Bengaluru: Dressed in their best and armed with their smart phones to take selfies, Bengalureans thronged MG and Brigade Roads, the city's party hotspot, on Sunday night to ring in the New Year.
The watering holes in the Central Business District and the two roads were choked with people, putting the city on a vacation mood.
For a change, the streets were filled with happy pedestrians rather than angry honking vehicles. The countdown to usher 2018, standing on the iconic Brigade Road, has been a long standing tradition for the city's youth.
The policemen and other security personnel arrived as early as 4 pm to ensure security arrangements and to prevent any untoward incidents.
Street vendors too were out in big numbers as they were selling masks, balloons and flower decorations, cashing in on the euphoria of party goers.
As the Metro and bus services from the area were extended, the people could continue their celebration till 2 am.
The city resembled a fortress with around 15,000 police personnel of all ranks including civil police, KSRP, CAR, home guards and civil defence being deployed to avoid any untoward incident.
Around 500 Hoysalas and 250 Cheetah bikes patrolled the entire city. Around 500 CCTV cameras, in addition to the existing ones installed by the law and order and traffic police, kept a watchful eye on M.G. Road, Brigade Road, Church Street, Koramangala, Banaswadi and other hubs.
