Kolkata's Eden Gardens has been placed under high alert ahead of the first Test match between India and South Africa, scheduled to begin on November 14, 2025. The decision to heighten security measures comes in the wake of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort on Monday, November 10, which resulted in at least 13 fatalities and over 20 injuries.
The blast in Delhi has prompted major cities, including Kolkata, to increase security. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma has personally taken charge, confirming that the city's security plan has been strengthened across key zones. Special and additional measures are currently underway.
Eden Gardens has been brought under a three-tier security system. The first layer involves constant patrol and checkpoints around the outer perimeter. The second secures all entry gates with metal detectors and scanners, and the third includes the spectator areas and player enclosures, where officers will be stationed in plain clothes to detect any suspicious activity. Spectators will be checked at least twice using metal scanners. Entry with bags or prohibited items will be strictly prohibited.
Special arrangements have been made for the safety of both the Indian and South African teams, covering their stay, travel routes, practice sessions, and match days. Security personnel have been instructed to maintain a strict watch from the moment the players leave their hotels until they return after each day's play and even during practice sessions. Security has been reinforced at the city hotels accommodating the teams.
To ensure no security lapses, CCTV cameras have been installed across all key areas, and movement around the stadium will be closely tracked. Restrictions have also been placed on vehicle movement around the stadium during match hours to prevent overcrowding and ensure smooth coordination.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had requested enhanced security from the Kolkata Police. A meeting between the CAB and senior police officials was scheduled to finalize protocols and review crowd management plans.
Meanwhile, investigations into the Delhi car blast are ongoing. The explosion, which occurred around 6:52 pm IST on November 10 near the Red Fort, involved a white Hyundai i20. Preliminary investigations suggest the blast may have been a suicide attack involving ammonium nitrate. CCTV footage indicated a masked man was seen driving the car before the explosion. The National Investigation Agency is involved in the investigation.
The blast triggered a fire that damaged multiple vehicles. The sound of the explosion was heard several hundred meters away, and windowpanes of nearby buildings shattered. Witnesses described scenes of horror, with body parts scattered and people running in all directions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to bring those responsible for the Delhi blast to justice.
