Delhi on high alert as Lionel Messi arrives for final leg of India GOAT tour; multi-tier security plan in place
PTC Web Desk: Security has been significantly tightened across central Delhi as global football superstar Lionel Messi arrives in the national capital for the final leg of his GOAT Tour of India. The Argentine football legend is scheduled to attend a special event at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday between 1 pm and 4 pm, prompting the Delhi Police to implement extensive security and traffic measures.
Messi’s Delhi visit follows his earlier appearances in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. While events in Hyderabad and Mumbai passed off without incident, authorities remain cautious after crowd-related disturbances were reported during the Kolkata leg of the tour.
The Delhi Police said a multi-tier security plan had been rolled out to ensure public safety and smooth conduct of the event. A senior police official stated that the focus remains on crowd control, regulated access, surveillance and traffic management, considering the massive fan following of the football icon.
Multiple security cordons have been established around the stadium, with the deployment of additional police personnel and paramilitary forces. Entry to the venue is being allowed strictly on the basis of valid passes, and movement within designated zones is being closely monitored.
“Comprehensive anti-sabotage measures are in place, including frisking checkpoints, CCTV surveillance and constant monitoring,” the officer said, adding that quick reaction teams, senior officers and emergency response units will remain stationed throughout the programme.
On the traffic front, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nishant Gupta said designated parking arrangements have been finalised. Labelled vehicles will be allowed to park at identified locations, including P1 near Vikram Nagar. Vehicles without passes must be parked at Rajghat Powerhouse parking area and Mata Sundari Lane, from where attendees can walk to the stadium.
Commuters using app-based taxis have been advised to get down at Rajghat Chowk and proceed on foot. Parking has been strictly prohibited in the vicinity of Arun Jaitley Stadium, and illegally parked vehicles will be towed and penalised, the police said.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on Delhi Metro and public buses to avoid traffic congestion. Crowd movement is expected to intensify from 11 am onwards, and commuters have been advised to avoid key stretches such as Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg and Brijmohan Chowk from 10 am until the event concludes.
- With inputs from agencies
