Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the India vs South Africa T20 cricket match in Cuttack on December 9, the Commissionerate Police on Tuesday conducted a coordination meeting to review security, traffic, and administrative arrangements for the mega sporting event.
The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of Police Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar–Cuttack and chaired by Commissioner of Police S Dev Dutta Singh, focused on ensuring the safe, smooth, and incident-free conduct of the match, which is expected to draw massive crowds.
Discussion was held on detailed security preparations, including deployment at the Biju Patnaik International Airport for the arrival and departure of both teams, arrangements at their places of stay, and en-route security. Special attention was given to movement plans for VIPs, security arrangements at Hotel Mayfair, and operations within designated “Fan Zones.”
Traffic and route-lining plans for team travel—from the airport to their hotel and from the hotel to Barabati Stadium for practice sessions and match day—were finalised. Officials also reviewed challenges faced during previous international fixtures to enhance preparedness.
In view of the large turnout expected and the national importance of the event, the police have planned deployment of Special Tactical Units (STU), Odisha Swift Action Force (OSAF), ODRAF teams, Fire Services personnel, and Bomb Disposal & Detection Squads (BDDS) at sensitive points.
The plan includes robust anti-sabotage measures, installation of metal detectors, extensive CCTV surveillance, and continuous monitoring to identify suspicious activities swiftly.
Arrangements for static medical emergency response teams, ambulances, and fire tenders were also approved. Logistics such as barricading, communication equipment including walkie-talkies and PA systems, and drinking water facilities will be ensured throughout the venue.
Representatives from Sports & Youth Services Department, Airport Authority, Fire Service, Capital Hospital, DPI & Roads, Hotel Mayfair, CISF, and Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), attended the meeting and extended full cooperation.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Addl. CP Narasingha Bhol, DCP Bhubaneswar Jagmohan Meena, DCP Headquarters Suresh Chandra Patra, DCP Traffic Tapan Kumar Mohanty, Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan, and CISF Commandant Rakesh Choudhury.
