Shillong is welcoming New Year’s Eve with festive spirit today, and Police Bazaar has been turned into a vehicle-free zone from this evening to make space for walkers and visitors. From 5 pm today, vehicles are not allowed to enter the Khyndailad and Police Bazaar area, as police expect large crowds to gather to celebrate the last night of the year. The move has been taken to reduce traffic jams and to keep the public safe.
Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said that all vehicles heading towards Police Bazaar will be stopped and redirected. Traffic coming from Kachari Point is being diverted towards Raj Bhawan Junction, while vehicles from Umsohsun Junction along GS Road are being sent through Boucher Road and Motphran. Parking is only allowed on one side of a few selected stretches. These include the road between Centenary Junction and Rap’s Mansion Junction, and the stretch between Pinewood Junction and the Botanical Garden.
The police have asked people to plan their travel early and cooperate with traffic staff on duty. Emergency service vehicles will still be allowed to move through the area. Police Bazaar is one of the main gathering points in Shillong. The area has been brightly lit since Christmas, and many churches and road junctions across the city are also decorated. The decorations have been drawing many visitors, adding to the festive New Year mood.