New Year in Bengaluru: Free drop care for drunk revellers, bars open till 1 AM

From resting centres and free hospital treatment to extended bar hours and massive police cover, Bengaluru has rolled out an elaborate safety and support plan for New Year celebrations.

Bengaluru has put in place an extensive New Year arrangement aimed at ensuring safety, health care and crowd control as celebrations peak across the city. Special facilities have been readied for people consuming alcohol, alongside heightened police security in key nightlife zones.

As part of the plan, the state government and police have arranged transport support for those who are unable to return home after consuming alcohol. If a person collapses or is found unwell on the streets, government-arranged vehicles will help them reach home safely.

Also Read:New Year under tight watch: Over 20,000 police deployed across Bengaluru for high-security celebrations

Emergency medical services are also on high alert. Ambulances will be stationed across the city to rush intoxicated individuals to hospitals if their health deteriorates. Government hospitals will provide free treatment, including medical care and bed facilities, without charging patients.

To avoid people resting on roads or public spaces, the Home Department has set up 15 designated resting centres across Bengaluru. Those who are intoxicated and unable to travel can rest at these facilities until they recover and then head home safely.

Bars across the city have been permitted to remain open until 1 am, allowing people to purchase liquor and carry bottles to homes or private parties. Authorities say this move is intended to prevent shortages and regulate crowd movement.

Officials acknowledge that liquor sales form a major source of state revenue. For the 2025–26 financial year, the Excise Department has been given a revenue target of ₹40,000 crore, making it the government’s strongest revenue-generating department compared to registration, stamp and commercial taxes.

Also Read:Bengaluru metro extends night services for New Year, MG Road station to remain closed

New Year celebrations are expected to be most intense in MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Indiranagar, Koramangala, Jayanagar and Shivajinagar, where large crowds and parties are anticipated.

To maintain law and order, 20,000 police personnel have been deployed across Bengaluru. Special focus has been placed on women’s safety, with a large number of women police officers stationed on the streets. The city is under close surveillance with over 6,000 CCTV cameras, monitored continuously through the command and control centre.