Patna police roll out security, traffic plans for New Year Day

Patna: With New Year festivities approaching, the Patna police have planned comprehensive security and traffic measures to manage crowds and maintain order, particularly noting the patterns of gatherings on New Year’s eve and New Year’s Day.Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma told this reporter on Sunday: “On New Year’s eve thousands of people flock to places like Marine Drive, Atal Path, malls, and hotels, so we have deployed the police force in these areas. On New Year Day, huge gatherings are witnessed at religious places, including Mahavir Mandir, gurdwaras, temples and churches, as well as parks like Rajdhani Vatika (Eco Park), Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park (Patna Zoo), and other parks, malls, and eateries, so there will also be heavy deployment in such areas.”The SSP said about 800 police personnel, including officers and constables, will be deployed in the urban areas of Patna to ensure a peaceful celebration.“To facilitate smooth traffic movement, the police have designated several no-parking zones throughout the city. Route diversions will be enforced as required, and barricades will be placed in high-traffic and crowded areas to curb illegal parking,” Sharma said while appealing for cooperation from volunteers of social organisations to assist in crowd management.Special attention will be paid to curb reckless driving on the roads. “We will keep a strict eye on biker gangs roaming in the city,” Sharma said. “Strict action will be taken against traffic rule violators, including those performing stunts. We already initiated measures against youths involved in such activities, particularly in areas like Marine Drive,” he said.On the Ganga river front, boating activities will be closely regulated. “Boat operations will only be allowed if safety standards are strictly followed,” the SSP said. Prioritising women’s safety, he emphasised the role of the Shakti Suraksha Dal.“This dedicated team will remain active to address any instances of harassment or offensive behaviour towards women and girls. Women are encouraged to contact the team immediately, and we urge them to report issues fearlessly to the police,” he said.