New Year in Bengaluru: Police Clamp Down on MG Road, Brigade Road Entry

Bengaluru Police will introduce strict crowd control measures in the city's central business district during New Year celebrations, placing limits on public entry to MG Road and Brigade Road to prevent congestion and ensure public safety.

City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the measures were finalised after a detailed on-ground assessment of crowd behaviour and movement patterns ahead of December 31. The inspection focused on identifying high-risk congestion zones and ensuring clear access for emergency responders.

Under the new plan, access to core celebration stretches will be regulated through controlled entry points. Unlike previous years, people will not be allowed unrestricted movement into Brigade Road, with police emphasising that crowd volume will be managed based on real-time conditions.

To ease pressure during peak hours, designated holding zones have been created at multiple locations. Crowds will be paused and released in phases depending on density levels inside the celebration areas. Police have urged revellers to plan travel routes in advance and follow instructions issued on the ground.

Security has also been upgraded with expanded CCTV coverage and AI-enabled crowd monitoring systems across MG Road and surrounding areas. These tools will help police track crowd build-up live, detect bottlenecks early and respond swiftly if safety thresholds are breached.

Alongside enforcement, Bengaluru City Police have rolled out a public awareness campaign on social media, encouraging people to celebrate responsibly. Through the hashtag #CelebrateResponsibly, authorities are appealing for restraint, cooperation and respect for safety norms to ensure an orderly welcome to the New Year.

Police officials said the measures are intended to strike a balance between celebration and safety, allowing citizens to enjoy the festivities while minimising risks associated with overcrowding.