In a major move to ensure peaceful and safe New Year celebrations, the Patna district administration has unveiled an extensive security and crowd management blueprint for the city. The plan involves the strategic deployment of a large force of magistrates and police personnel across more than a hundred critical public spaces.
Massive Deployment and Key Directives
Over 125 magistrates and police officers have been stationed at more than 104 key locations throughout Patna. This force is bolstered by armed units, women's police teams, and personnel equipped with lathis. Their primary objectives are seamless crowd control, efficient traffic management, and the strict maintenance of law and order.
District Magistrate Thiyagrajan SM and Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K Sharma, during a review on Monday, directed all officials to maintain high vigilance. They emphasized the immediate countering of rumours through active social media monitoring cells, intensified patrolling via special mobile teams, and stringent action against disruptive biker gangs.
"The focus is on excellent crowd management, seamless traffic flow and robust law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year for all," stated the senior officials.
Strategic Points and Emergency Preparedness
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been positioned at major hubs expected to see large gatherings. These sites include:
- Eco Park and Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo)
- Gandhi Maidan and Kumhrar Park
- Patna Junction railway station
- Major temples like Mahavir Mandir, Iskcon, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, and Patan Devi Mandir
To handle medical emergencies, ambulances with medical teams and essential drugs have been deployed at high-footfall areas such as the gates of Eco Park, the Kumhrar excavation site, and Budh Marg.
River Ban and Special Arrangements
In a significant safety measure, private boat operations on the Ganga river have been completely prohibited from 6 am on December 31, 2025, until 6 pm on January 1, 2026, unless prior permission is obtained. This ban aims to prevent accidents during the festive period. To enforce this, NDRF and SDRF teams will conduct intensive river patrols, supported by four dedicated magistrates and police officers.
Special attention is being given to the Mahatma Gandhi Setu, where heavy traffic is anticipated towards the Diara areas. Adequate forces will be deployed to ensure smooth vehicular movement on the bridge.
Furthermore, footpaths near popular picnic spots have been cleared of encroachments to ensure safe pedestrian movement. Hotels and clubs expecting large crowds will see heightened police patrolling.
Traffic and Vigilance Measures
To manage the expected influx of vehicles, routes like Atal Path and J P Ganga Path will have controlled entry with barricades from the late evening of December 31 into New Year's Day, complemented by foot patrols.
Station House Officers and Sub-Divisional Police Officers have been instructed to remain proactive and vigilant against potential disturbances, particularly from biker groups. For prompt incident response, the district control room will maintain 24 magistrates on reserve duty, operating in three shifts.
This comprehensive plan underscores the administration's commitment to facilitating a secure and joyous transition into the New Year for all residents and visitors in Patna.
