Karaikal police roll out multi-layered security plan for New Year celebration

Ahead of New Year 2026 celebration, the Karaikal district police have rolled out an elaborate law and order, traffic and coastal security plan to ensure the safety of residents and tourists visiting the region.

As part of the arrangements, around 300 police personnel, including IRBn personnel and Home Guards, will be deployed across the district. A four-tier security system has been put in place to regulate traffic movement, crowd flow and public safety, according to a release issued by Senior Superintendent of Police M.V.N.V. Lakshmi Soujanya.

Under the first tier, strict monitoring will be enforced at all entry points into Karaikal to regulate vehicle movement. The second tier will cover major junctions in Kottucherry, Nedungadu, Thirunallar, Niravi and Tirumalairayanpattinam, where additional police personnel will be stationed.

The third tier will regulate vehicular access to the beach road, while the entire beachfront will be declared a pedestrian-only zone as part of the fourth tier of security arrangements.

To assist visitors, ‘May I Help You’ kiosks will be set up along the Karaikal beach to provide guidance and emergency support. Special ERSS patrol teams will be deployed with a focus on women’s safety and prevention of public drinking.

Traffic enforcement will follow a zero-tolerance approach, with seven special teams equipped with body-worn cameras and alco-meters conducting checks against drunken driving. Two park-and-ride facilities have been arranged near the Karaikal beach. Drinking water points, mobile toilets and first-aid centres will be set up at key locations. All eateries, hotels and roadside shops — barring those with special permission — will be required to close by midnight to prevent overcrowding.

Coastal security has been strengthened with patrolling by a five-tonne interceptor boat, particularly along the shoreline and the Arasalar river stretch. Entry into the sea on New Year’s Eve has been strictly prohibited, and barricades have been erected along vulnerable coastal points.The police have urged residents and tourists to cooperate with personnel on duty and adhere to safety instructions.