Frenzied Bengalurueans revel as New Year dawns

At stroke of midnight, frenzy gripped this tech hub, as thousands of denizens ushered in the New Year in wee hours of Friday, wishing, cheering, dancing and greeting one another across the city.

"The New Year eve was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from any locality in the city till 1.30 a.m." Bengaluru police commissioner Megharik told reporters, as he was on rounds to check the law and order machinery working.

As the favourite haunt in the city, especially among youth, M.G. Road and Brigade Road in downtown were bustling, as hundreds of revellers flocked to celebrate the New Year eve amid tight security.

With vehicular traffic diverted and parking banned within 2km around the junction, revellers spilled over roads, rocking and screaming aa happy new year.

As pubs, restaurants, eateries, clubs and hotels, which were allowed to remain open till 1 a.m. to serve liquor and food, did brisk business and advised the tipsy to take a cab or auto to home, as drunken driving attracted heavy fine.

An hour into the New Year, tens of policemen and policewomen swung into action and persuaded the revellers to disperse from downtown and head home.

State-run transport services metro and BMTC operated their special service till 2 a.m. to enable the revellers return home at the earliest.

About 1,000 city policemen, 12 state reserve police platoons, two quick response teams and 10 watch towers were used to maintain vigil and peace during the occasion.

As driving on flyovers and elevated corridors have been banned from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. of Friday to avoid drunken driving and mishaps, traffic snarls and grid locks were reported in and around them across the city.

On flipside, revellers were treated to rock music and numbers from old and new albums at 30 places across the city for whole-night entertainment.

About 10 star hotels have also organised NY parties with beverages and snacks.