The gala event at Eden Gardens promises a grand spectacle to usher in Bengal’s biggest cultural festival
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. 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.
“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. State govt officials said there are plans to illuminate multiple locations across Kolkata. Police officers said while the Red Road roadshow will be open to all, entry at Eden Gardens will be by invitation.
Furthermore, strict transit restrictions will be enforced on public buses, with city traffic police diverting route movement via Chowringhee Road. The roadshow will include dance forms unique to various districts of Bengal. 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.