As Bengaluru gears up to ring in 2026, the city's traffic police have rolled out an extensive and stringent security and crowd-management blueprint to ensure safe celebrations. The comprehensive plan involves major traffic diversions, a significant deployment of police forces, and strict warnings against traffic violations across the IT hub.
Traffic Restrictions and Route Closures
The heart of the city's celebrations, areas around MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Orion Mall, and Mall of Asia, will see substantial movement curbs. The police have announced a phased restriction plan. From 8:00 PM on December 31 to 2:00 AM on January 1, entry of all vehicles will be barred on core stretches including MG Road (Anil Kumble Circle to Residency Road), Brigade Road (Cauvery Emporium to Opera Junction), and Church Street.
An earlier restriction window from 4:00 PM on December 31 to 3:00 AM on January 1 will be enforced on a wider span of the same key arteries. Furthermore, in a major move, 50 major flyovers across Bengaluru will be shut for all traffic from 11:00 PM on December 31 till 6:00 AM on January 1. The only exception is the flyover leading to the Kempegowda International Airport.
Specifically for two-wheelers, movement on the airport flyover will be prohibited from 10:00 PM on December 31 until 6:00 AM on January 1. Other areas like certain roads in Koramangala will also face restrictions.
Heavy Security Deployment and Strict Enforcement
The Bengaluru City Police is leaving nothing to chance. A formidable force of nearly 20,000 personnel will be stationed across the city. This includes civil police, traffic police, Karnataka Special Reserve Police, home guards, and civil defence volunteers.
Specialised units like Hoysala patrols, Cobra teams, and C-SWAT will bolster the security cover. 166 check posts have been established to monitor movement. In a pre-recorded message, Joint Commissioner of Police Karthik Reddy stated that teams are closely monitoring busy areas and public events as massive crowds are anticipated at pubs, malls, and on the streets.
The police advisory issued a stern warning, stating that strict action will be taken against a range of violations. The highlighted offenses include:
- Drunken driving (Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act)
- Over-speeding (U/S 112/183 MVA)
- Stunt biking, reckless driving, and zig-zag driving (U/S 184 MVA)
Commuters Advised to Use Public Transport
Anticipating huge gatherings of motorists and pedestrians on roads like MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road, St. Marks Road, and Church Street, the authorities are strongly urging people to opt for public transportation facilities. The advisory aims to minimise congestion and prevent untoward incidents during the revelry.
With this layered plan combining prohibitions, deterrence through visible force, and public appeal, the Bengaluru police aim to facilitate a smooth transition into the New Year while prioritising the safety of all citizens.
