Bengaluru braces for IPL opener: Traffic curbs, parking plan rolled out around Chinnaswamy Stadium; check details

BENGALURU: Bengaluru Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory ahead of the opening IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, warning of heavy congestion in the central business district. Restrictions will be enforced from 3pm till midnight, with peak traffic pressure expected in the run-up to the 7.30pm match. Key stretches likely to see diversions and slow movement include Queens Road, MG Road, Kasturba Road, Museum Road and the Anil Kumble Circle junction. To manage the surge, authorities have shifted spectator parking away from the immediate stadium vicinity.

Visitors have been directed to use notified parking hubs such as St Joseph’s school grounds, Freedom Park, Garuda Mall, UB City and Shivajinagar TTMC.

Dedicated pick-up and drop-off points for cabs and autorickshaws have been created between BRV Ground Gate No 6 and Manekshaw Parade Ground to ease last-mile congestion near the venue. Officials have urged commuters to plan travel in advance and prefer public transport, cautioning that unnecessary movement around the stadium area could worsen bottlenecks. Entry around the venue will also be closely regulated, with non-ticket holders advised to avoid gathering in the vicinity during match hours.