As Mumbai transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration for New Year's Eve, with streets pulsating to music and restaurants brimming with patrons, a parallel narrative of dedication and service unfolds. While the city counts down to midnight, thousands of essential workers embark on one of their longest and most demanding shifts of the year.
Guardians of the Night: Ensuring Safety on the Streets
For the city's traffic police and law enforcement, New Year's Eve is a critical night of duty. Balwant Dhage, a traffic policeman posted at Saki Naka, encapsulates the sentiment, stating it is when the city needs them the most. Officers typically report for duty in the latter half of the day and remain deployed through the night, their focus squarely on maintaining smooth traffic flow and ensuring revellers reach home safely.
A significant part of their responsibility involves handling drink-and-drive cases. "We take appropriate action. The idea is to prevent accidents and make sure everyone starts the year safely," Dhage explains. These professionals often rely on the understanding and support of their families, who, over the years, have come to appreciate the importance of their work for society's betterment, even if it means missing celebrations at home.
Inside the Festive Frenzy: Bouncers and Bartenders on High Alert
The intensity shifts from the open streets to packed venues as the night progresses. For bouncers like Nikhil Bajaj, Dilip Kalambe, and Chandan Singh at a Juhu club, this is the toughest night of the year. Their role mirrors that of the police, but within the confines of the club. "Just like the police protect the city, it's our responsibility to ensure safety inside the club," says Nikhil. Their night is spent preventing misbehaviour, diffusing potential fights, and ensuring every patron can ring in the New Year securely.
Behind the bar, the pressure is on speed and coordination. Bartender Harsh Natekar describes nights like these as the ultimate test of teamwork. "Preparation, coordination and speed are crucial as orders flow in nonstop. It's busy, but it's the kind of busy you live for," he shares. The collective aim for the service staff is to maintain a fun and smooth atmosphere, ensuring the celebrations do not spiral out of control.
Ferrying the Festivity: The Long Night Drives
As the clock strikes midnight and parties wind down, another group of workers springs into action. Cab drivers like Rakeshprasad Sharma find New Year's Eve to be a period of brisk business, ferrying revellers back to their homes across the city. Areas like Colaba, Lower Parel, Bandra, and Andheri see particularly high demand.
"Everyone in Mumbai is out celebrating, and I ferry all kinds of revellers back to their homes after long nights of partying," Sharma says. For these drivers, the celebration translates into a service of care, staying on the road through the early hours to ensure people conclude their festivities with a safe journey home.
While Mumbai slips into celebration mode, the true spirit of the night is embodied by these thousands of individuals—from traffic constables at busy junctions to delivery partners navigating festive traffic. Their long, busy shifts are less about personal celebration and more about foundational service, ensuring the city's joyous transition into the New Year is both memorable and secure for all.
