Ahmedabad Metro Announces Late-Night Services for Cricket Fans
In a significant move to enhance convenience for cricket enthusiasts, the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has unveiled plans to extend metro rail services until 12:30 AM on specific T20 match days at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. This initiative is designed to alleviate post-match travel challenges and ensure a smoother experience for spectators attending the high-profile games.
Extended Service Schedule for Match Days
The late-night metro services will be operational on April 17, 20, 26, and 30, as well as May 3 and 12, coinciding with day-night matches scheduled at the Motera stadium. On regular days, the Ahmedabad Metro operates from 6:20 AM to 10:00 PM, while services on the Gandhinagar corridor, which connects Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir, run from 7:30 AM to 7:40 PM. However, to accommodate the influx of fans, additional services will be deployed beyond these standard hours on the designated match days.
Detailed Train Timings and Routes
For the extended hours, metro trains will run from 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM on key routes. Specifically, services from Motera Stadium to APMC, as well as from Old High Court Interchange to Vastral Gam and Thaltej Gam, will be available during this period. On the Gandhinagar corridor, trains departing from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir are scheduled at 11:40 PM and 12:10 AM, providing crucial connectivity for fans heading home after the matches.
Crowd Management and Ticketing Measures
To streamline crowd movement and ensure efficient operations, passengers will only be permitted to board from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations after 10:00 PM for travel towards the operational stations. This measure aims to prevent congestion and maintain safety. Additionally, GMRC has introduced a special return paper ticket priced at Rs 50, exclusively for travel during the extended hours, offering an affordable and convenient option for spectators.
This proactive step by the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation underscores a commitment to improving public transport infrastructure in response to major sporting events, potentially setting a precedent for future initiatives in urban mobility across India.
