent congestion. The movement of all goods vehicles will be restricted in the Park Street and Maidan areas from 4 pm on December 24 to 4 am on December 25, and again from 4 pm on Christmas Day until clearance is given on December 26. These vehicles will be diverted via AJC Bose Road, St George’s Gate Road, and Strand Road.
On Christmas Eve, major roads including Park Street, Camac Street, Theatre Road, and Shakespeare Sarani will not permit two-way traffic until 2 am on December 25. Cathedral Road will remain closed, while Queensway will function as a one-way stretch from east to west.
On Christmas Day, Park Street (from J L Nehru Road to Wood Street) and Middleton Street will be completely closed to general traffic. Russel Street and Little Russel Street will be designated as no-entry zones. Eastbound traffic will be allowed on Ho Chi Minh Sarani, while two-way movement will be permitted on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and Camac Street between Ho Chi Minh Sarani and Short Street.
Authorities will enforce strict no-parking zones on several streets to ensure smooth traffic flow. The list includes:
- Park Street
- Middleton Street
- Short Street
- Wood Street
- Ho Chi Minh Sarani
- Parts of Camac Street, Free School Street, and Elliot Road
Auto-rickshaws will be diverted via Free School Street, Marquis Street, and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road. From December 26 to December 30, two-way traffic on Park Street and Shakespeare Sarani will be permitted only at the discretion of the traffic police on the ground.
Advisory for Eco Park Visitors
For those planning to visit Eco Park during the festivities, the police have issued a separate advisory to manage entry and parking efficiently.
Visitors arriving from the city side are advised to use Gates 1 and 2, with parking available inside Gate 1. Those coming from the airport side should use Gates 4, 5, and 6. A drop-off point is available near Gate 5, with single-row parking permitted between Gates 5 and 6. Two-wheeler riders have a designated parking area inside Gate 3.
The service road between Gate 1 and Gate 4 will remain closed to all vehicles. Special government buses will operate from Gate 1 and the Sector V Metro station to facilitate public transport for visitors.
With these meticulous arrangements, the Kolkata Police aims to ensure that the festive celebrations proceed smoothly, allowing citizens to welcome Christmas and the New Year in a safe and secure environment.
