Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
In view of the upcoming TATA IPL 2026 matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, transport authorities in Bengaluru have announced special arrangements to handle the surge in commuter movement on April 15, 18 and 24.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will extend metro services on April 15 and April 24, which are scheduled night matches, to ensure smooth and safe travel for spectators. On these days, last train services from all terminal stations will be extended from 11 pm up to 2 am (early hours of the next day).
Bengaluru transport authorities announced special arrangements for TATA IPL 2026 matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 15, 18, and 24. BMRCL will extend metro services until 2 am on April 15 and 24, while BMTC will operate special buses, with parking available at metro stations.
As per the schedule, the last trains will depart from Whitefield (Kadugodi) and Bommasandra at 12.30 am, Challaghatta, Silk Institute and Madavara at 12.45 am, while R V Road will have its final train at 2 am. From Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station, Majestic, trains towards all four directions will leave at 1.30 am.
However, for the April 18 match, which includes both day and night fixtures, metro services will operate as per the regular schedule with no late-night extension.
To ease access to the stadium, spectators entering from Cubbon Road are advised to use Cubbon Park Metro Station, while those using Link Road entry points should opt for Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station. Both stations are within walking distance of the venue.
BMRCL has also integrated QR codes for two-way metro travel into digital IPL match tickets, allowing fans to avoid ticket queues. Additional parking facilities have been arranged at multiple metro stations, with flat rates of Rs 30 for two-wheelers and Rs 60 for cars, valid until the end of metro service on match days.
Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will operate special bus services from M Chinnaswamy Stadium to key destinations across the city, depending on crowd and traffic conditions.
Special BMTC routes include services to Sarjapura, Electronic City (Hosur Road), Bannerghatta National Park, Yelahanka via Nagavara and Tannery Road, Hosakote and Banashankari.
Officials have advised spectators to make use of public transport and park vehicles at designated metro stations to reduce congestion in the Central Business District and around the stadium.
Passengers are also requested to follow instructions from police, stadium authorities and transport staff to ensure smooth movement and avoid overcrowding. Authorities have stated that entry points at metro stations may be regulated or temporarily closed if required for safety.
With thousands expected to attend the matches, both Metro and BMTC aim to provide seamless connectivity and ease traffic pressure across Bengaluru during IPL match days.
