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KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad announced security and infrastructure upgrades at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Recent gates, dedicated lanes, and free metro travel for ticket holders.
Eleven precious lives were lost within the stampede that led to the stadium’s safety and security protocols not only coming under the scanner but additionally the venue being blacklisted for further matches. (PTI Photo)
Karnataka State Cricket Association President (KSCA) Venkatesh Prasad on Tuesday detailed a series of in depth security and infrastructure modifications on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s return to the venue on March 15.
Chatting with reporters on Tuesday, Prasad revealed that the association has prioritized decongestion by constructing 13 recent gates, each widened to nine meters.
“We’ve got satisfied the expert committee to the most effective extent possible,” Prasad stated, noting that the modifications exceed the initial six-meter requirement. “There’s some little bit of work still left, and it’s going to be delivered throughout the timelines given to the committee.”
To further enhance safety, the KSCA has implemented dedicated lanes for ladies and youngsters and developed an enormous holding area on the adjoining ‘B’ ground to forestall crowd spillover onto public roads. KSCA Secretary Santosh Menon emphasized that “safety of the spectators is uppermost in our minds,” and announced that gates will now divulge heart’s contents to 4 hours before match time to stagger the arrival of fans.
In a significant logistical shift, Menon confirmed that RCB has partnered with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to supply free metro travel for all ticket holders, alongside expanded BMTC bus services to discourage the usage of private vehicles.
“RCB has been kind enough to make sure they offer free metro rides to all ticket holders. They will probably be announcing it shortly,” Menon noted.
While structural repairs proceed on the stadium’s exterior, officials assured that the ‘inner bowl’ stays fully operational. “Because the repair works will occur outside, it’s going to not impede the team’s training and other activities inside,” Menon added, clarifying that the pitch, lights, and dressing rooms are ready for immediate use.
The overhaul follows months of uncertainty regarding the stadium’s ability to host high-profile fixtures within the aftermath of the deadly stampede in 2025 post RCB’s title win, which killed 11 people and left several others injured. Prasad confirmed that an upcoming ‘Unbox’ event — RCB’s annual event to disclose the IPL jersey — will function a critical operational test every week before the IPL 2026 opening match.
March 03, 2026, 22:58 IST
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