02 April,2011 01:24 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Traffic cop Nandkumar Chaugule tells residents how to travel downtown for shopping, hanging out or watching the match, on this day of ultra-amplified security
It'll be crowded and confusing out there today, and if you plan a sojourn to SoBo, you would do well to hear a word of advice from cops, considering you will have to navigate many security checkpoints, sealed-off roads, alternative routes and barred parking areas, until you reach your destination.
Therefore, MiD DAY contacted Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nandkumar Chougle, who has compiled a traffic guide so you can avoid inconvenience while driving downtown for any of the following reasons:
Shopping at Colaba Causeway or lounging at a bistro
Use the Central/Harbour line. Western line is expected to be crowded as Churchgate station is very close to Wankhede Stadium. You could also take a BEST bus or a cab, as the police have requested taxi unions to ply more cabs on the day of final.
Taking a jetty from the Gateway or going to hotel Taj
All vehicular movements are restricted beyond Regal Cinema. You will have to walk down to the Gateway, but you can't stray towards the Taj, which has a severely restricted entry.
Jetty service from the Gateway is available only for those going to Alibaug. No ferries will go to Elephanta today.
Heading to the battleground: Wankhede Stadium
Around 350 hoardings have been put up by the traffic police across the city laying down the parking and no-parking areas, alternative routes for motorists, and so on.
All spectators heading downtown from the western suburbs using the Bandra-Worli Sea Link need to be on the right lane. It will lead to Girgaum Chowpatty, via Worli, Haji Ali-Peddar Road junction, and Wilson College junction.
At the Chowpatty, parking arrangements have been made for over a 1,000 vehicles.
After parking the vehicles at the spots designated by the police, spectators can either walk down or take BEST bus or car services available from the point to the stadium.
And, keep your match ticket handy for inspection at various checkpoints. Co-operate with the police.
For physically-disabled spectators heading to the stadium:
Vehicles of those unable to walk or are wheelchair-bound will be allowed till NS Road or D Road junction. Their drivers should compulsorily accompany them and take the vehicle back to the designated parking spots, while they will have to cover the distance to the stadium on the wheelchair, with police help.
Tips for residents around the stadium
Parking around the residential areas of A,B,C,D,E,F,G and H Roads connecting around the stadium area has been completely restricted. No vehicles will be allowed anywhere in the area until after the match.
Due to VVIP presence, the police have appealed to residents to remain indoors to avoid any inconvenience.
Emergency and surveillance:
Four super-specialty ambulances will be parked around the stadium with doctors. Most hospitals in and around the stadium have been put on a high alert to tackle emergencies.
Two fire engines have been positioned inside the stadium and a water-tanker is parked outside. A total of 300 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the stadium, 104 of which are perched at various junctions on the city's streets. Some 88 will remain operational and images captured will be used later for taking stringent action against any violators of law.
Western Railway
The WR will run two special trains. One between Churchgate and Borivli after the match and another from Churchgate to Virar after the presentation ceremony.
Central Railway
The CR has decided to run three suburban special trains for the benefit of stadium spectators.
Kalyan, 11.35 pm (CST)
Panvel, 11.19 pm (CST)
Kalyan, 00.20 am (CST)
Public transport for stadium viewers
The police have also urged the spectators to use public transport.
Special services will be run by public transport companies from morning to evening:
BEST will run 33 extra buses all over the city until evening.
Four buses will run from the parking lots to Wankhede Stadium.
Eight buses will run from CST to Wankhede Stadium and back, from 10 am to 11 pm. The fare for the special buses is Rs 6 for adults and Rs 3 for children.
Mind the weather
Mercury's rising and by the time you get inside the stadium passing check posts, standing in queues for more security checks, having your baggage inspectedu00a0the sun could really get on your nerves. Here's how you could feel a little better.
Dr Rashmi Shetty, dermatologist, advises to wear clothes that shield the body from the sun. "One can wear a thin white linen fabric, to avoid feeling hot and covering your skin from the sun. Wide-rimmed hats and big sun-glasses will also help," she said.
Of course, apply sunscreen to avoid the tan, or use calamine, and drink lots of water to remain hydrated, specially since you can't carry water inside.
DCP (Operations) Rajkumar Vhatkar said, "We won't let the fans take anything inside the stadium except for cell phones. They will not be allowed to carry any eatables or drinks, even water bottles.
u00a0
Drinking water arrangements have been made inside the stadium."
