In light of New Year’s Eve celebrations and the anticipated influx of crowds, The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner has issued a set of traffic restrictions to ensure public safety, maintain order, and regulate vehicular movement across key areas of the city.
The limits, implemented under the Gujarat Police Act, 1951, and Gujarat Motor Vehicle Rules will be effective from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
Here are restrictions and alternative routes —
CG Road
- Timings: Closed to all vehicular traffic from 6:00 PM on December 31 to 3:00 AM on January 1.
- Alternative Routes:
- Commuters can use Bodyline Four Roads via Madaneswar Mahadev or Gulbai Tekra.
- Mithakhali Circle to Girish Colddrinks crossroads via Navrangpura Bus Stand.
- Vehicular parking on both sides of CG Road will be prohibited from 6:00 PM.
Sindhu Bhavan Road:
- Timings: Closed to vehicular traffic from 8:00 PM on December 31 to 3:00 AM on January 1.
- Alternative Routes:
- Vehicles can use Jajarmaan Crossroads via Ashwamegh Bungalow to Kalibari Mandir Road.
- Movement from Jajarmaan Crossroads to Bagban Crossroads via Ambli Overbridge is allowed.
SG Highway:
- Timings: Movement of goods and passenger vehicles is restricted from 8:09 AM on December 31 to 3:00 AM on January 1.
- Parking: Prohibited on SG Highway, including Pakwan Char Road to Sanand Chowk and service roads, from 7:00 PM onwards.
General Guidelines:
- Private vehicles will not be allowed to park on restricted roads.
- Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire brigades, are exempt.
Violations and Penalties:
- Violators will face action under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code (BNS) 2023 and Section 131 of the Gujarat Police Act.
- Police personnel across ranks have been authorised to enforce these restrictions
The security arrangements include —
In anticipation of the large-scale celebrations, the Ahmedabad City Police announced a comprehensive security plan to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. With a deployment of over 8,000 personnel, the city police are leaving no stone unturned to address potential challenges, from traffic regulation to crime prevention.
Personnel Deployment—
- Joint/Additional Commissioners: 5
- Police Inspectors (PI): 115
- Police Sub-Inspectors (PSI): 225
- Head Constables/Police Constables: 4,500
- Home Guards: 3,100
- Total: 8,139 personnel
Checkpoints and Equipment —
- Checkpoints Points: 145 strategic locations
- Quick Response Teams (QRTs): 9 teams
- Vehicles: 93 PCR vans and 78 Hawk motorcycles
- CCTV Surveillance: Special deployment of cameras
- Body-Worn Cameras: 2,324 units for real-time monitoring
- Breath Analyzers: 203 devices for drunk-driving checks
- Speed Guns: 29 units to monitor reckless driving
Special Campaigns and Initiatives—
Prohibition Enforcement: A focused campaign targeting illegal liquor distribution and consumption.
Drunk-Driving Crackdown: Rigorous checks and strict action against offenders.
Traffic Regulation: The entire city police force will be on alert from 6:00 PM onwards to manage traffic and prevent rash driving incidents.
Women’s Safety: Increased presence of women police personnel and dedicated advisories to ensure the safety and security of women during the celebrations.
The city police have granted permissions to 16 venues, including hotels, clubs, and farmhouses, for hosting New Year events. Strict monitoring will ensure compliance with guidelines, and no permissions have been issued to venues that do not meet the required criteria.
Firecracker safety
The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner has issued a detailed notification outlining strict guidelines and safety measures under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code and Section 131 of the Gujarat Police Act, the notification aims to regulate the use of firecrackers and uphold public safety across the city.
This directive will be in effect from December 24, 2024, to January 2, 2025, covering the entire jurisdiction of Ahmedabad City.
Violators will face legal consequences under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 131 of the Gujarat Police Act.
Police officers, from constables to senior ranks, are empowered to enforce these regulations and file complaints against offenders.
Firecrackers may only be burst during a restricted window of time, specifically between 11:55 PM on December 31, 2024, and 12:30 AM on January 1, 2025.
Only “green crackers,” certified as low-emission and approved by the Supreme Court, are permitted. Certain areas are designated as silent zones where the use of firecrackers is entirely prohibited. These zones include a 100-meter radius around hospitals, nursing homes, educational institutions, religious sites, and courts, protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining the sanctity of sensitive locations.
The use of sky lanterns or similar items is strictly banned due to safety concerns, as they pose significant fire hazards and risks to property. Furthermore, firecrackers must not be burst near sensitive locations such as roads, petrol pumps, LPG stations, gas storage facilities, or airports. These restrictions are essential to minimizing risks associated with fire hazards and ensuring public safety.
Additionally, only environmentally safe firecrackers that meet PESO certification standards and adhere to permissible decibel levels are allowed for sale and use.