Nagpur is set for high commuter traffic as the city hosts the India–New Zealand T20 match at Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Jamtha, on January 21, 2026. To manage the influx of spectators, Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has extended metro services late into the night, ensuring safe, efficient, and congestion-free transit for attendees.
The extended operations, initially scheduled until midnight, could continue further depending on passenger demand, showcasing a responsive urban transport strategy. City transport officials emphasised that integrating mass transit with major sporting events reduces dependence on road travel and helps lower vehicular emissions, reinforcing sustainable urban mobility practices. Ahead of the match, a joint coordination meeting at Metro Bhavan brought together strategic planning officials from Maha Metro and VCA representatives. Discussions focused on crowd management, feeder bus integration, and last-mile connectivity, aiming to maintain smooth ingress and egress for thousands of cricket fans. Urban planners noted that such proactive planning provides a replicable model for large-scale event management in fast-growing Indian cities.
Complementary services include Nagpur Municipal Corporation buses running between Khapri Metro Station and the stadium. Additional paid bus services will operate from New Airport Metro Station, reducing road congestion and offering alternate public transport options. This integration of metro and bus services underscores the city’s focus on people-first, sustainable transport solutions during high-attendance events. During the extended schedule, trains will operate at 10-minute intervals. The last scheduled departure from Khapri Metro Station is 12:00 midnight, providing direct access to Automotive Square or interchanges at Sitabuldi for both directions of the Aqua Line. The VCA Stadium lies approximately 6 km from Khapri and 7 km from New Airport Station, making coordinated transit vital for a smooth spectator experience.
Transport analysts highlight that temporary service extensions for major events can serve as a blueprint for urban mobility management, balancing safety, operational efficiency, and environmental impact. Such measures demonstrate how mid-sized Indian cities can adapt mass transit systems to international sporting events while maintaining sustainability goals. Maha Metro has urged spectators to prioritise public transit over private vehicles to ensure safety, reduce congestion, and support a seamless travel experience. As Nagpur prepares to welcome cricket fans for the India–New Zealand match, the collaborative planning between metro authorities, municipal transport, and stadium management offers a model for scalable, climate-conscious, and citizen-centric urban mobility solutions.
Maha Metro Boosts Services Ahead Of Cricket Clash
