The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru, March 26: The Indian Premier League 2026 season opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, with metro authorities announcing special arrangements for fans.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited said metro services across the city will run beyond regular hours on match day to facilitate smooth travel. The last trains from terminal stations, usually scheduled around 11:00 PM, will now operate until 2:00 AM the following day.
As per the revised schedule, final departures from major terminals include Whitefield (Kadugodi) at 12:30 AM, Challaghatta at 12:45 AM, Silk Institute and Madavara at 12:45 AM, Bommasandra at 1:00 AM, and R V Road at 2:00 AM. Additionally, the last train from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station towards all four directions will leave at 1:30 AM.
To further ease commuting, match tickets will double as metro travel passes. Each ticket will carry a QR code enabling two-way travel on Namma Metro, whether in physical or digital form.
BMRCL has also issued station-specific guidance for spectators. Fans entering via Cubbon Road are advised to use Cubbon Park Metro Station, while those accessing the stadium through Link Road should opt for Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Station.
To reduce congestion, additional parking facilities have been arranged at multiple metro stations. A flat fee of ₹30 for two-wheelers and ₹60 for cars will apply on match day, valid until the end of metro operations. Authorities have encouraged fans to park at stations such as Cubbon Park and MG Road, which are within walking distance of the stadium, to help ease traffic in the central business district.
Commuters have been urged to follow directions issued by police, stadium officials, and metro staff to ensure smooth crowd movement. BMRCL also noted it may regulate or temporarily close station entry points if required for safety reasons.
The arrangements come in the backdrop of last year’s tragic stampede during a victory parade celebrating Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title win, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives.
