To ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during New Year celebrations, the State government has deployed nearly 20,000 police personnel across Bengaluru, Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a high-level security review meeting at the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s office, the Home Minister said extensive precautionary and security measures have been put in place across the city.
Authorities expect a massive turnout this year, with an estimated over 10 lakh people likely to participate in celebrations, compared to more than eight lakh last year. Based on past experience, M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Neeladri Road in Electronics City have been identified as high-footfall zones.
For the first time, police have introduced a Heat Map system to monitor crowd density. Areas with heavy crowds will be marked in red, moderate crowds in yellow, and low density in green, all monitored from the command centre. A QR code-based information system has also been launched to provide real-time updates on traffic, ambulances and emergency services.
Of the total deployment, 14,000 personnel will handle law and order, 2,500 traffic police, 88 KSRP platoons, 21 CAR units, 266 Hoysala patrol vehicles, 250 Cobra vehicles, and 400 traffic wardens. Civil Defence volunteers and Home Guards have also been pressed into service. Water jets and other crowd-control measures will be used wherever required.
Dr. Parameshwara said arrangements have been made to ensure people can return home safely, especially from areas with bars, restaurants, metro corridors and entertainment hubs. Watch towers and 180 focus lights will be installed at vulnerable locations, while vehicle checks and access controls will be intensified.
To assist those unable to find taxis late at night, transport facilities will be provided at eight designated locations. Temporary CCTV cameras have been installed at 250 locations, along with safety shelters and ambulances. Police will also monitor crowds using drone surveillance.
Special focus has been placed on women’s safety and crowd management. Bar and restaurant owners, malls and entertainment venue operators have been issued clear instructions, and the DGP has released 15-point New Year guidelines.
Security agencies are also on high alert from a terror threat perspective, with enhanced intelligence gathering and monitoring. AI-enabled facial recognition cameras will be deployed to identify individuals with criminal backgrounds and issue real-time alerts to police teams.
The Home Minister said police have also intensified checks against drunk driving over the past five days, registering 2,854 cases.