Ahmedabad: British pop band Coldplay is set to perform its biggest-ever concert with back-to-back shows on January 25 and 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as part of their ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour. With the stadium’s capacity exceeding 1 lakh, over 2 lakh attendees are expected across both days, which might set a world record.

Given the large crowd, including VVIPs, celebrities, and Coldplay fans attending the event, security measures include the deployment of the National Security Guard (NSG), bomb disposal units, and special forces. According to Joint Commissioner of Police Neeraj Badgujar, 3,825 police personnel will be stationed at the venue. The deployment comprises 14 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), 25 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), 63 police inspectors, 142 sub-inspectors, and over 3,500 constables.

Additionally, Special Operation Group and Ahmedabad City Crime Branch teams will monitor strategic points, while NSG teams, Quick Response Teams, and bomb squads will secure key locations, including the band’s accommodation.

Under the Nirbhaya Project, advanced measures like 150 door-frame metal detectors, 250 handheld metal detectors, two baggage scanners, and 120 CCTV cameras will enhance safety. Eleven medical kiosks, seven ambulances, and two clinics will be available for emergencies.

The concert will run from 5:30 pm to 10 pm, with gates opening at 2 pm. Children below five years are not permitted, and earplugs will be provided for attendees above five years. Six information kiosks will assist attendees.

Traffic and parking arrangements

The Ahmedabad traffic police have implemented diversions around the Narendra Modi Stadium to facilitate smooth traffic flow during the Coldplay concerts on January 25 and 26.

Restricted routes: Vehicular access will be prohibited at Janpath T Junction leading to the stadium’s main gate, Krupa Residency T, and Motera T Junction.

Alternate routes: Vehicles can travel from Tapovan Circle via ONGC Crossroads, Visat T Junction, Janpath T Junction, Power House Crossroads, and Prabodh Rawal Circle.

Additionally, after Krupa Residency T Junction, vehicles can follow the Sharan Status route to Apollo Circle through Bhat Koteshwar Road.

Parking facilities

Fourteen parking spots, located within 2.7 km of the stadium, will accommodate over 12,000 two-wheelers and 4,700 four-wheelers. A complimentary ferry service using 75 Maruti Suzuki Eeco vans will shuttle attendees from select parking areas.

Parking bookings can be made via the ‘Show My Parking’ app, with fees of ₹150 for two-wheelers and ₹500 for four-wheelers.

Public transport enhancements

Metro rail services
The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) will extend metro services on concert days, operating until 12:30 am. Trains will run every eight minutes, with entry during extended hours permitted only from the Motera Stadium Metro Station.

Bus services
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s AMTS and BRTS buses will also increase service frequency along concert routes, ensuring smooth transit for attendees.

These arrangements aim to provide fans with a memorable and seamless concert experience in Ahmedabad. DeshGujarat