Bengaluru/Chikkaballapur, 29 Dec

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered the police to take strong action to prevent untoward incidents during New Year celebrations here.

The CM held a meeting with officials from various departments, including the police, during which he was briefed on precautionary measures put in place.

"All precautionary measures should be taken for the safety of women during the New Year celebrations. It should be ensured that no untoward incident occurs," Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.

He also directed that arrangements be made to ensure that a large number of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses are available after midnight to help people to return home safely.

Steps should be taken to prevent overcrowding in areas like the Mahatma Gandhi Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Koramangala and Indiranagar, he said. The CM added that two-wheeler traffic will be stopped on 50 flyovers in the city on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, in Mysuru, as thousands of tourists arrived to welcome the New Year, the police have put in place elaborate security arrangements amid heightened concerns due to a recent gas cylinder explosion.

Security has been intensified at major tourist spots at the conic Myuru Amba Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hills, City Railway Station, Bus Stand, Outer Ring Road, state and Central establishments and public joints.   

Hospitals on high alert for New Year celebrations

The Karnataka Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services has issued a statewide alert to ensure uninterrupted emergency medical care during New Year 2026 celebrations. In a circular dated 29 December, the department directed all district-level hospitals to remain fully prepared from the night of 31 December to 1 January.

As a preventive measure against possible untoward incidents and health emergencies, hospitals have been instructed to arrange separate rooms for men and women, with female medical staff deployed in women’s wards.

Nandi Hills closed to visitors for New Year celebrations

The Chikkaballapur district administration has once again banned the entry of visitors to the popular Nandi Hills during New Year celebrations to prevent overcrowding and maintain law and order. The restriction will be in force from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon, Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police Kushal Chouskey said.

Only guests with prior bookings at government-run guest houses will be permitted to stay on the hill, and no other visitors will be allowed during the restricted period.

Bars and restaurants in the area have been instructed to remain closed.

BMRCL extends metro services for New Year’s Eve

Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Monday announced extended metro services on the Purple, Green and Yellow lines for New Year’s Eve to ensure safe and convenient travel.

On 1 January, 2026, the last trains will depart as follows: Purple Line – Whitefield to Challaghatta at 1.45 am, Challaghatta to Whitefield at 2 am; Green Line – Madavara to Silk Institute and Silk Institute to Madavara at 2am; Yellow Line – RV Road to Bommasandra at 3.10am, Bommasandra to RV Road at 1.30 am. Last trains from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station (Majestic) towards all directions will depart at 2.45 am.

Trains will run at eight-minute intervals on the Purple and Green lines and 15-minute intervals on the Yellow Line from 11.30 pm on 31 December. MG Road Metro Station will be closed from 10pm, with boarding and alighting available at Trinity and Cubbon Park stations. Token sales will end at 11pm; passengers are advised to use smart cards or QR tickets.