Bengaluru on high alert for New Year: 20k cops, heat-map tech, drones to monitor crowds; bus, metro timings extended

BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Bengaluru to ensure safety during the celebrations.In a post on X, Shivakumar said over 20,000 police personnel, supported by specialised women squads, have been deployed in the city to maintain public safety."Bengaluru is all set to welcome 2026 with safety and smooth celebrations. Over 20,000 police personnel, supported by specialised women squads, are on duty across the city, focusing on high-traffic areas and women's safety. Modern technology will monitor crowds and traffic to keep the city moving. Measures are in place to prevent unsafe driving and other risks." DK Shivakumar said in a post on X. Earlier, Bengaluru police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, along with senior officers, inspected and monitored final preparedness measures across the city to ensure public safety.The Karnataka government has also introduced heat map technology for real-time crowd monitoring, with a special focus on high-footfall areas such as MG Road, Brigade Road, Indiranagar, Koramangala and Electronic City.Quick response teams, traffic police and emergency services have been placed on alert, with enhanced CCTV and drone surveillance deployed for effective monitoring.The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has announced special bus services to ensure safe and smooth travel on the night of December 31. The move, alongside extended Metro services, aims to provide additional public transport options for people celebrating New Year across the city.BMTC will operate extra buses from key city centres to various parts of Bengaluru, prioritising passenger convenience.On December 31, bus services will continue beyond 11 pm and run until 2 am on January 1. Direct buses will operate from Brigade Road to Electronic City, while services from MG Road Metro Station will connect commuters to Sarjapur, ensuring better connectivity to IT corridors and densely populated areas.(With agency inputs)