Bengaluru, March 24 Bengaluru City Police said on Tuesday that elaborate security arrangements have been made for the upcoming IPL cricket matches at M Chinnaswamy stadium here.
Two matches will be played at this venue.
The 19th edition of the world's biggest T20 league begins on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the tournament opener, according to the schedule.
On April 5, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Chennai Super Kings.
Strict access control will be enforced, and no person without a valid ticket will be allowed near or inside the stadium premises, the police said.
A multi-layer security system has been put in place, including QR-based access control and frisking at all entry points, they added.
According to the police, more than 500 CCTV cameras have been installed for real-time monitoring, supported by AI-based crowd analytics. Surveillance will be coordinated through the Police Command and Control Centre as well as dedicated stadium control rooms.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said that elaborate security arrangements at the stadium have been made in line with the recommendations of a committee, with the primary focus on ensuring safety and responsible conduct by spectators.
He urged the public to arrive at the stadium on time and said that tickets are fully digital.
"Only those with valid tickets will be allowed entry, and people without tickets will not be permitted to gather in and around the stadium. Parking facilities have been arranged, including paid parking options that can be availed while purchasing tickets, subject to availability," he told reporters here.
Singh said Metro services have been integrated with match travel, with combined ticketing options to avoid the need for separate purchases. He urged spectators to use the Metro and BMTC buses to prevent traffic congestion. The MG Road and Cubbon Park Metro stations, located close to the stadium, provide easy access to most entry gates, he added.
The police commissioner also appealed to the public not to congregate near the stadium without tickets, stating that such gatherings will not be allowed in order to maintain smooth traffic flow and avoid inconvenience to genuine spectators.
He said security and safety measures, including mock drills and evacuation exercises, are being carried out, and ambulances and medical teams have been deployed as per committee recommendations.
"We wish that everyone enjoys these matches responsibly and cooperates with the police so that we can provide a better, safe and secure environment," Singh added.
In an advisory, the Bengaluru Police have prohibited carrying restricted items, as per stadium guidelines, and loitering near the venue without valid entry.
Violations may lead to seizure of items, denial of entry, and legal action where applicable, it said.
According to the advisory, nine ambulances have been deployed across the venue and four medical triage centres have been set up.
Multiple emergency access routes and clearly marked evacuation pathways have been established. Public address systems and signage have been installed throughout the stadium.
Trained volunteers and personnel will be stationed to assist and guide spectators.
As part of preparedness, two mock drills have been completed and one additional drill is scheduled ahead of match day, it stated.
Spectators have been advised to arrive at least four hours in advance, download and keep their QR-based tickets ready before reaching the stadium, and follow signage and instructions issued by police personnel.
The advisory noted that several new crowd management systems and entry protocols have been introduced this year, and urged the public to familiarise themselves with the updated arrangements and cooperate fully with police and stadium authorities.
Police said the entry, movement and parking systems have been completely redesigned to enhance safety and improve crowd management.
Spectators have been requested to "unlearn old patterns" and strictly adhere to the new arrangements, the advisory added.
Eleven people were killed in the stampede during a celebratory event to mark Royal Challenger Bengaluru's maiden IPL triumph in June last year.