Ahmedabad, April 2 (NationPress) The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has announced an extension of metro train operations in both Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on select dates to support the movement of passengers during the IPL 2026 day-night matches taking place at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

In a statement released on Thursday, the corporation indicated that metro services would be available beyond regular hours on April 4, April 17, April 20, April 26, April 30, May 3, and May 12.

On these specific dates, services will continue until 12:30 a.m. to cater to fans attending matches at the stadium.

Typically, metro services in Ahmedabad operate from 06:20 a.m. to 10 p.m., while services along the Gandhinagar corridor from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir run from 07:30 a.m. to 07:40 p.m.

On match days, additional late-night services will be made available after 10 p.m.

Trains will connect Motera Stadium to APMC between 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and from Old High Court Interchange to Vastral Gam and Thaltej Gam between 10 p.m. and 12:50 a.m.

Moreover, two extra services from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir will be scheduled at 11:40 p.m. and 12:10 a.m.

Passengers traveling after the matches will be allowed to board trains exclusively from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations, with connections available to all operational stations on both Ahmedabad corridors, as well as on the Gandhinagar route extending to Mahatma Mandir.

To handle the anticipated increase in foot traffic, GMRC has introduced a special paper ticket for return journeys on match days.

This ticket will cost a flat Rs 50 per person and will be valid for travel from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations to all operational stations in Ahmedabad, as well as between Motera Stadium and Mahatma Mandir during extended hours.

The corporation mentioned that regular ticketing options, including contactless smart tokens, smart cards, National Common Mobility Cards, and QR-based tickets, will remain valid only until 10 p.m. on those days.

Tickets purchased in advance for return journeys through kiosks, ticket vending machines, counters, or the mobile application will not be valid after that time.

After 10 p.m., entry at Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations will only be allowed with the special paper ticket.

These special tickets will be available for purchase in advance on match days at various stations including Nirant Cross Road, Rabari Colony, Apparel Park, Kalupur, Old High Court, Thaltej, Motera, Sabarmati, Ranip, Vadaj, Jivraj Park, GNLU, Infocity, Sector-1, and Mahatma Mandir, aiming to reduce congestion following matches.

This announcement comes as Ahmedabad gears up to host matches for the IPL season.

According to the schedule, the stadium will kick off with the Gujarat Titans facing off against the Rajasthan Royals on April 4 in the evening.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, recognized as the largest cricket venue globally, has consistently hosted prestigious IPL matches, including playoff games in past seasons, and is expected to attract large audiences during this tournament.