IPL Dharamshala Matches Traffic Restrictions: Ahead of the upcoming IPL T20 matches at the HPCA Stadium, the Kangra district police have announced extensive traffic and security arrangements across the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation area. The measures will remain in effect on May 11, 14, 17, and 26, 2026, when IPL fixtures are scheduled to be played at the stadium.
Kangra Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratna said that special orders have been issued under Section 112(2) of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007, to regulate public movement, traffic flow, and parking during the high-profile cricket matches.
According to the police administration, officers ranked sub-inspector and above who are deployed during the matches will be authorised to issue necessary directions to maintain order at public places, roads, bus stands, parking locations, and areas surrounding the stadium. Temporary barricading, one-way traffic systems, diversions, and pedestrian movement controls will also be implemented to ensure smooth traffic management.
The district police have imposed strict restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles in Dharamshala and McLeodganj during match days. SP Ashok Ratna stated that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter these areas for six hours before the start of each IPL match. The restriction will continue until two hours after the conclusion of the match.
Police authorities also clarified that roadside parking will remain completely prohibited in designated areas. However, ambulances and emergency service vehicles will be allowed unrestricted movement at all times to avoid disruption to emergency operations.
Special arrangements have also been made for public transport and taxi operations during the matches. Volvo buses travelling on the Gaggal-Dharamshala route will only be permitted through the Sakoh route, while their movement on Dari Road will remain restricted.
Taxi operators have been instructed that passengers can only be dropped off at Cheelgadi Road near the War Memorial area. From there, spectators will have to walk towards the stadium. Additionally, normal buses will not be allowed to halt between Red Cross Chowk and the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education bus stop.
To manage the expected rise in vehicle movement, the police administration has prepared dedicated parking areas and shuttle bus services for cricket spectators. Vehicles arriving from the Yol side will be parked at Zorawar Stadium in Siddhbari. Meanwhile, vehicles coming from Kangra, Gaggal, and Matour will be directed towards Dari Mela Ground and Achievers Hub School parking facilities.
Shuttle buses will operate from these parking locations to transport spectators closer to the stadium area. Apart from these locations, the Mini Secretariat, DIG Office complex, and Police Ground have also been identified as parking spaces for light vehicles.
Police officials further stated that vehicles approaching from the Sakoh side will be permitted one-side parking on Sara Road to ease congestion around the match venue.
Separate parking arrangements have also been introduced for VIP guests and media personnel covering the IPL matches. VIP-1 category vehicles will be parked at Sai Ground, while VIP-2 pass holders will be provided parking near the Himuda Complex.
For media vehicles, the ground of Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Dharamshala, has been reserved exclusively.
The Kangra police administration has appealed to residents, visitors, and cricket fans to follow all traffic advisories and cooperate with authorities to maintain smooth movement during the IPL fixtures. Officials warned that strict action would be taken against individuals violating the notified orders under Section 115 of the Himachal Pradesh Police Act, 2007.
With thousands of spectators expected to attend the matches at the Dharamshala stadium, authorities are focusing on crowd management, public safety, and uninterrupted traffic operations across the town.
