New Year in Pondicherry : Beach Road, Traffic & Parking Guidelines

Here’s all you need to know about New Year Pondicherry Celebrations for 2021. Are parties allowed in Pondicherry? Will you be allowed to go to Beach Road on New Year’s Eve? Where to park on December 31, which are the areas where vehicles will not be allowed and what else to know whether you’re a local or tourist !

• No permission for DJ nights or parties at bars, restaurants, resorts, hotels or beaches in Pondicherry.
• There is no restriction for tourist entry into Pondicherry or staying at hotels, guest houses etc.
• Beach Road celebrations on Promenade/ Rock Beach will go ahead with mandatory masks and social distancing. Entry will be restricted on first come basis. There are 10 entry points to access Beach Road (scroll down)

Start the New Year with something interesting! Book a sailing trip around a peaceful lagoon in Pondicherry ! Rs.500 per person.

Find details and booking information here

The below guidelines have been issued jointly by Puducherry district administration and Puducherry Police as a large number of tourists are expected in Pondicherry after neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka banned or restricted celebrations. Precautions are also being followed taking into account the new and more contagious variant of coronavirus that has been identified in many countries including India (20 cases so far).

TRAFFIC, BUSES & VEHICLE MOVEMENT 

• No four wheelers  & two wheelers allowed in White Town area from 2 pm on Dec 31 to 9 am on January 1
• Heavy vehicles cannot park or ply inside Boulevard area (Pondy town) from 2 pm on Dec 31 to 6 am on January 1
• All  buses entering Puducherry through ECR shall pass through Sivaji Square, Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi Square to reach Puducherry Bus Stand. Buses proceeding towards ECR Road from Puducherry Bus Stand shall ply via Nellithope, Indira Gandhi Square, Rajiv Gandhi Square.
• Vehicles with patients for emergency treatment at GH will be permitted via (1) Saint.Ange Street & Gingee Salai (2) Surcouf Street & Gingee Salai .
• If you reside in White Town you will be issued passes by SP, Traffic (North-East) for free movement and to visit places of worship.
• Tourists staying in hotels in the area will also get passes for vehicle movement

PARKING RULES FOR BEACH ROAD/ WHITE TOWN

• If you want to visit Beach Road park in one of the Parking Lots provided and take a free bus shuttle to beach road or town area !
• Four wheeler parking lots: New Port, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Petit Seminaire Hr. Sec. School (Primary Section) at Ambedkar Salai, Anna Thidal at Odiansalai, Old Jail Complex at JN-Street,Vacant site of LAD Complex at Victor Simonel Street & Bharathidasan Womens College at MG-Road, Muthialpet.
• Parking area for two-wheelers and light motor vehicles: Petit Seminaire Primary School, Ambedkar Salai, Uppalam & South side of the roads between Ambour Salai and Mission Street.

BEACH ROAD ACCESS FOR NEW YEAR PONDICHERRY

• Entire Promenade Beach is divided into zones with 10 entry points at (i) Subbiah Salai (ii) Bazaar Saint Laurent (near Ajantha Hotel), (iii) (Bussy Street), (iv) in front of Police Headquarters, (v) Mahe labourdonnais street, (vi) Bharathi park entry, (vii) Rangapillai street, (viii) Law de Lauriston (ix) Dupuy Street and (x) SV Patel Salai entry to beach road.
• These 10 points can be accessed on feet through junctions near Park Guest House, Old Distillery and Gingee Salai (purple spot on map above)
• Only limited entry on beach road on 31st night and it will be on first come first served basis.
• Thermal screening will be done at all these points. Close surveillance through drone cameras in beach area.
• DRINKING WATER: To be available at all 10 zones.
• MOBILE TOILETS: Near Old Distillery, Chief Secretariat, Bharathi Park, Old court Complex and Park Guest House.
• EMERGENCIES & ASSISTANCE: You can find first aid booths near Gandhi statue. 3 ambulances are stationed in Dumas street near Gandhi statue, Police Headquarters and Old distillery. Missing Person Desks and “May I Help You” police booths in Gandhi Thidal and ADGP office Complex.
• Barricades have been put up at Rock Beach and no one is allowed to cross them. Swimming, Liquor consumption and smoking are totally prohibited.

SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME OR OFFICE IN THE NEW YEAR

THERMAL SCREENING OF TOURISTS

All the tourists entering Puducherry crossing border points at Ganagachettikulam, Gorimedu, Mullodai and Madhagadipet will be subjected for Thermal Screening. Suspected symptomatic persons will undergo medical screening in the border itself by the medical team. If symptoms are confirmed, they will be isolated and sent to GH, Puducherry for further COVID screening test and further health protocols.

Leaders Appeal to People

The district administration has appealed for people to people to stay indoors and minimise risk. If people choose to step out to Beach Road they have been asked to follow Covid protocols strictly during New Year Pondicherry festivities. Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy has said New Year will be celebrated in Pondicherry keeping in line with guidelines of social distancing and wearing masks. Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, this afternoon appealed to people of neighbouring states not to flock to Puducherry and create a super spreader event. She also citied a health ministry advisory to states which recommends states stay vigilant towards potential ‘super spreader’ events on New Year’s Eve and this winter season.

In recent days, the Chief Minister and Lt Governor have issued contradictory orders on New Year celebrations in Pondicherry that has led to confusion among hotels, local businesses and tourists.

For instant updates to this information or queries, follow @pondy_live on Twitter, Facboook or Instagram  For NYE dinners, go here

FEATURE PHOTO: VMAC PHOTOGRAPHY