Partying late night? Cabs hired by Noida police can drop you home

NOIDA: The Noida police held a meeting with bar and restaurant operators on Friday to discuss security issues ahead of Christmas and New Year and asked them to ramp up the arrangements.
Warning of strict action against any instances of drunk driving, the police also announced that this year, it has hired taxis with verified drivers to ensure that tipplers reach home safely after the celebrations.
The review meeting came a day after police commissioner Laxmi Singh carried out inspections of several crowded locations, including markets and malls in Sector 18, the biggest commercial revenue generator in the city. Industry estimates say nearly two lakh revellers are expected on New Year's Eve and January 1 at shopping malls in the area.
The meeting was held at NEA Bhawan in Sector 6 with deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Harish Chander, additional DCP Ashutosh Dwivedi and assistant commissioner of police Rajneesh Verma in attendance, as well as representatives of Gardens Galleria, DLF Mall of India, Radisson Blu and other malls and bars. "Necessary directions have been issued to the operators regarding arrangements on December 25 and 31. A security audit of these malls, bars and restaurants has been done to assess their security, CCTV coverage and existing dark areas which need to be lit up," Chander said.
Cops also took suggestions from the operators, as their cooperation is necessary for ensuring hassle-free celebrations. "There are various government norms highlighted by the police like the sound limit and timing on loudspeakers," the DCP added.
ACP Rajneesh Verma said police helpdesks would be set up on every floor of the shopping malls of the city while ambulances and fire engines would also be stationed outside. "This year the police have also arranged cabs with verified drivers to help tipplers reach their homes safely, should someone, especially women, need them. For this service, people can contact the police helpdesks at various malls," he stated.
Police have also asked the mall operators to ensure that the CCTV cameras installed are functional. "Make sure that the CCTV cameras installed at the parking and entry/exit points are positioned in such a way that not only the vehicle number is captured but also the faces of the driver and front passenger are recorded," DCP Chander said.
The police also directed them to ensurethere are no unlit spots on their premises.
When the mall operators raised the issue of traffic on the upcoming festive week, the police said patrol vehicles will be deployed on the road, along with cranes to tow away vehicles found parked on unauthorised stretches.