People in huge numbers celebrating the New Year at India Gate in New Delhi on Thursday amid festive fervour and heavy police deployment.
| Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Revellers from across Delhi-NCR flooded India Gate and Central Vista to ring in the New Year on Thursday, leading to traffic congestion on Kartavya Path, Man Singh Road, and adjoining areas.
People of all age groups could be seen frolicking, chatting, and posing for selfies. Dressed in their best clothes and jewellery, women enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends while others carried bouquets, toys, and balloons.
A group of four elderly women from Ashok Vihar said they had resolved to travel and enjoy life after fulfilling family responsibilities. Standing in a single line with their hands on their waists, they posed for the camera as a young girl captured the moment on her phone. “This year, we have resolved to explore all Delhi monuments. We also went to Kalkaji Mandir earlier in the day,” said Anita. “We have decided to live our lives to the fullest,” added Kamna. “All our lives we have been tied up in our homes. Now it’s time to explore,” said Somati.
‘Having great time’
Passing through the underpass from Kartavya Path to India Gate, people cheered and hooted, reflecting the festive mood. Shivani and Ankush, married just two months ago, found India Gate the perfect spot for their first outing after the wedding. Visiting from Sonepat, Ms.Shivani, her hair adorned with jasmine flowers, said, “It is my first outing with my husband, and I am having a great time.”
The large crowds led to traffic congestion on nearby roads and increased pressure on public transport facilities in central Delhi. “I came here for some work, but the Central Secretariat metro station was extremely crowded with people heading towards India Gate. It took me more than 10 minutes just to enter,” said a commuter who came from Gurugram. Another commuter, who visited India Gate with his family, said the area was heavily crowded, though police personnel were seen trying to manage the situation. Police personnel were deployed to manage the crowd near the monument and regulate traffic to prevent vehicle pile-ups.
Zoo, temple rush
High footfall at temples, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, and Delhi zoo also caused traffic congestion on surrounding roads. The zoo recorded 25,111 visitors on January 1, its director said, adding that elaborate security arrangements were in place.
The Delhi Traffic Police issued 868 challans for drink-driving on New Year’s eve. According to data, the police recorded 8,461 traffic violations compared with 2,901 last year. Drunk-driving cases rose from 272 in 2024 to 868 this year. Breathalyser tests were conducted at rotating checkpoints at night. In addition to traffic enforcement, Delhi Police deployed a 20,000-strong force, used CCTV surveillance, and coordinated in real time across district control rooms. Special focus was on Connaught Place, Hauz Khas, and Aerocity, the police said.
Published – January 02, 2026 01:42 am IST
