Kolkata Police deploys 2,000 Personnel for Christmas and New Year festivities

Kolkata Police has rolled out extensive security arrangements across the city ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, with special attention on Park Street and surrounding high-footfall areas, a senior officer said on Wednesday.

Around 2,000 police personnel will be deployed during the festive period, including 10 deputy commissioners, 25 assistant commissioners, 27 inspectors, and 250 sub-inspectors . Additional forces will be stationed in the Park Street-Dharmatala belt to ensure effective crowd management and prevent untoward incidents.

“Our priority is to ensure that people can celebrate safely and in an orderly manner. Adequate manpower has been deployed, and senior officers will be on the ground supervising arrangements,” the officer said.

Traffic regulations will be enforced depending on crowd density, with restrictions expected in the Park Street area from 4 pm on December 25, 26, and 31 .

Security has been tightened at all major entry points, including Dhola Bridge, Shyambazar, Howrah-Burrabazar connector, Diamond Harbour Road, Ekbalpur, and Red Road, with intensified naka checking and patrolling. Surveillance has been enhanced at shopping malls, cinema halls, Metro and railway stations, nightclubs, and bars.

As part of the plan, 15 watchtowers have been set up at strategic locations, five of them in Park Street, while Quick Response Teams (QRTs) remain on standby for emergencies. Plainclothes officers and women officers from Kolkata Police’s ‘Winners’ team will also be deployed in crowded areas.

Authorities have urged citizens to contact the Lalbazar control room or dial 100 in case of emergencies.

This heightened focus on festive security comes amid global concerns over public safety during Christmas celebrations . In France , several large-scale events, including New Year’s Eve concerts in Paris, have been cancelled or scaled back due to high terror threat levels, with authorities citing the difficulty of safely managing large crowds. Similar measures in other parts of Europe have underscored the need for proactive security planning during major festive gatherings.

With these measures, Kolkata Police aims to ensure safe and orderly celebrations , reflecting a broader international trend of enhanced security during high-footfall festive events.