Pramesh S Jain
The Bengaluru City Police have issued a comprehensive public advisory outlining traffic,security, ticketing, and crowd management arrangements for the upcoming IPL 2026 matches at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.
City Police Commissioner,Seemant Kumar Singh said the arrangements have been significantly redesigned this year to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience for spectators.
QR-Based Ticketing Mandatory:
Officials said tickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru home matches will be available only through the official website and mobile application.
All tickets will be mobile-based QR codes, which will be activated approximately five hours before the stadium gates open.
Tickets are non-transferable and linked to individual users. Spectators have been cautioned against purchasing tickets from unauthorized sources,with police warning of legal action against fraudulent activities.
Entry and Crowd Management Revamped:
Gates will open four hours prior to match time, with public entry largely restricted to Cubbon Road and Link Road.Entry from Queens Road will be limited to authorized categories such as players and select pass holders.
A new holding area system has been introduced,where spectators will undergo QR verification before proceeding through turnstiles to their designated stands. The system is aimed at preventing congestion and ensuring smooth crowd flow.
Public Transport Encouraged;Parking Restricted
Police have strongly discouraged the use of private vehicles, stating that parking will be limited and strictly pre-booked.
Designated parking zones include Garuda Mall,St. Joseph’s Indian High School, St.Joseph’s Boys High School,and Freedom Park,with shuttle services arranged to the stadium.
In a major relief to fans,free metro travel has been provided for ticket holders,with easy access via Cubbon Park Metro Station and MG Road Metro Station.
Multi-Layer Security in Place:
Over 500 CCTV cameras equipped with AI-based crowd analytics have been installed for real-time monitoring.
Security arrangements include multi-layer checks, QR-based access control, and frisking at entry points.
Police have warned that no person without a valid ticket will be allowed near the stadium.Carrying prohibited items or loitering around the venue may result in denial of entry or legal action.
Medical Preparedness and Emergency Measures
Authorities have deployed nine ambulances and established four medical triage centres at the venue.
Emergency routes,evacuation pathways,public address systems,and trained personnel have been put in place. Mock drills have already been conducted, by with one more scheduled ahead of match day.
Public Advisory
Spectators have been advised to arrive early,carry their QR tickets,and strictly follow instructions issued by police and stadium authorities.
Officials emphasised that the entry,movement,and parking systems have been completely redesigned this year.
“Public must unlearn old patterns and cooperate with the new arrangements to ensure safety and smooth conduct of matches,”Mr.Singh,said.
