Bengaluru's New Year’s eve offer: Call a police van for a free ride home if you're too drunk

The initiative, part of a comprehensive security plan detailed by officials, will see Bengaluru Police operating the drop-off service.

• Karnataka to provide transport for severely inebriated people on New Year's Eve
• Bengaluru Police offer drop-off service for those unable to walk or unconscious.
• 20,000+ police deployed in Bengaluru for women's safety and crowd control.

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In an unprecedented move to bolster public safety, the Karnataka government will provide transport to ferry severely inebriated individuals to their homes during New Year's Eve celebrations, Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Wednesday.

The initiative, part of a comprehensive security plan detailed by officials, will see Bengaluru Police operating the drop-off service. Parameshwara clarified that the provision is specifically for those who are heavily intoxicated, unable to walk or in a state of lost consciousness, according to an ANI report.

“Let us all celebrate the New Year peacefully, happily and responsibly, without leading to any untoward incidents. The Bengaluru Police will be extra vigilant during this occasion to ensure public safety,” Parameshwara wrote on X.

Wishing You All a Very Happy New Year 2026! I extend my warm New Year wishes to everyone—especially to all Bengalurians and the people of Karnataka. As we welcome the New Year 2026, let us celebrate with joy, care, and responsibility. This year, the Bengaluru Police have… pic.twitter.com/92tVGrEKOZ

— Dr. G Parameshwara (@DrParameshwara) December 31, 2025

For others under the influence, the state has established 15 temporary resting locations where individuals can stay until their intoxication subsides before being sent home. The minister identified Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Mangaluru as urban centres where public intoxication incidents are most prevalent.

The announcement forms a key pillar of a wider security strategy for the festivities. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated earlier that over 20,000 police personnel, bolstered by specialised women’s squads, have been deployed across Bengaluru alone. Their focus will be on high-traffic areas and ensuring women's safety, with modern technology deployed to monitor crowds and traffic.

Parameshwara emphasised that all 30 districts in the state have been put on alert to prevent any misuse of the celebratory environment. He noted that particular attention is being paid to Bengaluru, which attracts a large number of revellers from outside the state, leading to dense crowds where pushing and jostling could occur.

Addressing road safety, the Home Minister confirmed that drink-driving enforcement would be strictly maintained, with 160 specific spots identified for checks. He argued that controlling the situation effectively for the key celebratory period could prevent fatal accidents.

Beyond managing intoxication, the security apparatus is also preparing for broader threats. Parameshwara instructed that police officers on duty wear body cameras, maintaining a direct live feed to the command centre for enhanced coordination and response.

He acknowledged the need to consider all potential dangers, including from a security perspective, assuring that police would act from all angles and deploy additional force if required.

The state government has also issued specific directives to bars and pubs as part of its coordinated effort to prevent mishaps in crowded areas.