Over 2,500 police personnel to be deployed in Bengaluru’s CBD on New Year’s Eve

Enhanced security measures in place for New Year's Eve celebrations in Bangalore's Central Business District. Over 2,500 police deployed.

The Central Business District of the city will become a fortress for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Over 2,500 police personnel, including five Deputy Commissioners of Police, will be deployed in the CBD, primarily on M.G. Road and Brigade Road, on the night of December 31.

Following criticism from Opposition parties regarding alleged law and order issues in Belagavi during the recently concluded Legislature session, Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara took a personal interest and recently chaired a review meeting on preparations for New Year’s celebrations in the city. He directed police officials to ensure no untoward incidents occur this year.

Security will be significantly increased at other prominent locations such as Indiranagar, Koramangala, Marathahalli, Whitefield, and Airport Road, particularly at malls, pubs, and other places where large crowds gather to usher in the New Year.

City Police Commissioner B. Dayananda, addressing the media on Saturday (December 28), stated that a total of 11,830 police personnel, including 2,572 in the CBD, would be deployed across the city on the night of December 31. With a special focus on women’s safety, the city police will also establish 114 women’s safety islands at strategic locations, he said. Additionally, 817 CCTV cameras, 63 watchtowers, 48 police kiosks, and 54 health centres will be set up.

“We have held meetings with all other relevant agencies to ensure proper lighting, barricading, and to provide transport options for revellers,” he said, advising partygoers not to drive if they are intoxicated. He warned that there would be a special drive across the city against drunk driving. “The public arriving at M.G. Road and Brigade Road for the New Year’s celebrations are requested to use public transport,” he advised.

The city police have held meetings with cab aggregators, and designated pick-up locations have been established. Meanwhile, Namma Metro has extended services until 2 a.m. on the night of December 31, although the M.G. Road metro station will be closed to the public.

Entry and parking of all types of vehicles, except for police and emergency vehicles, have been restricted in and around CBD areas, including M.G. Road, Brigade Road, and surrounding areas, from 8 p.m. on December 31, 2024, to 2 a.m. on January 1, 2025. To prevent a stampede-like situation, a one-way pedestrian system has been implemented on M.G. Road and Brigade Road. People can walk from Cauvery Emporium to Opera Junction, but not in the opposite direction.