The crowd during the GOAT India tour at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on December 14, 2025. | Photo credit: Emmanual Yogini
In view of the chaos during the Lionel Messi event in Kolkata, Delhi Police has implemented multi-layered security measures in and around the Arun Jaitley Stadium where the Argentine football icon will attend another event on Monday (December 15, 2025).
The event will be held at the New Delhi Stadium between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, officials said on Sunday (December 14).
Chaos erupted at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday (December 13) as thousands of fans protested after failing to catch a glimpse of Messi during the much-hyped event, prompting police to resort to lathi charge. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Delhi Police said an elaborate and multi-layered security bandobast is in place for Messi’s visit.
A senior police officer said comprehensive measures are being taken to ensure smooth running of the event with a strong focus on crowd management, access control and traffic regulation.
According to the police, several security rings will be established around the site with deployment of additional police personnel along with paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. Entry to the stadium and reserved areas will be strictly regulated and no one will be admitted without a valid ID.
“Anti-sabotage checks, launch sites and surveillance through CCTV cameras will form a key part of the security plan,” the officer said.
The officer added that rapid response teams, senior supervisory officers and emergency response units will remain on standby throughout the event and public safety will remain the top priority.
Traffic Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nishant Gupta said the traffic police had identified three major parking areas for marked vehicles, including P1 near Vikram Nagar.
Vehicles without number plates should be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot and Mata Sundari Lane, from where people can walk to the stadium, police said.
App-based taxi users are also advised to alight at Rajghat Chowk and walk the rest of the way. Parking is strictly prohibited around the Arun Jaitley Stadium and any vehicle parked there will be towed and fined, a senior officer said.
For convenience, the public is encouraged to use the subway or buses as much as possible to reduce congestion and enjoy the event comfortably, police advised.
Around 70 policemen have been deployed as part of traffic and security measures, the DCP told PTI.
Traffic diversion can be implemented from Delhi Gate Chowk and ITO if required. During the VIP movement, traffic may slow down briefly to allow player buses to smoothly reach and enter the stadium, he added.
Movement of the public is expected to begin around 11:00 AM. Commuters have been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg and Brijmohan Chowk from 10 am till the end of the event.
Published – 14 Dec 2025 19:38 IST
