Heading to Orchard Road on Christmas Eve? Avoid crowds with digital map

SINGAPORE - A digital map that shows congestion levels in real time will be accessible on Dec 24, to help last-minute shoppers and revellers in Orchard Road navigate and avoid crowded areas.

The digital map (

https://go.gov.sg/crowd-at-orchard-road

) highlights

areas in town that are packed with people,

and suggests alternative places that are less crowded.

The portal will be available on Dec 24, from 6pm to 1.30am.

Police on Wednesday said large crowds are expected in the vicinity of Orchard Road on the night of Christmas Eve.

“As Orchard MRT station is expected to be crowded, commuters are advised to head towards alternative stations such as Dhoby Ghaut and Somerset MRT stations, where possible,” they added.

The map can be accessed via computer and mobile devices. The same technology was used on National Day to let the public monitor crowds.

Police said officers, crowd control barricades and direction signs will also be deployed to manage crowds in the area. They urged people to be patient and not to force their way through the crowd or any closed-off areas.

“Security personnel may conduct checks on bags and personal items. Members of the public are advised to cooperate with these officers to facilitate the checks.”

Festive crowds have been a matter of concern to the authorities in the lead-up to year-end festivities in the wake of the

Halloween crush on Oct 29

in Seoul’s Itaewon clubbing district, where more than 150 revellers died.

The authorities here had earlier announced that street buskers, who attract large masses to their performances, will be

limited to four sites along Orchard Road

. These are at The Heeren, 313@Somerset, Knightsbridge and Mandarin Gallery.

Police said revellers in Orchard Road should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing excessive jewellery to crowded places.

They should also sling their bags in front of them, and keep a lookout for thieves, pickpockets and molesters.

Ms Ong Wei Siang plans to visit the shopping belt on Christmas Eve despite the expected crowds.

The 59-year-old, who lives in Yishun, intends to skip the MRT station in Orchard for Somerset, and walk down Orchard Road with her daughter, who is 28.

“I want to be there for some window shopping and to enjoy the atmosphere,” said Ms Ong, a tailor.

“I haven’t seen the Christmas lights for two years because of Covid-19. Now that restrictions have been eased, why would I not go?”