The Bengaluru Traffic Police have announced temporary restrictions across major city routes for New Year’s Eve as authorities prepare for large crowds and increased vehicle movement. The measures will be in force from the evening of 31 December until the morning of 1 January and are aimed at maintaining public safety and smooth traffic flow.
Bengaluru New Year traffic advisory guidance for motorists
Vehicular movement will be completely restricted between 8pm and 2am on several key thoroughfares, including MG Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Residency Road, Rest House Road, St. Mark’s Road and Museum Road. Parking on these roads is prohibited from 4pm until 3am to prevent congestion. Authorities have arranged separate parking facilities at UB City, Garuda Mall, Shivajinagar BMTC Complex and Kamaraj Road, and the public is urged to use designated areas rather than on-street parking.
Fifty major flyovers will be closed to traffic between 11pm and 6am. On Airport Road flyover only four-wheelers will be permitted; two-wheelers will be barred. Police have warned that violations such as stunt riding, wheelies, rash driving and overspeeding will invite strict action. For emergencies, citizens are advised to dial 112.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy said the measures are intended to preserve law and order while managing the anticipated surge in movement. To support enforcement, 2,432 traffic police personnel and 400 traffic wardens will be deployed across the city, and 166 check posts will be operational to curb drink-driving. Reddy noted that 3,300 drink-and-drive cases have already been recorded this season and that enforcement will continue through the night.
Public transport and designated pick-up points
To reduce the need for private vehicles, the police have set up designated cab and auto pick-up and drop-off points at BRV Junction on Cubbon Road, CTO junctions on Queens Road and Raj Bhavan Road, BRV Ground on Cubbon Road and Trinity Circle on MG Road. BMTC buses and tempo travellers will operate from Anil Kumble Junction, Mayo Hall Junction, near Hosmat Hospital, Trinity Circle, Decathlon and Ashirvadam Junction, connecting to neighbourhoods including Bannerghatta, Banashankari, NICE Road Junction, Sunkadakatte, Marathahalli, Chikkajala, Madavara, Bagalur, Hoskote and Hoskote Road.
In Indiranagar, additional BMTC services and tempo travellers will run from 17th Main Road and BM Shri Junction, providing links to Electronic City, Whitefield, Mysuru Road, Hoskote, Mahadevapura, Vijayanagara and Goraguntepalya. Koramangala will see temporary restrictions on YD Matha Road up to Microland Junction and on several adjoining side streets to manage crowd movement.
Safety advice and enforcement
Police have urged residents and visitors to plan ahead and favour public transport options such as Namma Metro, BMTC buses, tempo travellers, cabs and autos. Special pick-up and drop-off points in the Central Business District, Koramangala and other busy areas are intended to aid a safe return home. Officers have urged people to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure a disciplined and smooth New Year celebration across Bengaluru.
Motorists should note the temporary parking bans around major malls and popular nightlife spots, including Mall of Asia, Phoenix Mall and Orion Mall, and use only the designated parking facilities. With significant police presence and clear transport arrangements, the city aims to balance public safety with the need for people to mark the New Year festivities.
Key Takeaways:
- Bengaluru New Year traffic advisory details timed road closures, parking bans and special pick-up points to ensure public safety.
- Key stretches including MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street will be closed between 8pm and 2am, with parking prohibited from 4pm to 3am.
- Fifty flyovers will be closed overnight; BMTC, metro and designated cab points will operate to ease movement.
- 2,432 traffic police and 400 wardens will be deployed and 166 check posts will target drink-driving; emergencies can be reported on 112.
