People across Coimbatore marked the arrival of New Year 2026 at midnight on Wednesday.
People moved along city roads in cars and two-wheelers, exchanging New Year greetings.
As the New Year began, firecrackers were burst and cakes were cut and distributed in several localities. A large number of people gathered near the Thomas Park junction at Race Course.
Police conducted vehicle checks at about 70 locations, including Race Course, R.S. Puram, D.B. Road, Mettupalayam Road and Avinashi Road. Those riding two-wheelers at high speed were stopped, and vehicles were temporarily seized in some cases.
Members of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam marked the New Year by cutting a cake at the Periyar Padippagam in Gandhipuram.
Midnight prayers were held at churches across Coimbatore to mark the English New Year.
Around 1,600 police personnel were deployed across the city. Vehicle checks were conducted at 70 locations, with 11 border checkpoints monitoring entry into city. Patrols include 28 four-wheelers, 59 two-wheelers, and seven Pink Patrols for women’s safety.
Traffic congestion was reported after 12.30 a.m. as people returned home. Police regulated traffic at several locations.
Traffic was prohibited on all flyovers except North Coimbatore flyover, Upplipalayam flyover, Sathy Road Textool Bridge, and Avarampalayam Flyover.
Fines were imposed on those found driving under the influence of alcohol.
Ambulances were stationed at locations including the Anna Statue junction on Avinashi Road, CODISSIA junction, D.B. Road, and Athupalam in Ukkadam.
Published – December 31, 2025 10:45 pm IST
