With the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) set to kick off Saturday, Bengaluru city police on Thursday conducted a second mock drill to assess safety arrangements at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.The venue has been under heightened scrutiny since a stampede during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title-winning celebrations on June 4, 2025, claimed 11 lives, raising concerns over crowd management and safety preparedness.Before Game Begins*Six holding areas within the stadium, estimated to accommodate 18,000-20,000 spectators, will be opened for the first time. *Spectators who reach the venue before the gates open will be kept in these areas*These measures will ensure there is no crowding on the roads and sidewalks outside the stadiumQuote: We are also in talks with KSCA to open the practice ground inside the complex to be used as a holding areaSeemant Kumar Singh, police commissionerAfter Match Ends *There will be 45 exits for spectators, almost double the number of gates in the previous season*Spectators will be led outside the stadium through additional gates to avoid bottlenecks at exit pointsTravel Tip: Opt for public transport *Spectators must maximise the use of public transport to reach the stadium*Additional parking facilities are available at 44 major Metro stations for spectators with a valid match ticket. High-footfall stations such as Whitefield, Central Silk Board, Electronics City, KR Pura, Madawara, RV Road, Majestic, KSR Bengaluru, Byappanahalli and Kengeri bus terminal will have this facility. *Parking fees are capped at Rs 60 for four-wheelers and Rs 30 for two-wheelers, without any time limit, at these stations*On match days, Metro trains will run till 2am with an improved frequencyImproved security*A total of 2,000 police personnel, including traffic cops, will be deployed on match days*People without valid match tickets will not be allowed to trespass around the stadium premises*Police have arranged an increased number of ambulances, fire engines, and medical centres for the matchWe have taken into consideration how to control the crowd and how to see that people come and enjoy the matchSeemant Kumar Singh, police commissioner Pick-up and drop-off zones Cab pick-up point Drop-off point BRV Ground Gate No:6 Manekshaw Parade Ground Gate No:3
