Hyderabad gears up for Messi match: Strict security, parking, traffic plan for Uppal stadium visitors

Hyderabad: Hyderabad is set for a high-security sporting evening on Saturday as the Telangana Police rolls out an extensive bandobust plan for the Messi GOAT Tour – Live Event football match at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal.

With a 39,000-strong crowd expected, authorities have deployed nearly 2,500 personnel, enforced strict entry protocols and announced detailed traffic diversions to ensure a smooth experience for spectators.

Strict entry, ticket verification and prohibited items

Spectators will be allowed entry three hours before kickoff (from 4 pm). Entry is permitted only after scanning the valid QR code on mobile tickets issued via the District App.

Each QR code is valid for single use only. Pass holders will receive physical barcoded passes, and duplicates will not be entertained.

2,500 police personnel deployed for stadium security

To prevent any untoward incident, the Rachakonda Police have mobilised one of their largest-ever deployments for a single event. The security detail includes:

Law & Order Police – 1,492

Traffic Police – 300

TSSP/AR – 18 platoons

Octopus – 2 teams

Mounted Police – 10 personnel

Vajra Vehicles – 2

Additional staff from SB, CCS, SOT and Fire & Rescue teams (4 fire tenders)

Gate No 1 will be used exclusively by players and VVIPs.

Separate teams will monitor antisocial elements, oversee crowd movement, and prevent eve-teasing with the help of dedicated SHE Teams.

450 CCTV cameras and anti-sabotage checks

A total of 450 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the stadium, covering entry gates, parking locations, checkpoints and approach roads.

A Joint Command and Control Room has been set up to monitor feeds and initiate rapid response when required.

Bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs and BD teams will conduct continuous anti-sabotage checks until the end of the match.

Banned items include:

Laptops, cameras, water bottles, cigarettes, banners, umbrellas, matchboxes, lighters, binoculars, batteries, writing pens, helmets, perfumes, outside food, metal/plastic sharp objects, bags and other electronic items.

Crowd regulation will include these measures:

- Mobile phones of spectators will be checked at each gate by 5–8 technicians.

- Unauthorised entry attempts will attract criminal cases.

- Crowd regulation, medical aid and vendor monitoring

- Five patrolling teams deployed for crowd management.

- Ambulances increased from three to five for immediate medical response.

Special vendor supervision teams deployed to regulate pricing and prevent unauthorised hawking.

The black market of tickets will be strictly monitored and offenders will be apprehended.

Designated parking zones for spectators

Ten parking zones have been earmarked for the event — nine for the general public and one exclusively inside the stadium for VIP/VVIP pass holders.

General Parking Areas (Outside Stadium)

Uppal–Habsiguda stretch: Penguin, TGIALA, LFJC, Municipal Ground

Uppal–Ramanthapur stretch: Jain Parking, Sand Adda, Modern Bakery, Eenadu Office, Vasu Pharma

Vehicles without valid passes will not be allowed past EK Minar and LG Godown checkpoints.

Traffic diversions and expected congestion

The Rachakonda Traffic Police have announced traffic restrictions in the Uppal area on December 13 from 12 pm to 11:50 pm. Heavy vehicles — including lorries, dumpers, water tankers, RMC trucks and earth movers — will be diverted.

Moderate congestion is expected on:

Falaknuma–Uppal (via Santoshnagar)

Secunderabad–Uppal (via Habsiguda)

Commuters are advised to avoid these routes and use Metro Rail or RTC buses.

Key heavy vehicle diversion points

1. Ghatkesar → diverted at HMDA Uppal Bhagyanagar towards Nagole–LB Nagar

2. LB Nagar → diverted at Nagole Metro U-turn towards Boduppal–Cherlapally

3. Tarnaka → diverted at Habsiguda X Roads towards Nacharam–NFC–Cherlapally

4. Ramanthapur → diverted at Street No. 8 towards Habsiguda–Nacharam–Cherlapally

5. Warangal-bound vehicles → advised to use ORR at Ghatkesar

6. Hyderabad-bound vehicles → use ORR via Abdullapurmet

Police appeal for public cooperation

Rachakonda Police Commissioner G Sudheer Babu has urged citizens to plan their travel in advance, follow parking instructions, avoid restricted items, and cooperate with security staff to ensure a safe and memorable event.