By Admin 
Bengaluru is once again going to be colored in the colors of cricket. IPL matches are going to start in the city from 28th, but this time the atmosphere is not only of excitement but also of sensitivity and alertness. This time, a memorial has been built at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in memory of last year’s tragic Stampede and 11 chairs will be kept empty, which will be a tribute to the lives that were lost in this accident.
This time the administration has made preparations on a large scale to ensure that no mistakes occur. An expert committee was formed, which gave many important suggestions regarding security, crowd management and emergency arrangements.
Over the last few months, physical inspection was conducted on all these recommendations and changes were implemented in a phased manner, so that the matches could be conducted smoothly and safely. Two mock drills were conducted before the match (23rd and onwards) in which all relevant departments were involved:-
- PWD
- police department
- fire brigade
- health department
- stadium management
Through these drills, every system was tested on the ground and the shortcomings were removed. The administration claims that almost all the preparations for the first phase have been completed.
- Double police force will be deployed in the stadium and surrounding areas
- Only ticket holders will be allowed entry
- Without a ticket, no one will be allowed to stop on four major roads, MG Road, Kabal Road, Queens Road and Link Road.
- Strict instructions have been issued to control the crowd
- The frequency of metro and BMTC buses has been increased.
- Additional train and bus services are being run
- Direct connection from MG Road and Kabal Road metro stations to the stadium.
- Parking has been kept away from the stadium, from where shuttle bus service will be available.
The administration has appealed to the spectators to use only metro or public transport, so that the traffic pressure can be reduced. Special safe passage has been prepared for ambulance and fire brigade, so that immediate response can be given in case of any emergency. This time IPL will give not only cricket but also a message of responsibility. The 11 empty chairs will remind every spectator that safety is of paramount importance amid all the excitement.