Football Fever Grips Meghalaya: Durand Cup Semi-Final Between Shillong Lajong FC and NEUFC to Electrify JN Stadium on August 26

Fans flock for tickets despite the rains, and traffic restrictions are announced for smooth event management

Football fever has gripped Meghalaya as excitement builds ahead of the much-anticipated Durand Cup semi-final clash between Shillong Lajong FC and North East United FC set to take place at the JN Stadium in Shillong on August 26.

The match has stirred football enthusiasts across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, who are eager to witness this historic encounter.

As per reports, the match, originally scheduled to be held in Kolkata, was relocated to Shillong due to security concerns in Kolkata, following widespread protests after the tragic rape and murder of a trainee doctor earlier this month.

This change in venue has only added to the excitement, as the semi-final is touted to be one of the most significant derby matches ever played in and is expected to draw an even larger crowd.

As per reports, to accommodate the surging interest, offline ticket sales began on August 24 at 2 PM across several locations in Shillong, including Golf Link (Main Box Office), Café Shillong in Laimukrah, and Electronic Centre in Police Bazar. Despite persistent rain, passionate supporters have been queuing up to secure their spots for the big match. Tickets are also being made available in various districts to ensure accessibility for fans from different parts of the state.

In anticipation of the event, Shillong Traffic Police (STP) has announced several traffic restrictions in a press release, to ensure smooth crowd management and vehicle flow.

Key Traffic Restrictions:

– No-Entry Zones: Several areas around Polo, including Lumjingshai Junction, 4 Furlong Junction, Polo Market and Lawmali Junction, will be designated as no-entry zones starting from 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

– Diversions: Vehicles approaching these restricted areas will be diverted towards Lawmali, Jaiaw and Jingthangbriew.

– Heavy Vehicle Ban: Heavy motor vehicles will be barred from entering the Polo area from 2:00 PM onwards.

– Parking Restrictions: Parking will be prohibited around the Polo agglomeration starting from 11:00 AM.

– Public Transport: The public is encouraged to use carpooling or shared taxis to reduce traffic congestion.

Moreover, emergency service vehicles and those transporting sick individuals will be exempt from these restrictions as stated in the press release.

The Durand Cup, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, has garnered significant attention this year. The previous match saw an impressive turnout of 14,988 attendees, with tickets selling out hours before the game. Expectations are high for another packed stadium on August 26.

As Shillong braces for this landmark semi-final, the excitement is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting a thrilling contest between two of the region’s top football clubs.

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