{
  "id": 18457839,
  "title": "Large crowds & heavy traffic expected in Little India during Deepavali celebrations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/large-crowds-heavy-traffic-expected-in-little-india-during-deepavali",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T07:08:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/11/large-crowds-deepavali/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the Deepavali celebrations approach, heightened crowds and heavy traffic are anticipated in Little India, especially on November 7, the eve of the festivities. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) issued an advisory on November 6, alerting the public of anticipated heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Serangoon Road during this period. The police emphasized that consuming alcohol in public during restricted hours, misusing sparklers, and illegally discharging fireworks are all offenses.\n\nTo ensure smooth crowd and traffic management, the pedestrian crossing at Birch Road, located in front of Anguilla Mosque, will be closed from 4pm on November 7 to 4am on November 8. Pedestrians are advised to utilize crossings near Kitchener Link or Baboo Lane instead. Should the pedestrian crossing at Campbell Lane be closed, alternative crossings will be available near Sungei Road or Dunlop Street. Directional signs will be placed at the affected crossings, with auxiliary police officers deployed to regulate traffic and assist pedestrians.\n\nMotorists are urged to utilize alternative routes and drive cautiously. Liquor Control Zones, including Little India and Geylang, will prohibit public drinking from 10:30pm on November 6 to 7am on November 10 under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015. Violations may result in fines of up to S$1,500 for first-time offenders and up to S$3,000 for repeat offenders, with imprisonment of up to 4.5 months in severe cases. Retailers who sell alcohol outside permitted trading hours may face revocation of their liquor licenses.\n\nThe illegal possession, discharge, and importation of fireworks are offenses under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021, classifying fireworks as explosives. Five individuals were investigated for fireworks-related offenses between January and December 2025, with potential penalties of up to three years imprisonment and a fine of up to S$50,000 for individuals, and up to S$100,000 for entities. Misusing sparklers, including combining multiple sparklers together, may lead to penalties such as up to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both, due to fire hazards and potential injuries. If such acts cause injury to another person, the offender may face up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both.",
  "summary": "Public drinking is prohibited in Little India from 10:30pm on Nov. 6 to 7am on Nov. 10.",
  "key_points": [
    "Large crowds and heavy traffic expected in Little India on November 7.",
    "Singapore Police Force advises against public drinking and illegal fireworks use.",
    "Pedestrian crossing at Birch Road closed for Deepavali celebrations."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Strict enforcement of liquor and firework regulations alongside temporary road closures signals a heightened focus on public safety and order during the anticipated surge in festive activity.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Straits Times",
        "title": "Heavy crowds expected in Little India for Deepavali; crossing closures, alcohol curbs in force",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/heavy-crowds-expected-in-little-india-for-deepavali-crossing-closures",
        "published": "2026-11-06T05:01:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Singapore police warn of heavy Deepavali eve crowds in Little India, close pedestrian crossings",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/singapore-police-warn-of-heavy-deepavali-eve-crowds-in-little-india",
        "published": "2026-11-06T05:58:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}