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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US–Iran first round direct talks conclude in Islamabad: Report
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The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran, held in Islamabad, has concluded, Al Jazeera reported citing sources close to the development.
According to the report, following the discussions, delegations from both sides agreed to exchange written documents, a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the understandings reached during the meeting.
Both the Iranian and US delegations arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, amid high security for the peace talks.
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