Cuttack, Nov. 28: The stage is set for the first One-Day International between India and West Indies at the Barabati Stadium here tomorrow. The a day-night encounter, slated to begin at 2.30pm, promises an exciting fare after the final Test ended in a cliffhanger.

The organisers are expecting a packed stadium as more than 40,000 cricket fans are likely to pour in from different parts of the state. Spectators might be in for a run feast as the pitch would be a batsman’s paradise, says the curator.

The city has been put under a thick blanket of security. Police personnel and squads specialising in anti-terrorist activities have been deployed in large numbers at strategic points.

Around 65 platoons of the Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP), 200 senior police officers, jawans of the Special Operation Group, quick reaction team, bomb squad and anti-terrorist squad have been deployed for the security of the players, match officials and spectators. The stadium would be completely sealed off, said a senior police officer.

Elaborate measures are also being taken for smooth flow of traffic keeping in view the expected rush of spectators within a 3-km radius of Barabati Stadium, which has been divided into two sectors.

Fifty-two assistant sub-inspectors, 21 havildars, 105 constables, 50 home guards and eight platoons of additional force would be engaged for traffic diversion at the different routes leading to the Barabati Stadium.

People can reach the stadium via Ring Road and six to seven other routes including the Biju Patnaik Chhak, Cantonment Road, Buxi Bazar, Mission Road, Chandi Mandir Chhak, Shelter Chhak and Madhusudan Nagar on the Ring Road.

Around six parking areas, including four lots for the public, have been earmarked. Spectators can park their two-wheelers or cars at the old and new Bali yatra grounds, in front of Anand Bhavan and Daya Ashram.

Those coming from Matamatha side via Ring road would be allowed to park their vehicles at the new Bali yatra ground (Mahanadi river side) or the old Bali yatra ground (Killa Maidan).

The cricket academy and Xavier’s School campus would be used for guest and VIP parking (with car passes) while the Cambridge School would serve as the parking area for mediapersons. These parking areas are at a walking distance from the venue.

No vehicle from Biju Patnaik Chhak or Chandi Mandir Chhak would be allowed to move directly towards Barabati Stadium and those plying from Buxi Bazar and Nari Seva Sadan would be restricted from taking the YMCA road.

Similarly, those going through the Directorate of Industries road to reach the stadium via the Killkhana road would be diverted towards the KBK road and Dayaashram road where they can park their vehicles.

The security guards deployed at the 12 entry points of the stadium would bar the entry of restricted items (see chart) inside the stadium. Vendors would sell popcorn, jhaal-muri, biryani and puri-aloo curry inside the stadium.

Adequate toilets and provisions for drinking water have been made at the different galleries of the stadium.

“Around 60 to 70 toilets have been set up at different locations inside the stadium,” said Odisha Cricket association (OCA) secretary, Ashirbad Behera.

The match is expected to end around 10.15pm. The Cuttack Private Bus Owners’ Association would run a number of buses, depending on the spectators’ turnout from Badambadi, Cuttack, to Master Canteen and Baramunda in Bhubaneswar 10pm onwards. Autorickshaws would not be allowed to ply within a 3-km radius of the stadium.

Although the day is likely to remain cloudy, officials of the meteorological department, Bhubaneswar, have ruled out the possibility of rain.

“There is a remote possibility of a drizzle. But nothing of the kind to spoil the match tomorrow,” said S.C. Sahoo, director of Met department-Bhubaneswar.