On New Year’s Eve, Bangalore parties till 1am

The city police have set a 1am deadline for this year's New Year celebrations. "More people gather on MG Road and Brigade Road to celebrate New Year. They will host parties and we not want to disappoint them," said additional commissioner of police (law and order) T Suneel Kumar.

He said that plans are in progress to to ensure law and order on New Year's eve. "This plan will be complete in two days and a circular on the same will be sent to all the police stations," he said.

"We have been getting requests from people to extend the deadline for the past three years. We had given the permission in the previous years and will maintain the same this year also," Kumar added.

This time, permission will be given to hotels, eateries, bars and restaurants to keep their shutters open till 1am. Bars and restaurants will be instructed to stop serving people 30 minutes before the deadline, police said.

"There were some untoward incidents last year when some men misbehaved after getting drunk. We will ensure policemen in mufti to keep a watch. Severe action will be taken against miscreants," Kumar said.

"There will be more number of policemen and platoons this year. We will finalise the number in two days," he added.

"I have been eagerly waiting for the New Year's party. I am happy about the 1am deadline," said Parveez Khan, a business man.

Traffic
Traffic on MG Road, Brigade Road, and surrounding areas will be affected on New Year's eve. "There will be a huge number of people gathered to celebrate. No vehicles including two-wheelers will be allowed on MG Road and Brigade Road," said deputy commissioner of police (east) BA Muthanna.