Bengaluru M Chinnaswamy Stadium: Metro rides free, no paper tickets: Police roll out new measures for IPL matches at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru police roll out new safety norms at M Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL (File Photo)
BENGALURU: With IPL matches scheduled from March 28 to April 12 at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the city police have unveiled a series of new crowd management and safety measures aimed at ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for spectators.One of the biggest changes this season is the complete shift to QR code-based ticketing. There will be no physical tickets. Match tickets will be issued online, and a QR code will be generated only five hours prior to the match, making them non-transferable and valid for a single entry, police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said.
In a major boost to public transport, metro travel has been integrated into the ticket itself. As part of an agreement between Karnataka State Cricket Association, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited, spectators can travel free on the metro using their match tickets. Authorities are urging fans to make maximum use of the metro network to avoid traffic congestion, Singh said. Officials clarified that spectators can access the stadium from both Cubbon Park Metro Station and MG Road Metro Station, countering the common misconception that only Cubbon Park metro station serves the venue. BMRCL has also agreed to run additional coaches, with trains available every three minutes to handle the rush.Joint Commissioner of Police (West) C Vamsi Krishna said 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 measuring at least nine metres wide. In total, 28 entry points have been created to manage crowd flow efficiently.To reduce congestion, authorities have restricted access on Queens Road, allowing only select entry points. Spectators will be directed to holding areas, including practice and tennis grounds and four other places inside the stadium, instead of gathering on roads. “No one will be allowed to stand on the roads, whether on Queens Road or Cubbon Road,” Singh said, urging only ticket holders to approach the stadium.Parking has been arranged at designated locations including Garuda Mall, St Joseph’s Indian High School, St Joseph’s Boys School, and Freedom Park. Shuttle minibuses will ferry spectators from these points to the stadium. Limited parking—around 1,000 vehicles—is also available through pre-selection while booking tickets.Security has been significantly ramped up, with around 500 CCTV cameras installed in and 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. Nine ambulances and four medical centres inside the stadium will ensure immediate emergency response.Authorities have already conducted one mock drill, with another scheduled for March 26. The number of police forces deployed for the match will be announced after the mock drill. Meanwhile, RCB is set to release a public awareness video detailing ticketing and entry procedures.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.”
