Zero tolerance on Zero Night: Twin City Cuttack, Bhubaneswar under tight security ahead of New Year

As 2025 draws to a close, people across Odisha including in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are gearing up to welcome the New Year with zero-night celebrations and festive gatherings. Hotels, bars and pubs have made elaborate arrangements, while the general public is in a celebratory mood ahead of the midnight countdown.

At the same time, the Commissionerate Police has put in place stringent security measures to ensure safety and maintain law and order. Extensive checking and blocking will be carried out throughout the day and night, with the entire city under CCTV surveillance. A zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against rule violators.

Tight Security In Bhubaneswar

In Bhubaneswar, barricading has been set up at 18 locations, with 18 platoons of additional police force deployed across the city. Watch teams will conduct checks at 29 major intersections, while Quick Reaction Teams will remain on alert after midnight. 

Hotels, bars and pubs have been permitted to host programmes only till 12 midnight. Playing DJs in residential campuses, apartments or colonies has been strictly prohibited, and residents have been instructed to adhere to prescribed guidelines.

Special security arrangements have also been made at major tourist and religious sites, including Nandankanan, Dhauli, Lingaraj Temple and Khandagiri, in view of the expected rush of visitors. Women’s safety has been accorded top priority, and vehicles will be seized in cases of drunk driving.

15 Platoons Police Deployed In Cuttack

In Cuttack, 15 platoons of police force have been deployed to maintain vigilance. The countdown to zero hour has begun, with police appealing to citizens to celebrate responsibly, enjoy the festivities, but do not violate the law. 

Twin City Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh himself reviewed checking arrangements at Master Canteen Square and issued a stern warning to offenders, reiterating that indiscipline will be dealt with firmly.

“Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates the law, disturbs public order or endangers themselves and others by consuming excessive liquor. We have set up 18 checkpoints, and watch teams will conduct checks at 29 major intersections. Vehicles of violators will be seized,” Singh said.

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Referring to enforcement measures in 2025, the top cop said, “Aound 5 kg of brown sugar had been seized, which is among the highest seizures in the state. While victims are being rehabilitated, stringent action is being taken against drug peddlers.”