Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium at Uppal in the city is set to host seven matches of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) between March 23 and May 21. Around 2,700 police personnel from various wings, including law and order, traffic, and special units like Octopus and TSSP, have been deployed at the stadium, which has a seating capacity of approximately 39,000. Commissioner of Rachakonda Police G. Sudheer Babu said that to ensure the smooth conduct of matches and the safety of players and spectators, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place. “Gate No. 1 will be exclusively reserved for players and VVIPs, with strict access control in place for all other spectators as per their ticketing. A network of 450 CCTV cameras has been installed in and around the stadium, covering vehicle checkpoints, parking areas, and entry routes,” said the officer. He added that a Joint Command and Control Room has been set up to monitor the footage and coordinate security measures. “Anti-sabotage checks, with bomb disposal teams and sniffer dogs, will be conducted continuously on match days. Additionally, scanners will be used to detect explosives and other prohibited items,” he added. Spectators will be subject to strict security checks, for a list of banned items, including laptops, banners, water bottles, cameras, cigarettes, umbrellas, electronic items, matchboxes, lighters, sharp objects, binoculars, writing pens, batteries, helmets, perfumes, bags, and outside food. Mobile technicians will be stationed at each gate to inspect mobile phones. “Special teams have been deployed to monitor and control potential black-market ticket sales. SHE teams and anti-eve-teasing units have been assigned to maintain order, while vendor supervision teams will ensure compliance with prescribed rates,” explained the Commissioner. Parking arrangements have been made at five designated locations to monitor traffic congestion. These include Build Brick Builders Open Area, TGIIC-IALA Open Area, Modern Bakery Open Area, Zahause Properties Open Area, and DSL Virtue Mall Cellar. Spectators are advised to follow specific routes based on their entry points, while physically challenged spectators with passes can access designated parking spaces. Gates will open three hours before each match, and medical services will be reinforced with five ambulances on standby. Four fire engines will also be deployed for emergency response. The Rachakonda Police Commissioner has urged spectators to cooperate with security personnel and adhere to the guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience. Traffic diversions for IPL match on March 23 Traffic diversions will be in place in Uppal, Rachakonda, on March 23 for the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. The traffic diversions will be in effect from 12 noon to 11.50 p.m. The restrictions primarily target heavy vehicles, including lorries, dumpers, earth movers, water tankers, RMC trucks, and other such vehicles. Traffic approaching Uppal from Chengicherla, Boduppal, and Peerzadiguda will be diverted at the opposite Toyota Showroom-HMDA Bhagayath Road, towards HMDA Bhagayath layout - Nagole. For those travelling from LB Nagar to Nagole and Uppal, diversions will begin under the Nagole Metro Station U-Turn, with vehicles redirected towards Nagole Metro Station HMDA Layout - Boduppal - Chengicherla X Road. Tarnaka traffic heading towards Uppal will be diverted at Habsiguda X Road, with traffic flowing towards Nacharam - IOCL Cherlapally. Finally, traffic from Ramanthapur to Uppal will be diverted at Street No. 8, with vehicles rerouted via Street No. 8, Habsiguda, Metro Pillar 972 U-turn, and Uppal X Road.