Till 3:30 am and beyond: Can Bengaluru become a 24x7 city?

FIFA Club World Cup matches in Bengaluru ran until 3:30 am, prompting discussions on the city's readiness for 24x7 nightlife.

Stakeholders from government, police, and hospitality agree Bengaluru has demand for a stronger night-time economy but infrastructure, workforce, and security must evolve.

Shakir Haq, CEO of NKP Empire Ventures and VP of NRAI Bengaluru, says the city can support extended nightlife, citing demand, app-based cabs, designated drivers, and surveillance systems.

Haq believes extended nightlife would boost businesses, create jobs, and strengthen Bengaluru's global appeal, and the industry is optimistic about government support.