In a significant safety upgrade ahead of the high-voltage India-South Africa T20 international, the Cuttack police have directed the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) to implement enhanced visibility measures at the Barabati Stadium. The primary directive involves the installation of radium reflective safety tape across all galleries, staircases, and emergency pathways to facilitate safe crowd movement under floodlights during the day-night encounter.
Proactive Steps for a High-Capacity Match
Acting promptly on the police advisory, the OCA has completed the installation of the reflective markings at the stadium's key access points. The decision stems from the anticipated massive turnout for the match scheduled for December 9. The Barabati Stadium is preparing to host a full-capacity crowd of approximately 42,000 spectators.
Additional Commissioner of Police Narasingha Bhola emphasized the critical nature of this intervention. "Looking at the huge crowd and the fact that it is a day-night match, reflective marking on galleries and staircases is absolutely mandatory," Bhola stated. He explained that the measure would help people navigate safely and prevent panic-like situations in low-light conditions, which are common during night matches under artificial lighting.
Clear Emergency Pathways and Comprehensive Checks
Beyond the galleries and stairs, a specific focus has been placed on emergency exits. Police authorities have confirmed that all emergency pathways will be strictly kept clear during the match, with no spectators permitted to sit or stand in these zones. To ensure these routes are easily identifiable, they have also been lined with the high-visibility radium tape. Officials have earmarked over 40 such pathways throughout the stadium.
The safety overhaul is part of a series of coordinated checks conducted by a multi-agency team involving police, fire services, medical teams, and stadium management. With large queues expected during both entry and exit, the police strategy prioritizes smooth crowd dispersal, well-illuminated passageways, and restricted access in sensitive areas.
OCA's Assurance on Spectator Convenience
Echoing the commitment to a safe viewing experience, OCA secretary Sanjay Behera confirmed the completion of the work. "We have installed reflective tape across all galleries, staircases and emergency routes. Crowd management is our top priority, and we are working closely with the police to make sure spectators face no inconvenience," Behera said. This collaborative effort between the cricket association and law enforcement aims to ensure that the sporting spectacle remains memorable for the right reasons, with spectator safety as the foundational concern.
