NYC Carriage Rides Resume as Memorial Honors Romanch Mahajan

NYC Carriage Rides Resume as Memorial Honors Romanch Mahajan

By James Vance, Parks & Urban Affairs Reporter | February 18, 2026 | Visitor Guide

NEW YORK — Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue announced Wednesday that horse-drawn carriage operations will resume in Manhattan under tightened veterinary oversight following a temporary suspension. This operational decision comes as community members gathered near the park's south entrance to pay tribute to an 18-year-old visitor who died in a highly publicized carriage collision last week.

Memorial Vigil Held Near West 59th Street Entrance

Mourners gathered Tuesday evening near the West 59th Street and Fifth Avenue entrance to the park to pay tribute to 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan of India. The young visitor lost his life during a devastating carriage accident that sent shockwaves through the local community and tourist industry alike.

Attendees placed flowers, hand-written notes, and candles near the Grand Army Plaza gateway as dusk settled over the city. The solemn memorial drew dozens of local advocates, park employees, and international visitors who stood in silence to remember the teenager's life.

Commissioner Announces Return of Carriage Operations

"We have reviewed the immediate safety protocols and are permitting carriage rides to resume with enhanced inspections," Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue told reporters Wednesday. Commissioner Donoghue added that the department plans to expand veterinary checks at the Central Park South staging areas to ensure animal health.

Industry representatives confirmed that the suspension, which went into effect immediately after the incident, was lifted at sunrise. Operators must now undergo secondary morning inspections before taking passengers along the designated park loops.

New Safety Audits and Veterinary Checkpoints Implemented

City records show that the carriage involved in the crash had passed its annual safety inspection three months prior. Under the new 2026 guidelines, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will double its unannounced physical evaluations of working horses.

These safety updates come as animal welfare groups intensify their efforts to phase out the carriages entirely. According to ABC7 NY reporting on Central Park carriage conditions, the City Council is facing renewed pressure to consider electric vintage vehicle alternatives.

Historical Debate Over Carriage Industry Standards

The local debate over horse-drawn carriages in Manhattan dates back decades, with multiple administrations attempting to implement compromises. Previous regulatory attempts in 2016 and 2019 sought to restrict the horses to specific interior park pathways, away from heavy Midtown traffic.

This incident is not the first time a runaway horse has led to severe injuries near the park boundaries. Readers can review the historical context of these carriage safety issues in the 6 Columbus Central Park Hotel carriage accident report which detailed previous Midtown traffic collisions.

Community Impact and Future Legislative Battles

Local carriage operators argue that a permanent ban would eliminate more than 300 jobs and dismantle a historic tourism staple. However, coalition groups are organizing a series of protests along the Central Park South perimeter scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

For more background on the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, readers can view the Central Park news fatal carriage crash coverage which details the initial emergency response. City Council member Tony Simone is expected to introduce a new draft of the carriage safety bill within the next thirty days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the horse-drawn carriages officially operate within the park?

Carriage rides are restricted to the paved drives in the southern portion of the park, generally below 72nd Street. They operate on designated loops starting from Central Park South, passing landmarks like the Carousel and Wollman Rink. According to NYC Parks rules, they are not permitted to exit onto city streets during peak traffic hours.

What safety regulations govern the horses and carriages in New York City?

The industry is jointly regulated by the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, the Department of Health, and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Regulations dictate the maximum hours a horse can work, temperature cutoffs for extreme weather, and regular veterinary checkups. Carriages must also carry active license plates and functional brake systems.