The Kolkata Police has issued a comprehensive traffic notification to manage the influx of revelers ahead of numerous parties and events lined up for New Year’s Eve parties. The city will see heavy traffic around areas such as Park Street, New Town, and the Maidan due to the celebrations ahead.
Based on the directions of Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma, restrictions will be placed on several major thoroughfares on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
People planning to head out for the celebrations, here is everything you need to know to navigate the city safely:
One-way traffic
To ensure smooth pedestrian and vehicular flow, several streets will be converted to one-way traffic or entry to them will be restricted entirely. The areas include:
Park Street: Will operate as one way from west to east.
Shakespeare Sarani: One way from east to west between JL Nehru Road and AJC Bose Road.
Ho-Chi-Minh Sarani: One way from west to east.
Camac Street: One way from north to south (between Park Street and AJC Bose Road).
Closed crossings
Vehicles coming from the Royd Street/Free School Street crossing will not be allowed towards Park Street. Additionally, no right turns will be permitted from Park Street onto Russel Street.
Parking regulations
Finding a spot for vehicles will be challenging, as ‘No Parking’ zones have been strictly enforced for most of the festive period.
No parking zones: Park Street, Camac Street, Middleton Street, Kyd Street, Free School Street, and Wood Street are among the major stretches where parking is strictly prohibited.
Parking permitted : Limited parallel parking will be allowed on Russel Street (eastern/western sides), Free School Street (between Royd St. & Marquis St.), and portions of Middleton Row.
Rules for goods’ vehicles
Heavy and medium goods vehicles will face significant bans to keep the roads clear for passenger cars and emergency services.
Maidan Area Ban: Goods’ vehicles are restricted from moving towards Maidan from 16:00 hours on December 31 until 04:30 hours on January 1, and again on the evening of January 1.
Alternative routes: Restricted vehicles can use AJC Bose Road, St. Georges Gate Road, Strand Road, and APC Road.
Exceptions: Vehicles carrying essential commodities and small goods vehicles with a gross weight under 1600 kg are exempt from these restrictions.
Advice for commuters
Authorities have indicated that these regulations may be adjusted “as and when considered necessary” by the on duty traffic police. Given the parking restrictions, the commuters have been advised to avail Kolkata Metro and public buses services. The commuters should follow on-ground instructions as police personnel will be stationed at all major intersections to divert traffic based on real-time density. According to the authorities, revellers should expect delays around JL Nehru Road and AJC Bose Road.