CHENNAI: Armed with drones and CCTVs for surveillance, a total of 25,000 police personnel, drawn from various wings of the Greater Chennai Police (GCP), Tambaram and Avadi city police, will be on duty on New Year's Eve as part of security arrangements in Chennai city and suburbs on Wednesday.

While the police have appealed to the public for their cooperation to ensure an accident- and incident-free New Year’s Eve, the Chennai police have warned that establishments serving alcohol should ensure the safety of women revellers, and children should not be allowed in such places.

In Chennai, 19,000 police personnel will be assisted by 1,500 Home Guards, while 3,000 police personnel each will be deployed on duty in Tambaram and Avadi City Police limits.

Beaches will be off-limits for revellers from Wednesday evening till January 1, 2026. Coastal areas, including Marina, Santhome, Elliots, and Neelangara beaches in Chennai City limits and Panaiyur, Kovalam in Tambaram City police limits will be monitored.

The bursting of firecrackers is strictly prohibited at all locations, including public places and residential areas. For New Year celebrations in apartment complexes and residential areas, prior permission, including for using loudspeakers, must be obtained from police and other relevant departments.

Vehicle checkpoints have been set up at over 500 locations in Chennai, Tambaram and Avadi city police limits, police said.

In Chennai, 425 vehicle inspection teams have been set up, while in Tambaram limit, 60 vehicle inspection teams have been deployed to check drunk driving and bike racing. Further, road safety teams will patrol the streets on two-wheelers, offering assistance to the public for safety awareness.

The Tambaram City Police have additionally set up monitoring teams in areas like ECR, OMR, and GST road to prevent bike races, an official release stated.

The Tamil Nadu Police Department, Coast Guard Group and Marina Beach Lifeguards have implemented appropriate security measures and put up warning boards in areas adjacent to the beach to prevent drowning. Ambulances with medical personnel will be kept on standby near popular spots for emergency medical assistance, stated an official release.

SECURITY IN PLACE

(for New Year’s in Chennai region)

Total no. of policemen on duty 25,000

Chennai city 19,000 cops + 1,500 Home Guards

Tambaram city 3,000 cops + 60 vehicle inspection teams

Avadi city 3,000 cops

Vehicle checkpoints 500 + locations across three police limits

Beach restrictions: Public entry banned from the evening of Dec 31 to Jan 1 at Marina, Santhome, Elliot’s, Neelankarai, Panaiyur, Kovalam