Safety measures to be implemented in 3 phases at Chinnaswamy Stadium; spectator cap not yet fixed

Karnataka government mandates phased safety measures at Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of IPL-2026; spectator capacity pending determination.

The Karnataka government has directed Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to implement the safety measures at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in three phases. Critical works have been mandated before the commencement of IPL-2026, and medium- and long-term measures will continue alongside the tournament under the expert committee's oversight. 

This comes after 11 lives were lost during the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win celebration at the stadium in June 2025.

The Karnataka Cabinet on February 12 granted conditional permissions for IPL to be conducted at the stadium.

As part of the crowd decongestion recommendations, the committee recommended that KSCA consider constructing a skywalk or providing direct access from Cubbon Park Metro Station to the KSCA B-ground holding area to reduce pressure on Queens Road and Cubbon Road. The B-ground near Gate 21 has been identified as a holding area capable of accommodating around 5,000 spectators.

KSCA informed the committee that discussions have been held with St. Joseph’s High School, UB City, and Kanteerava Stadium for ad-hoc parking arrangements on match days. It has been proposed to undertake a feasibility study to construct an underground or multi-level parking facility within the B-ground area, with the study to be placed before the committee at its next meeting.

The Cabinet note records that the KSCA has submitted a comprehensive implementation plan dated February 11, assuring that all recommendations of the Expert Committee will be carried out in a phase-wise manner. Phase-I interventions -- explained as essential crowd safety measures are to be completed by March 15, ahead of the IPL-2026 season scheduled to begin on March 26. Phase-II and Phase-III works will continue during the tournament period under the oversight of the Expert Committee.