Karnataka has issued a set of temporary measures to manage crowds and ensure public safety as the state prepares to welcome New Year 2026. The announcements, issued by state and city authorities, combine road and site closures with extended public transport hours to help residents and visitors celebrate while limiting risk.
Karnataka New Year 2026 restrictions: what is closed in Bengaluru
Several busy areas in central Bengaluru will face strict controls on the night of December 31. MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street will be closed to regular vehicle movement during the evening and night hours. Authorities have said that once people exit these zones, re-entry will not be permitted to avoid overcrowding. All flyovers across the city will be closed to civilian traffic on New Year’s Eve, and many city parks will shut from 6 pm on December 31.
To manage crowds around nightlife hubs, MG Road and Trinity Metro stations will be closed during late-night hours. The measures aim to prevent congestion and allow police to direct pedestrian flows more safely.
What will remain open and transport arrangements
Public transport services will operate for longer on New Year night to facilitate safe travel. BMTC buses will run until 2 am, while Namma Metro services are scheduled to continue until 3 am on January 1, except at stations that are closed for security reasons. Pubs, bars and restaurants are permitted to operate late into the night, and shops and other commercial establishments may remain open until 1 am.
Authorities have encouraged people to use organised transport where possible and to follow police instructions at designated hubs and checkpoints.
Tourist sites and hill districts under restrictions
Several popular tourist destinations will be temporarily closed as a safety measure. Nandi Hills will be closed to visitors from 2 pm on December 31 until 10 am on January 1. In Chikkamagaluru district, all tourist spots including hill viewpoints will remain shut overnight. Trekking is banned at Skandagiri, Avalabetta and Kaiwara hills during New Year night.
In Bengaluru South district, authorities will restrict access to Mekedatu, Sangama, Chunchi Falls and Shree Ramadevara Betta from the evening of December 31 until the early hours of January 1.
Coastal and Kodagu rules
Coastal districts have also been given specific instructions. In Dakshina Kannada, which includes Mangaluru, New Year celebrations are allowed only until 12.30 am and firecrackers are banned. Kodagu district will permit parties after 10 pm only if they are held indoors, to reduce noise and control crowd movement. Resorts and homestays near beaches in districts such as Mangaluru and Udupi may operate through the night subject to safety guidelines.
Authorities urge cooperation and caution
Officials have stressed that these measures are temporary and focused on safety. With hilltops and waterfalls closed, traffic curbs in Bengaluru, and extended public transport services in place, residents and tourists are advised to plan celebrations carefully, follow police directions and avoid risky travel during New Year night. Authorities say public cooperation will be key to ensuring a safe and incident-free start to 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- State and city authorities have announced targeted restrictions and relaxations to manage crowds for Karnataka New Year 2026 restrictions.
- Central Bengaluru zones including MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street will be closed to regular traffic on December 31.
- Public transport is extended: BMTC buses until 2 am and Namma Metro until 3 am on New Year night, with some stations closed.
- Several hill stations and waterfalls will be off-limits overnight; tourists and residents are advised to plan accordingly.
