Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], January 30: Ahmedabad made history on January 25 and 26, 2025, by hosting India’s largest-ever concert, as British band Coldplay performed before a record-breaking crowd of over 2.5 lakh people, setting new benchmarks in both event management and tourism.
Held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, the concert sold over 1.3 lakh tickets, drawing music fans from all over India and abroad. The success of the event was a result of seamless collaboration between the Gujarat government, local authorities, and concert organizers.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government ensured top-tier security, effective traffic management, and smooth transportation for concertgoers. Coordination between departments like the police and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation contributed to the event’s success.
The Coldplay concert not only marked a major achievement for the band in India but also highlighted India’s growing live concert economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the event, emphasizing India’s immense potential for live concerts. “Big artists from around the world are attracted to India, showing that we have a huge scope for live events,” he said.
Gujarat has increasingly established itself as a hub for international events, having previously hosted the G-20 Summit and the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Chief Minister Patel noted that Gujarat’s world-class infrastructure has helped it attract global events like Coldplay’s concert.
During the concert weekend, Ahmedabad’s metro services saw an unprecedented surge in ridership, with over 4,05,264 passengers using the metro over two days, generating Rs 66 lakh in revenue—surpassing records set by other major events like the Cricket World Cup and IPL.
Robust security measures ensured safety, with over 1,800 police personnel deployed, along with CCTV surveillance and two dedicated control rooms. Cleanliness was also a priority, with 1,500 tons of waste cleared within 48 hours by 492 sanitation workers, 14 JCB machines, and 27 trucks.
The concert also had a significant economic impact, with over 900 flights arriving at Ahmedabad International Airport over three days. The influx of visitors boosted local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and street vendors, driving economic growth in the region.
Coldplay’s performance in Ahmedabad was a highlight of their India tour, and the band’s frontman, Chris Martin, paid a heartfelt tribute to India by singing patriotic songs like ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Maa Tujhhe Salaam,’ delighting the crowd.
In another touching moment, Martin dedicated a song to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, humorously recalling how Bumrah had dismantled England’s batting lineup. “O Jasprit Bumrah, my beautiful brother. The best bowler in the whole of cricket,” Martin said, sparking cheers from the crowd.
The concert was live-streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, with Martin concluding the show by expressing his gratitude to the vibrant audience. “Salute to Mother India,” he said, wishing everyone a Happy Republic Day.
With its record-breaking attendance and economic impact, Coldplay’s Ahmedabad concert set a new standard for large-scale events in India.