Chennai is on high alert ahead of New Year’s Eve, with police putting in place wide-ranging security arrangements across the city and its suburbs. Authorities say the steps are meant to ensure public safety, as large crowds are expected to gather for celebrations.
More than 25,000 police personnel will be on duty through the night, supported by Home Guards, surveillance teams and emergency services. The focus will be on crowd control, traffic regulation and preventing drunken driving to avoid accidents or untoward incidents.
How many police personnel are being deployed
The deployment includes staff from the Greater Chennai Police, Tambaram City Police, and Avadi City Police.
Nearly 19,000 personnel will be stationed within Greater Chennai Police limits. Tambaram and Avadi will each have around 3,000 personnel on the ground. About 1,500 Home Guards will assist with crowd regulation, traffic movement, and emergency response.
Police teams will be backed by CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and special patrol units.
Beaches closed for New Year’s Eve
As a precautionary step, beaches across Chennai and nearby areas will remain closed from Wednesday evening until January 1, 2026.
The closure covers Marina, Santhome, Elliots, Neelangarai, Panaiyur, and Kovalam beaches. Authorities said the decision was taken to avoid overcrowding and reduce the risk of accidents.
What is banned during celebrations
The bursting of firecrackers has been prohibited in public places and residential areas.
Residents planning celebrations within apartment complexes have been asked to obtain prior permission from the police and civic authorities, particularly if loudspeakers or public address systems are to be used.
Establishments serving alcohol have been warned to strictly bar entry to minors and ensure the safety of women patrons.
Drunken driving checks and traffic monitoring
To curb drink-driving and rash driving, more than 500 vehicle checkpoints have been set up across Chennai, Tambaram, and Avadi.
Within the Greater Chennai area, 425 vehicle inspection teams will be on duty through the night. Tambaram will have 60 dedicated teams monitoring traffic violations. Additional two-wheeler patrols will cover crowded and vulnerable stretches to increase visibility and response time.
Coastal security and emergency preparedness
Coastal security has also been tightened. The Tamil Nadu Police is coordinating with the Coast Guard and Marina Beach lifeguards.
Warning boards have been put up at key locations, and ambulances with medical staff will be stationed near high-footfall areas to handle emergencies if needed.
Police officials said the measures are aimed at ensuring a safe and orderly New Year’s Eve for residents and visitors, and urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow safety guidelines.