Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming India-South Africa cricket match at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. With a bomb squad and special tactical unit tasked to inspect the security perimeter, a total of 77 platoons of forces will be deployed across the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
In Cuttack, 57 platoons along with 420 police officers will be stationed at Barabati Stadium, while Bhubaneswar will see 22 platoons and 111 special officers on duty, as announced by Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh.
According to the Police Commissioner, aerial surveillance will be conducted during the event. Upon the players’ arrival in Bhubaneswar, comprehensive security will cover the route from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the stadium. Drones will monitor the travel paths, the stadium, and its interiors, with these cameras linked to a central control room for real-time oversight.
In addition to police forces, medical teams and fire squads will be deployed. A six-member fire team from the Buxi Bazar fire station, equipped with one fire engine, will be on standby. With thousands of cricket enthusiasts expected to gather, both fire and medical teams will remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents, the Commissioner informed.
A practice match is scheduled for December 8, followed by the T20 clash between India and South Africa at Barabati Stadium on December 9. Keeping this in mind, the Commissionerate Police has implemented extensive security protocols.
Notably, special measures have been taken to ensure the safety of players, VIPs, and spectators, as well as to manage traffic efficiently. The security setup at Barabati Stadium and for traffic control includes 9 additional SPs, 40 DSPs, 65 inspectors, 325 sub-inspectors, 38 havildars/constables, 208 APR constables, 73 women constables, 1 unit of ODRAF, 2 units of STU, and 70 platoons of police forces.
Both the Indian and South African cricket teams are slated to arrive in Bhubaneswar on December 7.
