India vs Pakistan: Ahmedabad gears up for big match with traffic diversions and security measures; Details

Cricket fans are filled with excitement for the blockbuster World Cup 2023 match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad today. Ahmedabad Police have put in place comprehensive traffic arrangements to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles in the city during the match.

The Ahmedabad Traffic Police issued a detailed advisory of traffic diversions to ease congestion. According to a notification, several key routes will be closed for general traffic, including the stretch from Janpath T Junction to the main gate of Motera Metro Station to Krupa Residency and up to Motera T Junction. Motorists are encouraged to utilise alternative routes such as the road from Tapovan Circle to ONGC Crossroads to Janpath T Junction, then proceed to the powerhouse and head to Prabodh Raval Circle. Emergency service vehicles, including fire brigades, ambulances and government vehicles, will be the only ones allowed on the closed roads.

The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has extended metro services in the city on match days, operational from 6:20 am to 1:00 am, offering convenient transportation options to spectators. The Western Railway is also contributing by running Superfast Special Trains between Mumbai Central and Ahmedabad.

To address parking concerns, the Ahmedabad Traffic Police have urged people to book their parking in advance using the ‘Show My Parking’ App, ensuring a hassle-free experience amid the match day rush.

According to a report in the Indian Express, Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay said that hotels, stadiums and routes utilised by Indian and Pakistani players, as well as the support staff, have been secured. The report also quoted sources indicating that approximately 75 chartered flights are anticipated to operate in and out of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Saturday. In light of this, the airport issued a separate advisory for regular passengers, advising them to allocate additional time to arrive at the airport due to the presence of VIPs and the resulting passenger movements.

Drones equipped with advanced surveillance technology have been deployed near the venue to monitor the area within a five-kilometre radius around the stadium. These drones are capable of flying for over 12 hours at a height of 120 meters, according to a report by News18.

Furthermore, over 11,000 security personnel, comprising Gujarat Police, NSG, RAF, and home guards, will be stationed both in Ahmedabad and at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Specialised units, including Chetak Commandos with armoured vehicles, will be on high alert within the stadium premises. The Ahmedabad crime branch, Anti-Terrorist Squad and Special Operations Group will be deployed strategically across the city.

Supervising this elaborate security setup are four senior IPS officers of the ranks of inspector general and deputy inspector general, along with 21 deputy commissioner of police (DCP) rank officers, who will guide and oversee the personnel during the match in Ahmedabad.

Police Commissioner G S Malik issued a notification on Wednesday, declaring the city a “no-drone zone” specifically for the India-Pakistan World Cup cricket match. This notification prohibits the operation of drones, quadcopters, powered aircraft, microlight aircraft, hang gliders, paragliders, paramotors, hot air balloons, and parachuting activities on that day due to the high-profile nature of the match between the two countries.