Published Dec 31, 2024 | 4:44 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 31, 2024 | 4:44 PM
Bengaluru police announce tight security for New Year celebrations
Bengaluru City Police have put in place extensive security measures ahead of the New Year celebrations, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors across the city.
Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed the arrangements, emphasising the importance of maintaining law and order during the festivities.
Speaking to reporters, Commissioner Dayananda stated, “For this New Year celebration, Bengaluru City Police have made elaborate arrangements in all parts of the city.”
He highlighted that security would be heightened at major event locations and areas with large crowds, including MG Road, Brigade Road, Koramangala, Indiranagar, Orion Mall, Whitefield, JP Nagar, and various private parties on the city’s outskirts.
Dayananda further confirmed that more than 11,000 police personnel would be deployed across the city, including 72 KSRP platoons, 21 CR platoons, and additional home guards and traffic wardens.
“From the Commissioner to the last man at the police stations, everyone will be on duty,” he added.
The police also announced that there would be no New Year celebrations for the police force themselves, as all personnel would be on active duty.
MG Road, which typically hosts over 100,000 people near midnight, will see the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel.
Other major areas such as Brigade Road, Church Street, Indiranagar, HSR Layout, and Koramangala will also have enhanced security, with over 1,000 additional personnel assigned to Koramangala alone.
Special attention will be given to monitoring potential rave parties and drug-related activities.
A range of measures have been implemented to ensure public safety during the celebrations. Police have announced a ban on masks and honking toys (whistles) to prevent disturbances.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has also introduced strict measures to safeguard women.
Any individual harassing women on metro premises will face a ₹500 fine. Security personnel will be stationed in every metro coach throughout the night.
The Rani Chennamma Special Squad will be deployed to maintain vigilance, and 12 safety islands will be set up to assist women in distress.
To manage large crowds, a one-way pedestrian system will be enforced on MG Road and Brigade Road, with pedestrian movement restricted from Cauvery Emporium to Opera Junction.
To ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise accidents, all flyovers in the city will be closed to traffic, except for the elevated expressway to Kempegowda International Airport, from 11 pm on 31 December to 6 am on 1 January.
Restrictions will also apply to two-wheelers on the expressway during this period.
Traffic police have implemented several vehicle movement restrictions, particularly around busy areas like MG Road, Brigade Road, Koramangala, and Indiranagar.
Pickets will be placed near malls and party zones, with parking restrictions enforced in key locations. Vehicles on MG Road, Brigade Road, Rest House Road, Church Street, Residency Road, and St Mark’s Road must be vacated by 4 pm on 31 December, or owners will face prosecution.
In light of the traffic restrictions, the police have encouraged the public to use public transport on 1 January. This move is aimed at minimising congestion and ensuring smoother travel across the city.
The police have also imposed a strict curfew on New Year celebrations, allowing festivities to continue only until 1 am.
To address any emergencies, watchtowers and healthcare facilities have been set up in key locations, ready to respond to medical emergencies or accidents during the celebrations.
(Compiled by Ananya Rao with inputs from Mahesh M Goudar)
