Bengaluru: With Indian Premier League (IPL) matches scheduled from March 28 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, city police have unveiled a series of crowd management and safety measures aimed at ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for spectators.The measures have been taken in the backdrop of the 11 deaths in a stampede in front of the stadium on June 4 last year during the title celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).In a major boost to public transport, Metro travel and vehicle parking have been integrated into the match ticket itself. As part of an agreement between Karnataka State Cricket Association, RCB, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, spectators can travel free (both to and from the stadium) on the Metro using their match tickets.Officials clarified that spectators can access the stadium from both Cubbon Park Metro station and MG Road station. BMRCL has also agreed to run additional services, with trains available every three minutes to handle the rush on match days.Joint commissioner of police (west) C Vamsi Krishna said the gates will open four hours before match time, and spectators are advised to arrive early. Entry has been streamlined, with multiple gates open — primarily along Cubbon Road — each at least nine metres wide. In total, 28 entry points have been created to manage the crowd flow efficiently. The majority of the crowd will be allowed through E1 to E5 gates on Cubbon Road for stands including A, B, P1, P1 Annexe, P3, D Corporate, and Executive areas. Gates E17, E18, and E19 lead to C, E, F, and H upper stands. Only pedestrians will be allowed through the link road.To reduce congestion, authorities have restricted access on Queens Road, allowing only players and P2, P Corporate, and P Terrace pass holders through gates E8 and E10.Security arrangementsSecurity has been significantly ramped up, with around 500 CCTV cameras with real-time monitoring and AI-based crowd analytics set up around the stadium. AI-powered systems will monitor crowd density, while multiple agencies including Garuda Force, SDRF, civil police, traffic police, and home guards will be deployed.Authorities have already conducted two mock drills, with another scheduled prior to match day. The number of cops deployed for the match will be announced after the mock drill. Police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh urged fans to cooperate and “cheer responsibly,” noting that the stadium’s capacity is limited. “Enjoy the game wherever you are, but only those with valid tickets should come to the venue.”Nandini partners with RCBNandini, the flagship brand of Karnataka Milk Federation, has partnered with RCB as the official dairy partner for IPL. It said the partnership brings together two top Karnataka-based brands with strong public connect. In a post on X, chief minister Siddaramaiah said: “The synergy between Nandini’s trusted legacy and RCB’s sporting excellence will be a key highlight of this IPL season.”
