In preparation for one of the largest public gatherings in the country, the Bengaluru City Police have unveiled a multi-layered "Eagle Eye" security plan for New Year 2026. With over a million revelers expected to converge on the Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding hubs, authorities are deploying a massive technological and physical security apparatus, including 12 strategically placed watch towers and 11 high-resolution drones.
High-Tech Aerial Surveillance
To manage the sea of humanity at iconic locations like MG Road, Brigade Road, and Church Street, the police department has inducted a specialized drone unit. These 11 drones are equipped with night-vision capabilities and real-time thermal imaging to:
- Monitor Crowd Density: Identifying potential "bottlenecks" to prevent stampede-like situations.
- Detect Illegal Activity: Spotting unauthorized gatherings, drug peddling, or harassment in secluded lanes.
- Quick Response: Guiding ground-level Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to specific locations within seconds.
Physical Vigilance: The 12 Watch Towers
Supplementing the digital surveillance, 12 temporary Watch Towers have been erected at critical junctions across the city. These towers will be manned by personnel equipped with high-powered binoculars and wireless communication systems.
Tower Locations include:
- Cauvery Emporium Junction (MG Road)
- Opera Junction (Residency Road)
- Brigade Road-Church Street Entrance
- Indiranagar 100 Feet Road
- Koramangala 80 Feet Road
- ...and other high-footfall areas in the CBD.
Crowd Control & Women’s Safety
In addition to the towers and drones, the Bengaluru Police have established "Women Safety Islands" near major party zones. These areas are illuminated with high-intensity LED lights and manned by female officers from the Rani Chennamma Squad to provide a safe haven for women and children.
"Our goal is to ensure that every citizen can welcome 2026 with joy and safety. The use of 11 drones and 12 watch towers allows us to see what the ground patrol cannot, providing a 360-degree security blanket," stated a senior Bengaluru Police official.
