New Year buzz builds in Bengaluru, police step up security with drones and high alert

With only days left to welcome 2026, Bengaluru’s party zones are buzzing as pubs and restaurants fill up, while city police intensify checks, deploy drones and enforce strict security measures across major hotspots.

As the final days of 2025 approach, Bengaluru is already soaked in New Year celebrations. Across the Silicon City, the festive mood is clearly visible, with pubs and restaurants echoing with DJ music and celebratory cheers. While the city gears up to welcome 2026 in style, the police have moved into high-alert mode to ensure safety and order.

With just a few days remaining for the year-end celebrations, Bengaluru Police have intensified security arrangements across the city. Popular New Year hotspots such as MG Road, Brigade Road and Koramangala have already switched into celebration mode, drawing large crowds. Anticipating heavy footfall, police have installed barricades at several locations and begun extensive vehicle checks.

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Special focus is being placed on preventing the transport and sale of narcotics, with police keeping a close watch on suspicious movement. Teams are conducting checks across the city to ensure that illegal activities do not mar the celebrations.

Hotels, pubs and restaurants were fully booked nearly 15 days in advance, prompting police to conduct inspections at party hotspots. Officers verified CCTV coverage, private security arrangements, presence of bouncers, emergency exits and overall safety preparedness at these venues. Authorities have been collecting detailed information to ensure all establishments comply with safety norms.

A key highlight of this year’s security plan is the use of drone cameras. Trial drone surveillance has already begun at important locations in the city. Police personnel are being trained to use drones for close monitoring, allowing them to keep a sharp watch over large crowds and detect any untoward incidents quickly.

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Senior officers, including Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), are personally supervising inspections. Special drives are being carried out during evening and night peak hours, when crowds are expected to be at their highest.

The heightened alert follows a recent bomb blast incident in Delhi, after which central investigating agencies issued advisories to maintain strict vigilance in major cities. In response, Bengaluru has stepped up its security measures well ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Overall, New Year celebrations in Bengaluru have begun almost two weeks early, along with the enforcement of certain rules to maintain public safety. Police have urged citizens to follow regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and smooth welcome to the New Year.

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