Kolkata is abuzz with excitement as it gears up to welcome football titan Lionel Messi. The city’s passion for football is palpable, with people waiting to catch a glimpse of the Argentine footballer. Kolkata, known as the heartland of Indian football, showcases its love for the beautiful game, especially during major tournaments, when the city divides into fiercely loyal camps: Sky-blue Argentina supporters and canary-yellow Brazil faithful.
Lionel Andrés ‘Leo’ Messi last graced the city over a decade ago, leaving behind a memory that has only grown stronger in the years since.
Messi will start his three-day Greatest of All Times (GOAT) tour with Kolkata on Saturday, before visiting Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
In anticipation of a massive turnout, the Bidhannagar Police have issued a comprehensive traffic and parking advisory ahead of Lionel Messi’s event at the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan). The authorities have urged all the attendees to adhere strictly to the guidelines and arrive early to prevent major congestion.
Bidhannagar Deputy Commissioner of Police Anish Sarkar said: “The main programme at Salt Lake Stadium will start from 10 am till 1:10pm. We will open the stadium gates from 7 am”. “The visitors will be checked. People will have three hours to enter and occupy their seats. We are requesting everyone to come early in order to avoid excessive rush,” said Sarkar.
Police have appealed to people for cooperation to ensure the traffic arrangements contribute to a smooth and safe event.
“All attendees must follow signboards and traffic police directions strictly. The public is urged to arrive early to avoid major congestion,” a police official stated.
A comprehensive parking plan has been set up, segregating vehicles by type and gate access.
Gates 1 and 2 parking
For two wheelers: 13 no. tank to Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, IB Market Ground.
For four wheelers: Labony Island to Anindita Island, IB Ground, SBI Bus Stand, Mani Square MLCP.
Gates 3, 3A and 4 parking
For two wheelers: Beside Manipal hospital, BZICC, Service Lane Broadway (Beleghata bound).
For four wheelers: SAI to Khalpar, Mother Dairy to Tripura Bhawan, Tripura Island to Khalpar, Mishra Island to Khalpar, Amri to Khalpar, Jalabayu Vihar to New Bridge.
For two wheelers: Service Lane Broadway (Beleghata bound), 13 no. tank to Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan.
For four wheelers: SAI to Khalpar, IB Ground, Mother Dairy to Tripura Bhawan, Mani Square MLCP.
Big vehicles (medium and big buses/trucks)
Entry Point: Along one side of the road adjacent to Central Park, Canal Side Road.
Other paid parking facilities (Approx. 550m to 2.5km):
West Side Pavilion near Nicco Park
Service road near Nicco Park
East Side Pavilion, Nicco Park
City Center-I
Salt Lake Stadium Metro Station (550 meters)
City Centre Metro Station
Karunamoyee Metro Station
Several diversions will be in effect to manage the traffic flow
Towards Chiringhata: Vehicles will be diverted via GD Island – Susrut Island – New Bridge.
Housing Blocks towards Beleghata/Kadapara: Vehicles should proceed via GD Island – Susrut Island – Right turn – towards Ultadanga.
Visitors should take SAI/AMRI cut out: Should take a right turn onto the Canal Side Road.