RAWALPINDI: The City Traffic Police have made an alternative traffic and security plan which requires the deployment of more than 230 wardens and 4,500 police personnel during the cricket match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from tomorrow (Tuesday) until Dec 15.

According to the plan, Stadium Road – also known as Double Road – will be closed to all traffic for the duration of the match every day from 9th Avenue Chowk to the Double Road turn to Murree Road on both sides.

A traffic police spokesperson said traffic coming from Rawalpindi towards Islamabad will be diverted to the Faizabad Expressway near the Expressway slip turn. Traffic will be able to enter Rawalpindi through Dhoke Kala Khan, Khanna and Koral.

Traffic from Rawalpindi towards Islamabad will be diverted to the opposite side of the kidney centre to move back to Islamabad, while traffic coming from I.J. Principal Road and 9th Avenue Chowk to Rawalpindi will be able to enter Rawalpindi from Pindora Chungi Katarian and Carriage Factory.

Traffic coming from Islamabad to Rawalpindi will be diverted from the Expressway loop to Rawat, from where traffic can enter Rawalpindi via Dhoke Kala Khan, Khanna and Koral.

The traffic police have also made a parking plan for cars and motorcycles based on coloured tickets distributed along with match tickets.

Vehicles with red stickers will park at the sports complex and arts council from the Double Road turn, using the one way road from Murree Road and Faizabad via Parade Ground and the I-8 flyover.

Vehicles with green stickers coming from Chandni Chowk via Murree Road will park at the kidney centre on 6th Road, and green sticker vehicles from Islamabad will park at the poultry research institute and the directorate of public relations.

Vehicles with blue stickers, which are for the media, will park at the poultry research institute from the Double Road turn using the one-way road to Murree Road.

A general car park for visitors from Islamabad will also be established at Parade Ground, and a shuttle will take match goers to the stadium, while a similar car park for visitors from Rawalpindi will be set up on 6th Road near the kidney centre.

All motorcycles from Rawalpindi will be parked near the kidney centre on 6th Road and motorcycles from Islamabad will be parked at Parade Ground.

More than 4,500 police personnel will be deployed to maintain law and order during the match. Additional police have been called in from other districts to assist the local police force.

Sharpshooters will be deployed on the roof of buildings and security personnel will be deployed inside and outside the stadium.

Before entering the stadium, visitors will be subjected to security checks, a body search and biometric verification.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2019