Authorities ramp up vigilance for Bengaluru's New Year celebrations
Focus on women's safety, traffic management
Bengaluru: As Bengaluru gears up to ring in the New Year, authorities are implementing a range of measures to ensure the celebrations proceed smoothly and safely. With a particular emphasis on women's safety, crowd control, and traffic management, officials are prepared to address any potential issues, including overcharging, overcrowding, and traffic violations.
A 3,000-strong contingent of the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) will be on duty on Tuesday night to manage traffic and curb drunk driving during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) MN Anucheth told Deccan Herald that an additional 300–400 traffic wardens and home guards will assist in monitoring the roads. “We have also held discussions with cab and auto unions, instructing them not to overcharge or or impose surge pricing. Complaints of overcharging or related issues can be reported to 112, and strict action will be taken,” Anucheth stated.
Emphasising on women’s safety, Anucheth assured prompt responses to complaints lodged through emergency helplines.
Meanwhile, auto and cab drivers are gearing up to navigate the surge in demand, with some planning to work extra hours while others opt to wind down early to avoid the expected chaos, the report added.
D. Rudramurthy, General Secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union (ARDU), clarified that the union has not mandated extended working hours for drivers, leaving it up to individual drivers to decide whether they will work late into the night.
C. Sampath, Secretary of the Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers' Union, urged drivers to maintain professionalism by adhering to meter fares and avoiding any overcharging during the festivities.
For drivers like Sagar KS, who has been working as an auto driver since 2018, the New Year’s Eve routine is a bit different this year. Traditionally, he would work until midnight, but this year he plans to finish early. However, some of his peers are starting later in the evening to maximise earnings.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
