Mumbai, December 31: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) was lit up on the occasion of New Year's eve. The iconic British-era structure was illuminated in a spectacular manner, serving as a delight for the city residents who had thronged out to celebrate the onset of 2019.

"We feel proud to be a Mumbaikar. The CSTM is not only our lifeline of transport, but also one of the most extravagant structures of our city. The administration should be lauded for the decoration," said Pravin Singh, a resident who gathered with his friends to celebrate. New Year’s Eve Mumbai: Special Police Teams to Prevent Eve-Teasing on Roads on December 31.

View pictures of CSTM lit up on New Year's eve:

As the number of youth, including minors and women celebrating New Year's eve increase with each passing year, the administration decided to leave no stone unturned to provide security.

Over 40,000 police personnel will be on the road to ensure safety of New Year revellers in Mumbai on the night of December 31, a senior official said Saturday. Special squads to curb harassment of women will be deployed at many places, he said.

"Over 40,000 policemen will be on bandobast (security) duty during the New Year celebrations," said deputy commissioner of police Manjunath Singe, the city police's spokesperson.

The police will be assisted by the State Reserve Police Force and Home Guard while the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) will also be on alert. "A special squad will be deployed at several places to curb eve-teasing and harassment of women," he said.

Crowded places are being checked by the Anti-Sabotage Squad and BDDS ahead of New Year's eve while marine patrolling will be stepped along the coast, the DCP added.

As part of a special drive to prevent illegal activities during the New Year celebration, the Crime Branch carried out a search operation in suburban Andheri Friday night and seized 945 bottles of imported foreign liquor worth Rs 16 lakh from a car. One Gotu Gurjar was arrested in connection with the seizure, police said.

(With ANI inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 31, 2018 11:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).