In anticipation of massive crowds and late-night revelry, the Ghaziabad Traffic Police has rolled out a comprehensive advisory for New Year's Eve celebrations. The restrictions will come into force from 6 pm on Wednesday across the city to manage the expected heavy traffic and ensure public safety.
Traffic Restrictions and Prohibited Activities
Police have explicitly banned stopping vehicles on major arterial roads for any form of celebration. This includes the Hindon Elevated Road, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, Hapur Road, and Meerut Road. Activities like taking selfies, recording videos, lighting firecrackers, or cutting cakes on these roads will not be tolerated, and violators will face legal action.
With restaurants, malls, hotels, and clubs hosting special events, these venues are likely to draw large crowds, increasing pressure on major intersections. Authorities have directed attendees to park only in designated parking areas within these venues. Parking on public roads, service lanes, or footpaths is strictly prohibited, and vehicles found in violation will be towed and issued challans.
Enhanced Enforcement and Safety Measures
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ziauddin Ahmad stated that extra traffic personnel will be deployed. Joint drives with civil police will be conducted at major junctions to crack down on drunk driving. Vehicles may be seized and strict action will be taken against intoxicated drivers.
Other traffic violations like overspeeding, rash driving, bike stunts, triple riding, and driving without helmets or seat belts are also prohibited. Given the prevailing foggy conditions, police have advised drivers to maintain speed limits, use fog lights and dippers, and keep a safe distance.
Security Tightened Across the District
Beyond traffic, security arrangements have been significantly strengthened. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been formed, and police will closely monitor party venues, inter-city roads, and Delhi-Ghaziabad border points to curb the supply of narcotics. Surveillance will be enhanced using night-vision drone cameras and body-worn cameras.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (trans-Hindon) Nimish Patel revealed that over 50 police teams have been deployed in areas with pubs and bars, which are major celebration hubs. He also warned that any society or restaurant planning a large-scale party in an open area must obtain prior police permission.
In a related development, the Gautam Budh Nagar police commissionerate has made extensive arrangements, deploying nearly 3,000 personnel across key locations. Additional Commissioner Rajeev Narayan Mishra inspected major crowd hubs like Sector 18, Garden Galleria, and GIP Mall to review preparedness.
Section 163 has been imposed across the district, disallowing unnecessary gatherings. For effective management, the district is divided into three super zones, 10 zones, 27 sectors, and 119 sub-sectors, each under direct supervision. The police have appealed to citizens to cooperate and celebrate responsibly.
