HYDERABAD: Hyderabad turned orange once again on Tuesday evening with Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, where all the roads seemed to lead to.
Security seemed stronger this time, in comparison to the previous two matches. Police personnel were seen all the way from Mettuguda. Traffic began getting tighter right from 5.30 pm on the wide roads of Tarnaka, Habsiguda and Uppal. The route from Ramanthapur to Uppal had heavy traffic even an hour after the match started.
Fans in Orange jerseys and flags, holding the Tricolour and their face painted, were seen rushing to reach the stadium in good time. Metro Rail trains also saw a couple of groups wearing the blue jerseys of the Mumbai Indians. "We were receiving some cold stares. It is a brave and audacious move, but that's what being sportive is," said Avinash Kanchera whose group of three travelled wearing the MI colours.
The crowds heading to the stadium made the rush worse on the crowded Metro Rail line. Some fans said they got down at Nagole and walked or took a bike taxi to the stadium. An autorickshaw driver was seen ferrying enthusiastic fans with an orange flag.
Passengers taking the Metro trains back to their homes were asked to book their return tickets via Paytm to ensure there was no waiting or overcrowding after the match got over. Staff reminded passengers that online ticket bookings would close after 10.45 pm.
Very few fans took the RTC buses on Routes 18C, 290, 90, 300 and 279 which go past the stadium.
Two-wheeler parking under and around the Stadium Metro Station caused most of the chaos in the area, which was followed by illegally parked bikes being towed away by the Rachakonda traffic police.
Eateries around the area made hay as the 'sun rose' with people gorging on haleem and ice cream.
