Bengaluru is set to welcome the New Year amid stringent security measures as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a high-level review of safety and public order arrangements across the city. The directive comes as authorities prepare to manage large crowds, ensure women’s safety, and maintain smooth traffic flow during the celebrations. In a city where public gatherings during major festivities often draw tens of thousands of people, ensuring safety and preventing untoward incidents has been a priority for the state government.

On Monday, Siddaramaiah chaired an extensive meeting with senior police officers, municipal authorities, and departmental officials at Krishnadevaraya Bhavan to review all precautionary measures being implemented for the New Year festivities. The chief minister emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order, focusing particularly on the safety and security of women, and preventing any form of harassment, violence, or criminal activity during the celebrations. He instructed officials to leave no stone unturned in planning and implementing measures to ensure a safe and incident-free celebration across the city.

“All precautionary measures must be taken to ensure the safety of women during New Year celebrations. We must ensure that no untoward incidents occur,” Siddaramaiah said during the meeting. The emphasis on women’s safety comes in the backdrop of previous years when incidents of harassment or disorderly conduct at large gatherings raised public concerns. The chief minister stressed that preventive steps should be prioritized and that all security arrangements should be geared toward ensuring that celebrations occur without any harm to residents or visitors.

A significant component of the security plan includes enhanced public transportation services to facilitate the safe movement of people after the celebrations. Siddaramaiah directed the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to operate a large fleet of buses after midnight, allowing citizens to return home conveniently and safely. The move aims to reduce the risk of accidents, harassment, or miscreant activity during the late hours when large numbers of revelers will be dispersing from crowded zones across the city.

Siddaramaiah also highlighted the importance of managing key crowd-gathering points, including areas renowned for nightlife, shopping, and cultural festivities, such as Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Koramangala, and Indiranagar. He called for the deployment of modern technology, including surveillance systems and crowd monitoring tools, to track density and respond promptly to any potential risks. By leveraging technology, authorities aim to preemptively identify and manage high-risk zones to prevent stampedes, accidents, or disorderly behavior.

According to the security plan, approximately 20,000 police personnel will be deployed across Bengaluru, including 1,200 officers brought in from other districts to bolster the city’s law enforcement capacity. The deployment strategy includes a particular emphasis on women police officers to manage women’s help desks and ensure a visible law enforcement presence in areas frequented by women during the celebrations. Chennamma Teams, specialized units focused on women’s safety and public order, will also be actively engaged in monitoring and responding to any safety concerns throughout the city.

To strengthen coordination and rapid response during emergencies, four central control rooms will be operational throughout the city. In addition, 78 watch towers will provide elevated observation points in crowded zones, while 164 women help desks have been established to assist and counsel women who may require immediate support. Fifty-five ambulances have been strategically stationed across the city to manage medical emergencies and provide rapid transportation to hospitals if necessary. These resources aim to ensure that any incidents, whether medical, criminal, or public safety-related, can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

Authorities have also taken proactive steps to curb drinking and driving during the festivities. Over the past three days, police reported registering 3,500 cases of drink-and-drive violations. Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for continuous vigilance against miscreants and reckless activity, warning that drug-related offenses and public disturbances would not be tolerated. He underscored that the safety measures are not limited to law enforcement alone but require active participation and alertness from municipal authorities, traffic police, and emergency services.

Traffic management has been identified as a critical area of concern given the city’s dense population and congested road network. Several key thoroughfares, including MG Road, Brigade Road, St. Marks Road, Resthouse Road, and Residency Road, will face restrictions on vehicular movement during the night of December 31 to the early hours of January 1. The city authorities have also prohibited two-wheeler movement on 50 flyovers, including the one leading to Bengaluru’s International Airport, from 10 p.m. on December 31 to 6 a.m. on January 1. Heavy goods vehicles will be diverted from central business districts at major junctions such as Old Udaya TV Junction, Khode, Townhall Junction, Chalukya Junction, Domlur, and Mehkri Circles. These measures aim to reduce congestion, facilitate smooth movement of emergency vehicles, and ensure safer transit for the general public.

Siddaramaiah directed authorities to maintain continuous vigilance over potential troublemakers, warning that reckless wheeling, public disorder, or criminal activity would face strict action. The chief minister reiterated that drug-related offenses and illicit activities would be dealt with firmly, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward public safety violations. The enforcement strategy combines on-ground police deployment, technological monitoring, and rapid-response protocols to ensure a safe and orderly celebration.

The meeting was attended by several top officials, including State Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, Director-General of Police M.A. Saleem, and Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao. Their participation highlights the high priority accorded to the event and the integrated approach between various departments to ensure seamless coordination.

This comprehensive security plan reflects lessons learned from past incidents in Bengaluru, where large public gatherings have occasionally resulted in mishaps or criminal incidents. By deploying a combination of human resources, surveillance technology, emergency medical support, and traffic management strategies, the government aims to safeguard both residents and visitors during one of the busiest nights of the year. The city administration is seeking to ensure that all celebrations occur without incident, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to public safety and proactive governance.

Bengaluru residents and visitors are advised to follow official instructions, comply with traffic regulations, and utilize public transportation options arranged by BMTC to ensure smooth dispersal after festivities. Citizens are also encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity to authorities, and cooperate with police personnel and emergency responders on duty.

In conclusion, the high-level review chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underscores the government’s emphasis on preventive measures, law and order, and public safety ahead of the New Year celebrations. With thousands of personnel deployed, advanced technological monitoring, and a focus on women’s safety, the administration has sought to create a secure and well-coordinated environment for citizens to celebrate responsibly. The integrated approach combining police vigilance, municipal coordination, emergency preparedness, and citizen awareness aims to ensure that Bengaluru’s New Year celebrations are safe, orderly, and enjoyable for all. The measures reflect the administration’s commitment to fostering a culture of safety, inclusivity, and responsiveness during major public events, setting a benchmark for city management during high-density gatherings.