Bengaluru is gearing up for tight traffic regulation and intensive policing on New Year’s Eve, with the Traffic Police rolling out extensive measures to ensure public safety and smooth vehicular movement across the city. Special checks, road closures, and parking restrictions will come into force from Wednesday evening and continue into the early hours of Thursday.
As part of the enforcement drive, the Bengaluru Traffic Police have identified 166 locations across the city to conduct special drink-and-drive checks. In addition, 92 sensitive points will be under close surveillance to curb wheeling, stunt riding, rash driving, and other dangerous behaviour that typically spikes during New Year celebrations.
To manage traffic congestion, 50 flyovers
will be closed to all traffic from 11 pm on Wednesday till 6 am on Thursday. On the International Airport Road flyover, only four-wheelers will be permitted during this period.
The police will deploy 10 drones, 249 Cobra vehicles, and nearly 400 traffic wardens to monitor crowds, traffic movement, and potential violations. Special restrictions will be imposed in the Central Business District (CBD), which is expected to witness heavy footfall.
Parking of vehicles will be strictly prohibited on major stretches, including MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, St Mark’s Road, Rest House Road, and Residency Road. Parking bans will be in effect from 4 pm on Wednesday until 3 am on Thursday.
Further, entry into these CBD roads will be completely restricted from 8 pm on Wednesday till 2 am on Thursday, except for police vehicles and essential services on duty. To manage pedestrian movement and reduce congestion, only unidirectional movement will be allowed for the public visiting these areas.
In anticipation of large crowds, the police have also held meetings with taxi aggregators to ensure adequate transport options from high-density locations. Authorities have warned that any unreasonable surge in fares will invite strict action against aggregators.
The Traffic Police have urged citizens to cooperate with enforcement personnel, avoid drunk driving, and opt for public transport or authorised cabs. The measures, officials say, are aimed at ensuring that New Year celebrations remain safe, orderly, and incident-free.
