Your NYE guide to Park Street

The end is here! No, we are not talking about the end of the world, but of 2017. And transport is obviously the first concern for anyone who wants to spend New Year’s Eve at Kolkata’s party destination,

Park Street

. While getting parking is a huge problem during this time, the public transport system can be a handful too.

SECURE A PARKING SPOT EARLY

According to an order by the Kolkata Police, there will be no parking on Park Street on December 31. So, if you are planning to take your own vehicle, then be prepared to park it as far as New Market, Sudder Street, Mirza Ghalib Street and on the different connectors of Park Street. And if you are fortunate enough to get a spot on Wood Street, Russel Street or William Jones Sarani, be ready to pay hefty parking fees. While the legal fee for four-wheelers is ₹20 per hour, the parking personnel are charging ₹100. In case of two-wheelers, it’s ₹30 instead of ₹10 per hour. The parking spots are expected to be filled by late afternoon.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Bus, metro, yellow taxis and app cabs are your best options if you want to avoid parking hassles. While the Metro will keep to its regular schedule, app cab officials told us there is no reason to think that there will be fewer cars. “In fact, we are expecting the entire fleet to be operational, because our driver partners are expecting to do big business today,” an official said.

Planning to party on Park Street? Here’s what to expect on NYE

EXPECT TO WALK

Since the entire stretch of Park Street will be closed to traffic, expect to walk a bit whether you take your car or public transport. If you think of Allen Park as the middle of the stretch, anyone entering Park Street from either end will have to take the left-hand side pavement to reach Allen Park. There will be two dividers — one in front of Mirza Ghalib Street and another in front of

Camac Street

— from where the road can be crossed.

“Volunteers and police officers will be posted on the street and visitors can always ask for their assistance,” a police officer said.

PARTY HOTSPOTS

A number of clubs are planning special events for the night. Roxy is organising a Las Vegas-themed party, while Mix is emphasising good music. Club officials are expecting huge crowds tonight. “So, I would suggest people come early because the entry will be on first-come first-serve basis,” said Namrata Gillfrom Roxy. DJ Sammy, who has been spinning discs for quite a few years now, said party-goers can expect a mixed crowd at all the clubs. “New Year’s Eve is a celebration for all and people from every strata come to party together,” said Sammy.

EATING AND DRINKING

Food and beverages are two of the biggest attractions on Park Street. Most of the historic restaurants of the city are found on this street. But keep in mind that you will not be able to book a table at any restaurant today. The restaurants told us that prior reservations will not be taken and diners will be welcomed on a first-come basis. Some places like Magnolia have introduced special Christmas and New Year’s menus, while other restaurants like

Mocambo

and

Peter Cat

are sticking to their usual fare. “We are proud to maintain our quality even during the busiest time of the year. And since people are satisfied, we haven’t thought of changing our menu,” said Nitin Kothari, the owner of Mocambo and Peter Cat.

SECURITY

Park Street on New Year’s Eve may be infamous for eve-teasing and pick-pocketing, but Kolkata Police assures that it will be a far safer experience this year. According to Lalbazar sources, more than 1,000 police personnel will be posted on Park Street and Shakespeare Sarani. Besides, 12 temporary watchtowers have been erected to monitor public activity. “If anyone faces harassment, they can and should approach the on-duty police officers on the street itself. They do not have to go to the police station to lodge a complaint,” said an official, adding that 30% of the deployed force will work in civil clothes to monitor crime.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE

Kolkata Police officers said that besides providing local security, they will be extra vigilant about drink driving. Police teams will be present with breathalysers at most important junctions of the city. The offenders will be taken to the local police station and be presented in court the next day.