As Singapore gears up for the highly anticipated Christmas Eve celebrations, authorities have announced measures to ensure public safety amidst the expected large crowds along Orchard Road.
Image: Pexels/YIYANG LIU
If you plan to head to town for the Christmas festivities, take note of these measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Orchard MRT Station Congestion and Alternative Options
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Orchard MRT Station is expected to experience heavy congestion on Christmas Eve. To minimize waiting times, commuters are encouraged to use alternative MRT stations such as Dhoby Ghaut and Somerset. Specific entrances and exits at Orchard MRT may also be closed temporarily to regulate crowd flow.
Real-Time Crowd Updates via Crowd@OrchardRoad
An interactive platform, Crowd@OrchardRoad, will be available from 5:00 PM on 24 December 2024, until 1:00 AM on 25 December 2024. This tool allows users to monitor real-time crowd levels and area closures. Members of the public are advised to check this platform before heading to Orchard Road.
Access the live map at https://go.gov.sg/crowd-at-orchard-road.
Enhanced Security and Crowd Management Measures during Christmas
Images: Pexels/Darvin Riego de Dios, Facebook/Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force will deploy officers from various units, including the Tanglin Police Division, Emergency Response Teams, and the Special Operations Command, to manage crowd flow and ensure public safety. Crowd control barricades and directional signage will be in place. Bag checks and security screenings may be conducted, and cooperation with security personnel is strongly advised.
Public Advisory: Crime Prevention and Safety Tips
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To enjoy a safe and incident-free celebration, the public is urged to follow these safety guidelines:
Keep your belongings secure and bags zipped at all times.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash or wearing excessive jewelry in crowded areas.
Remain vigilant for suspicious activity and report any concerns immediately.
Refrain from using party items such as aerosol foam sprays that could inconvenience others.
Traffic Diversions and Road Closures
Images: Singapore Police Force
To accommodate the festivities, certain roads in the Orchard area will be closed to traffic during designated hours. Authorized vehicles, as well as police and emergency vehicles, will still have access. Motorists should stay informed through radio traffic updates or advisory signs.
Stay Alert, Stay United
Images: Facebook
These Christmas crowd control measures likely draw lessons from previous overcrowding incidents in Singapore and tragic incidents in other parts of the world, highlighting the importance of crowd management and public safety in large-scale events or celebrations.
As Singaporeans come together to celebrate the festive season, the authorities encourage everyone to stay vigilant against crime and terrorism. The public should use the SGSecure app or contact the Internal Security Department for reporting suspicious activities.
