RCB vs SRH IPL match on March 28: Bengaluru Metro to run till 2 AM; check last train timings, routes, QR entry

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season kicks off with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, authorities have rolled out a detailed mobility plan to handle the expected surge of fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced extended metro services till 2:00 AM, integrated QR-based ticket travel, and affordable parking options - all aimed at ensuring smoother, safer and less congested match-day movement across the city’s central business district.

Metro services extended till 2:00 AM for IPL opener

In a major relief for late-night commuters, Namma Metro services - which usually end around 11:00 PM - will run up to 2:00 AM in the early hours of March 29.

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The last train departures from terminal stations have been scheduled carefully to accommodate post-match crowds:

• Whitefield (Kadugodi): 12:30 AM
• Challaghatta: 12:45 AM
• Silk Institute and Madavara: 12:45 AM
• Bommasandra: 1:00 AM
• R V Road: 2:00 AM

Additionally, the last train from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station (Majestic) towards all four directions will depart at 1:30 AM, making it a key interchange point for fans heading back home after the match.

IPL tickets double up as metro passes with QR code

In a commuter-friendly move, BMRCL has enabled IPL match tickets to serve as metro travel passes. Each ticket - whether physical or digital will carry a QR code that allows two-way travel on Namma Metro.

This measure is expected to significantly reduce queues at ticket counters and encourage fans to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles, easing pressure on Bengaluru’s already busy roads.

Which metro station should you use?

To streamline crowd movement, BMRCL has mapped specific metro stations to stadium entry points:

• Fans entering via Cubbon Road should use Cubbon Park Metro Station
• Those accessing via Link Road are advised to use Dr B R Ambedkar Station (Vidhana Soudha)

Authorities believe this segregation will help manage footfall more efficiently and prevent bottlenecks near the stadium gates.

Rs 30 parking, Rs 60 for cars to cut city traffic

To further discourage private vehicle congestion near the stadium, additional parking arrangements have been introduced at multiple metro stations.

• Two-wheelers: Rs 30
• Cars: Rs 60

These flat rates will remain valid until the end of metro operations. Spectators are encouraged to park at stations such as Cubbon Park and MG Road, both within walking distance of the stadium, and continue their journey via metro.

Crowd control, safety measures in focus

BMRCL has urged all commuters to follow instructions issued by police, metro staff and stadium authorities to ensure orderly movement.

The corporation has also made it clear that it may regulate or temporarily close station entry points if required to manage crowd density and ensure passenger safety.