Global football icon and 2022 World Cup champion Lionel Messi has arrived in the national capital, Delhi, for the final event of his highly anticipated “GOAT tour” of India. Authorities have implemented extensive security and traffic restrictions to ensure the event runs smoothly, avoiding the chaos witnessed earlier in Kolkata.
Event Details and Security Measures
- Event Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
- Timing: Scheduled between 1 pm and 4 pm today, Monday.
The Delhi Police have put an elaborate and multi-layered security bandobast in place, with a strong focus on crowd management and access control.
- Deployment: Additional police personnel and paramilitary forces have been deployed, establishing multiple security rings around the venue.
- Regulation: Entry to the stadium is strictly regulated, with no one permitted without a valid pass.
- Vigilance: Anti-sabotage checks, frisking points, and surveillance via CCTV cameras are key components of the security plan. Quick reaction teams and emergency response units are also on standby.
Previous Tour Experience
Messi’s tour kicked off in Kolkata, which quickly turned chaotic at the Salt Lake Stadium after thousands of fans protested when they failed to get a clear view of the star.
In contrast, the subsequent visits to Hyderabad and Mumbai proceeded smoothly, and Delhi Police are maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure a peaceful conclusion to the tour.
Traffic and Parking Restrictions
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Nishant Gupta, confirmed traffic restrictions are in place:
- Designated Parking: Three main parking areas have been identified for labeled vehicles, including P1 near Vikram Nagar.
- General Parking: Vehicles without official labels must be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot and Mata Sundari Lane, from where fans can walk to the stadium.