Bengaluru gears up to welcome 2026: City police roll out tight New Year security curbs

With hotels and pubs almost full and celebrations set to peak, Bengaluru Police issue strict guidelines focusing on crowd control, women’s safety and regulated access in key areas.

As “Let’s Celebrate 2026” posters, titles and social media posts flood timelines at high speed, Bengaluru is all set to bid goodbye to 2025 and roll out the welcome mat for the New Year. Hotels, resorts, lodges, pubs and party venues across the city are nearly fully booked, reflecting the massive turnout expected on New Year’s Eve.

While the city prepares for the celebrations, Bengaluru Police have made it clear that security will not be compromised. Issuing a detailed set of guidelines, police have announced heightened protection measures across the Silicon City, urging citizens and establishments to strictly follow rules to ensure a safe transition into 2026.

Police said special focus has been placed on the safety of women and children attending New Year celebrations. Safety tents with ambulances and medical staff will be deployed at key celebration zones to handle emergencies. Authorities have also instructed that no one will be allowed to remain at celebration spots beyond 12 midnight.

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In a major traffic measure, all city flyovers will be closed to vehicular movement on Wednesday night. Entry to traditional crowd-heavy zones like MG Road and Brigade Road will be restricted this year, with no open public access permitted. If crowd numbers exceed expectations, entry gates will be shut immediately to prevent overcrowding.

To enhance surveillance, additional CCTV cameras will be installed in high-footfall areas. Police have warned that strict crowd management will be enforced at all celebration points.

Clear instructions have also been issued to pub, bar, hotel and resort owners. Entry tickets and passes must be issued strictly according to venue capacity. Serving alcohol to minors is prohibited, and thorough checks must be conducted at entry points. Any suspicious individuals or objects must be immediately reported to police.

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Venue owners have been directed to install fire safety equipment and take precautions to prevent fire accidents or stampedes. Places with a high number of women must deploy women security staff. Organisers must ensure smooth movement at entry and exit gates, parking areas and event spaces to avoid crowd congestion. CCTV cameras must be installed at venues, with footage preserved for a minimum of 30 days.

As the year ends and celebrations begin, police have appealed to citizens to enjoy responsibly, follow rules and welcome 2026 safely.