Kolkata: Kolkata Police will deploy security arrangements similar to those for T20 men’s World Cup semi-final in March as authorities expect about 40,000 people inside the stadium for the Mahalaya event.Over 10,000 people are likely to attend the roadshow on Red Road that will precede the evening programme at Eden Gardens. Public works department (PWD) will check the stability of the main dais inside Eden Gardens and certify its fitness, said an official.On Wednesday, the secretary of the state’s information and cultural affairs department held a joint coordination meeting where police, officials from Kolkata Municipal Corporation, state PWD and others were present.“Police are preparing to manage an expected turnout of about 40,000 spectators inside the iconic stadium with a two-layered security, along with an additional gathering of nearly 15,000 visitors along Red Road where there will be another layer of security,” said a police officer.To maintain order and ease movement around the Maidan area, vehicular movement along Kingsway will be completely suspended, mirroring the same protocols that will be followed on Red Road. Furthermore, strict transit restrictions will be enforced on public buses, with city traffic police diverting route movement via Chowringhee Road.Parking logistics for the event will be modelled after IPL matchday frameworks to accommodate the high volume of incoming private vehicles and private charters, the focus remaining around Strand Road. “The Red Road event is likely to start at 4 pm and continue for 30 to 45 minutes. The Eden Gardens event will be spread over three to four hours,” said a govt official.The gala event at Eden Gardens promises a grand spectacle to usher in Bengal’s biggest cultural festival. The four-hour extravaganza will feature multi-genre cultural performances, a synchronisation of advanced light and visual effects, a large-scale drone show, and ceremonial fireworks.Senior officers confirmed that specialised police contingents and quick response teams will remain deployed surrounding the stadium precinct to ensure seamless crowd movement throughout the evening.“KMC was asked to ensure that the bins around the area were cleared frequently and did not overflow. The public health engineering department will install bio-toilets and provide drinking water facilities in and around the venue,” said another official.State govt officials said there are plans to illuminate multiple locations across Kolkata. The roadshow will include dance forms unique to various districts of Bengal. Police officers said while the Red Road roadshow will be open to all, entry at Eden Gardens will be by invitation.
