Over 20,000 police personnel deployed in Bengaluru to ensure security during New Year celebrations: DK Shivaumar
Bengaluru, December 31
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday provided an update on the security arrangements in place in Bengaluru to ensure safety during the celebrations.
In a post on X, DK Shivakumar said that over 20,000 police personnel, supported by specialized women squads, have been deployed in Bengaluru to ensure public safety.
"Bengaluru is all set to welcome 2026 with safety and smooth celebrations. Over 20,000 police personnel, supported by specialised women squads, are on duty across the city, focusing on high-traffic areas and women's safety. Modern technology will monitor crowds and traffic to keep the city moving. Measures are in place to prevent unsafe driving and other risks." DK Shivakumar said in a post on X.
Earlier, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, along with senior officers, inspected and monitors final preparedness measures across the city to ensure public safety.
The Karnataka government has also introduced heat map technology for real-time crowd monitoring with special focus on high footfall areas, including MG Road, Brigade Road, Indiranagar, Koramangala and Electronic City.
Quick response teams, traffic police and emergency services have been put on alert with enhanced CCTV and drone surveillance for effective monitoring.
Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has also announced special bus services to ensure safe and smooth travel on December 31 night. The move comes alongside Metro services and aims to provide extended public transport options for passengers celebrating New Year across the city.
BMTC has decided to operate additional buses from key city centres to various parts of Bengaluru, keeping passenger convenience as the top priority.
On December 31, buses will continue to run even after 11:00 pm, with services extended up to 2:00 am on January 1. From Brigade Road, direct bus services will be available to Electronic City. Similarly, buses will operate from the MG Road Metro Station to Sarjapur, ensuring connectivity for IT corridors and densely populated zones.
— ANI
Reader Comments
20,000 personnel is a massive deployment. While I appreciate the effort for safety, one has to wonder about the cost to the exchequer. Could some of these resources be better used for improving everyday policing? Just a thought. Hope the celebrations are peaceful and safe for everyone.
Good to see the use of heat map tech and drones. Bengaluru's traffic on a normal day is chaotic, forget New Year's Eve! The special bus services from MG Road and Brigade Road are a lifesaver for people working in IT hubs like Electronic City and Sarjapur. Smart planning.
Visiting from the US and staying in Indiranagar. It's impressive to see this level of detailed security planning being communicated publicly. The focus on women's safety squads is particularly noteworthy. Makes me feel well looked-after as a tourist. Well done, Bengaluru police!
All this is fine, but the real test is on the ground. Every year, Brigade Road becomes a mess with overcrowding and traffic jams. I hope the "quick response teams" are actually quick. Also, please strictly fine those drinking and driving. Safety first, celebration second.
As a parent, I'm relieved. My kids are young adults and will be out celebrating. Knowing there's such a heavy police presence and monitored transport options until 2 AM gives us some peace of mind. The women's squads are a very good initiative. Stay safe, everyone, and Happy New Year!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.