The police have issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for spectators turning up for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor.
City Police Commissioner M.P. Dinesh exhorted people to cooperate with the security arrangements put in place.
The road around the stadium will be accessible to only those with tickets. Entry to the stadium will begin at 3 p.m.
Spectators coming along Banerjee Road should park their vehicles at St. Albert’s ground and proceed by Bismi Supermarket for security check. They should enter the stadium through the entry marked on the tickets. Those arriving on metro and public transport should follow the same route. Spectators coming along Karanakkodam Road should park their vehicles on the Kerala Water Authority land on the rear side of the stadium, complete security checks, and enter the stadium through the designated gate. Only team vehicles are permitted to enter the stadium ring road along this area.
Bare minimum articles like essential medicines, feeding bottles for children, purses, and small vanity bags will be allowed inside the stadium. Drinking water, food packets, stick, drums, helmets, and bags will not be permitted inside. Snacks and water will be available at the stadium.
While spectators can leave the stadium midway through, they will not be allowed to return. Vehicles with FIFA and VIP stickers will be allowed into the stadium only through Banerjee Road. They should circle the Triangle Area, drop the occupants and park in their designated spots. Those with media accreditation passes and media car passes can enter the stadium through the VIP Road alongside Hotel Landmark. No other vehicles will be permitted on this road. The stadium interiors, stadium circle, and all nearby roads will remain under live CCTV surveillance. More policemen will be deployed for traffic regulation. Vehicles found parked along ‘No Parking’ areas will be removed using recovery vehicles.
CIAL initiative
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has erected a 15-foot football on the traffic island near the domestic and international terminals. The sign on the football reads: “Welcome FIFA U-17 World Cup”. The CIAL authorities are also beautifying the traffic island with the world cup message, said a press release here.