Drunk out of your mind on New Year’s Eve? Karnataka govt says we’ll get you home safely

As part of heightened safety measures for New Year’s Eve, the Karnataka government has announced a special plan to assist people who become dangerously intoxicated during celebrations. Home Minister G Parameshwara said the state will ensure that individuals who are heavily drunk and unable to take care of themselves are either sheltered or safely sent home.

Speaking on Wednesday, Parameshwara said the government has identified 15 dedicated rest centres across the state where severely intoxicated individuals will be taken until the effects of alcohol wear off. Once they are in a stable condition, they will be allowed to return home safely.

“We will not drop everyone off at home. Only those who have consumed alcohol excessively, are unable to walk or are on the verge of losing consciousness will be taken. They will be kept at resting centres and sent back once they recover,” Parameshwara said, according to ANI.

The Home Minister noted that incidents linked to heavy drinking are mostly reported from major urban centres such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Belagavi and Mangaluru, where large crowds gather to welcome the New Year. In view of this, all 30 districts of Karnataka have been placed on alert.

Highlighting concerns around women’s safety, Parameshwara said intoxication can leave women particularly vulnerable during late-night celebrations. “Anything can happen in such situations. We must ensure that no one misuses the condition they are in. That is why precautionary measures have been put in place,” he said.

Authorities have also issued strict instructions to bars and pubs, while police will closely monitor crowded public spaces to prevent accidents, stampedes or law-and-order issues. With thousands expected to hit the streets—especially in Bengaluru—crowd management and traffic control remain key focus areas.

Drink-and-drive checks will continue across the state, with police identifying 160 monitoring points for enforcement.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said Bengaluru will see one of its largest security deployments, with over 20,000 police personnel, including special women squads, stationed across the city. Police will rely on technology-based surveillance to track crowd movement, ensure women’s safety and curb unsafe driving during New Year celebrations.