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Ahead of Messi event at Kolkata’s Salt Lake stadium, police issue traffic and parking advisory

The main programme will start from 10 am and the stadium gates will open at 7am

Messi in KolkataLionel Messi arrives in Kolkata; an artist paints a street graffiti of Messi in the city (PTI/ANI).

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.

Routes to look out for

Police have appealed to people for cooperation to ensure the traffic arrangements contribute to a smooth and safe event.

Strict ‘no parking on main roads’ rule

“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.

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Traffic curbs map released by Bidhannagar Police. Traffic curbs map released by Bidhannagar Police.

Designated parking areas (paid parking)

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).

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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.

Gate 5 and VIP parking

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

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Traffic diversion points:

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.

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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