On Monday, Mumbai Police issued comprehensive security and traffic measures to ensure public safety during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Over 15,000 personnel, including eight additional commissioners, 29 deputy commissioners, 53 assistant commissioners, 2,184 officers, and 12,048 constables, will be deployed across key locations in the city. This is aimed at addressing key concerns such as crimes against women, maintaining law and order, and managing traffic violations, including instances of drunk driving.
Enhanced vigilance will feature roadblocks, patrolling teams, and fixed security points, supported by specialised units working alongside the regular police force. Further, in preparation for the New Year 2025 celebrations, Mumbai Police released a traffic advisory on Monday for motorists in South Mumbai and other adjoining areas.
New Year Celebrations in Mumbai: Better Safe Than Sorry!
The traffic advisory by Mumbai Police outlines specific traffic restrictions, which will be in effect from 3:00 PM on December 31, 2024, until 6:00 AM on January 1, 2025. However, these restrictions will not apply to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, Mumbai Police vehicles, and those of the Fire Brigade. Additionally, specific regulations would be enforced to ensure smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety during NYE celebrations in Mumbai.
Traffic restrictions will include road closures, designated parking arrangements, and no-parking zones on certain roads. The police have announced that parking facilities will not be available in areas under the Colaba and Marine Drive Traffic Division and have urged the public to rely on public transport, especially local trains. Additionally, the Mumbai Coastal Road will remain open for vehicular traffic from 11:00 PM on December 31, 2024, to 11:00 PM on January 1, 2025.
Mumbai Traffic Advisory: Key roads and alternative routes
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg
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Closed Stretch: From Regal Junction (Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk) to Gateway of India, extending to Bombay Presidency Club (Radio Club).
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Alternative Route: Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg → Left to Mahakavi Bhushan Marg → Right to Boman Behram Road.
Adam Street
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Closed Stretch: Between Boman Behram Road and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg junction.
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Alternative Route: Mahakavi Bhushan Marg → Right to Boman Behram Road → Right to K.S. Dhariya Chowk (BEST Junction) → Right to Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg.
P. Ramchandani Marg
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Closed Stretch: From Bombay Presidency Club (Radio Club) to Adam Street (except for emergency vehicles).
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Alternative Route: Bombay Presidency Club → Haji Niyaz Azmi Marg → Bhid Bhanjan Mandir → Right to Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg.
K. S. Dhariya Chowk (BEST Junction)
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Restriction: Access to P. Ramchandani Marg prohibited (except emergency services).
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Alternative Route: K. S. Dhariya Chowk → Smt. Violet Alva Chowk → Right to Boman Behram Road → Haji Niyaz Azmi Marg → Left to Bombay Presidency Club (Radio Club).
N.S. Road (Northbound)
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Closed Stretch: From Girgaum Chowpatty to NCPA.
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Alternative Routes:
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Ramnath Poddar Chowk → Maharshi Karve Road → Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk → Marine Lines → Charni Road → Pandit Paluskar Chowk.
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Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Junction → Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Road → CTO Junction → Destination.
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Metro Junction → Shamaldas Gandhi Marg → Princess Street Bridge → Coastal Road.
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N.S. Road (Southbound)
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Closed Stretch: From Bhara Tambe Chowk (Bandstand) to NCPA/Hutatma Rajguru Chowk (Mantralaya Junction).
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Alternative Routes:
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Coastal Road → Princess Street Bridge → Shamaldas Gandhi Marg → Vardhmaan Chowk.
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Kemps Corner Bridge → Left turn → Nana Chowk.
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Veer Nariman Road
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Closed Stretch: Both directions from Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk (Churchgate Junction) to Kilachand Chowk (Sunder Mahal Junction).
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Alternative Route: Maharshi Karve Road → Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk → Marine Lines → Charni Road → Pandit Paluskar Chowk.
Dinshaw Vacha Road
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Closed Stretch: Northbound from WIAA Chowk to Ratanlal Babuna Chowk (Marine Plaza Junction).
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Alternative Route: Maharshi Karve Road → Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk → Marine Lines → Charni Road → Pandit Paluskar Chowk.
Madam Cama Road
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Closed Stretch: Northbound from Hutatma Rajguru Chowk (Mantralaya Junction) to Venutai Chavan Chowk (Air India Junction).
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Alternative Route: Maharshi Karve Road → Ramnath Poddar Chowk → Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk → Marine Lines → Charni Road → Pandit Paluskar Chowk.
Barrister Rajni Patel Marg
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Closed Stretch: Northbound from Sakhar Bhavan Junction to N.S. Road.
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Alternative Route: Hotel Trident → Right turn → Sakhar Bhavan Junction → Barrister Rajni Patel Marg → Usha Mehta Chowk → Free Press Circle.
Vinay K. Shah Marg
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Closed Stretch: Northbound from Jamanalal Bajaj Marg to Murali Deora Chowk.
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Alternative Route: Ramnath Goenka Marg → Sakhar Bhavan Junction → Right turn → Barrister Rajni Patel Marg → Free Press Junction Circle.
Motorists are advised to follow the alternative routes and avoid restricted zones to minimise inconvenience.
No Parking Zones in Mumbai
From 3:00 PM on December 31 to 6:00 AM on January 1, parking will be prohibited on several major roads to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. The affected roads include:
1. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road
2. Barrister Rajni Patel Marg
3. Madam Cama Road
4. Ramnath Goenka Marg
5. Dinshaw Vacha Road
6. Veer Nariman Road
7. Maharshi Karve Road
8. Vinay K. Shah Road
9. Mahatma Gandhi Road
Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and use alternative parking options.
NO fireworks or public performances at Gateway
The city’s seafront attracts a significant number of revellers, particularly at the Gateway of India. Police officials are overseeing security arrangements, reminding the public that there will be no fireworks or public performances at the Gateway, as many mistakenly expect a grand celebration. To manage the crowd, separate enclosures have been set up for families and stags. Watchtowers and full lighting have been arranged, and special attention will be given to prevent eve-teasing and mobile theft.
