Heat Maps, 66 Drunk-Driving Checkpoints: Bengaluru Police Roll Out Massive Security Plan for New Year 2026

Bengaluru is preparing for New Year celebrations with an extensive security plan rolled out across the city. Police have identified crowd-heavy stretches such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street and Koramangala as priority areas. Officials said the objective is to prevent untoward incidents while allowing people to celebrate in controlled and safer spaces.

Nearly 20,000 police personnel will be deployed across Bengaluru on New Year's Eve. Barricades have been placed along major roads, and more than 6,000 CCTV cameras will monitor movement throughout the night. Watchtowers are also being set up at key junctions to help senior officers monitor real-time situations and coordinate quick responses if required.

To curb drunk driving, the Bengaluru Traffic Police have set up 66 drink-and-drive checkpoints at strategic locations. Authorities have also identified 92 locations prone to wheeling and racing, where enforcement teams will be stationed to prevent stunts and other risky behaviour that could endanger pedestrians and motorists.

Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said strict crowd-control measures will be enforced on major roads. People will not be allowed to roam repeatedly along MG Road and Brigade Road. Instead, they will be directed towards designated venues such as hotels, pubs and restaurants to ensure smoother movement and better crowd management.

Special attention is being given to women's safety, especially in central entertainment zones. Additional women police personnel and officers of Lady DCP rank will be deployed in sensitive areas. Quick Response Teams and the dedicated Chellanamma unit will remain active to assist women facing harassment, medical emergencies or distress.

Information about women's helplines will be shared through QR codes placed at crowded locations. Women bouncers will be posted at select venues, and safety islands will be set up for visitors who feel unwell or unsafe. Women's shelters will remain operational with women staff and health workers during peak celebration hours.

Police are also using a colour-coded heat map system to track high-activity zones across the city. This system helps identify rising crowd density quickly, allowing control rooms to deploy additional personnel or regulate entry to prevent dangerous congestion.

The emergency helpline 112 has been strengthened for faster response, with officials saying reinforcements will be deployed in double strength when required. Fire and Emergency Services and the Excise Department have carried out joint inspections with police to check venues for safety compliance and to curb illegal liquor sales.

On the night of December 30, Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh inspected security arrangements on the ground and reviewed deployments. Local MLA N.A. Harris also visited Brigade Road and urged the public to celebrate in a disciplined manner and follow police instructions.

As a precautionary measure, entry to tourist spots in Bengaluru South district, including Shriramadevara Betta, Sangama, Mekedatu and Chunchi Falls, has been restricted. Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth ordered that these locations will remain closed to visitors from 6 p.m. on December 31 to 6 a.m. on January 1 to prevent overcrowding and accidents.