Kochi Authorities Assign 1200 Officers To Manage Fort Kochi New Year Celebrations
Kochi authorities have mobilised around 1,200 police personnel, including senior officers, to manage crowds and maintain law and order during New Year celebrations in Fort Kochi. Key events, including the traditional Pappanji effigy burning at Parade and Veli Grounds, are expected to attract large gatherings. To ensure safety and smooth movement, officials have imposed traffic restrictions, designated parking zones, and pedestrian-only areas, while drones without prior permission will be banned within the carnival precincts.
The extensive security plan includes 13 Deputy Superintendents, 28 Inspectors, and 163 Sub-Inspectors deployed from both within and outside the district. Vehicle movement will be strictly regulated, with the Ro-Ro ferry service from Vypeen to Fort Kochi allowing vehicles only until 4 p.m. on December 31. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., the service will operate exclusively for pedestrians, and ferry operations will be suspended after 7 p.m., with continuous passenger-only services ensured for return trips.Road access to Fort Kochi will be restricted after 4 p.m., with alternate routes such as the Aroor–Kundannoor–Vyttila corridor designated for incoming traffic from Alappuzha. Authorities have prepared for dynamic crowd conditions, with potential early closures at key entry points including BOT East and West Junctions, Edakochi Bridge, Perumpadappu Bridge, and Jubilee Junction. The old Mattancherry Bridge will be converted to one-way traffic to facilitate outgoing movement from Fort Kochi.
Parking arrangements have been designated at over 20 locations, including Aspinwall Ground, St. Paul’s School Ground, Cochin College Ground, Delta School Ground, and Veli School Ground. Resident vehicles along main roads will be relocated to these zones, while visitors staying in hotels or homestays are advised to avoid roadside parking to prevent congestion and maintain emergency access. Public buses from Ernakulam, Edakochi, and Thoppumpady will terminate at the Fort Kochi bus stand by 5 p.m., with temporary stands at Cochin College Ground facilitating return transport after midnight.District Collector G. Priyanka, Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol, and Sub-Collector Grandhe Sai Krishna emphasised strict adherence to safety protocols and traffic instructions to ensure a smooth and secure celebration. The coordination between police deployment, traffic regulation, and public compliance reflects the city’s efforts to balance cultural festivity with public safety.
The Fort Kochi New Year plan demonstrates a growing emphasis on sustainable urban event management, integrating pedestrian corridors, regulated vehicle flow, and designated parking to minimise congestion and maintain civic order. By combining traditional festivities with strategic planning, Kochi aims to ensure both a celebratory and safe experience for residents and tourists alike.
