The Chennai City Police have significantly strengthened security arrangements ahead of New Year celebrations.
Additional police personnel, including Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, Armed Reserve units, Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) and constables, have been deployed at locations expected to witness large public gatherings. Around 1,500 Home Guards will also join duty to support security operations.
Officials said enhanced vigil will begin at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. Vehicle checks will be carried out at 425 points across the city, while 30 two-wheeler patrol units will frequently tour busy stretches to assist the public and promote safe driving practices.
To prevent illegal bike racing, 30 specialised monitoring and enforcement teams have been positioned in sensitive corridors such as Guindy, Adyar, Taramani, Neelankarai–Thoraipakkam, Maduravoyal bypass and GST Road.
Security has also been strengthened at over 100 major temples, churches, religious centres and important public spaces.
Along the coast, entry into the sea will be restricted from Wednesday evening until January 1 as part of safety measures. Marina, Santhome, Elliot’s Beach and Neelankarai will remain under round-the-clock watch, supported by Mounted Police and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Temporary police help desks will function along Marina, Santhome and Kamarajar Salai, while drone surveillance will be used to track movement in crowded areas. Motorists have been advised to follow diversion routes, particularly in stretches affected by metro rail construction.
In coordination with the Tamil Nadu Police, Coastal Security Group and Marina Beach Anti-Drowning Unit, coastal safety arrangements are being intensified. Warning boards have been set up to prevent mishaps, and mounted patrols will be deployed along beach stretches.
Event organisers at government-approved recreation clubs, hotels and star hotels have been instructed to prioritise women and child safety. Children will not be permitted inside premises where liquor is served. To handle emergencies, 108 ambulances with medical teams will be stationed near important locations.
Watch towers under the supervision of senior officers will help keep crime in check, with special focus on preventing offences against women and children. Mobile surveillance vehicles equipped with public address systems and flashing lights will move through crowded zones.
Bursting of firecrackers in public places and residential localities has been strictly prohibited. Apartment associations and organisers in residential areas must obtain prior permission for celebrations and loudspeaker use. Police warned that violations will invite stern action.
Tambaram City Police meanwhile announced deployment of 60 vehicle check squads along major roads including ECR, OMR, Radial Road, ORR and GST Road to control traffic violations, drunken driving and racing. FL-2 and FL-3 bars have been instructed to function strictly within licence rules.
Police appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend cooperation. Strict enforcement will be carried out against drunk driving and reckless behaviour, and vehicles of offenders may be seized, authorities said.