LUCKNOW, April 2 -- For once, cricket fans heading to the Ekana stadium did not face traffic snarls on Shaheed Path as the city witnessed a comparatively better flow of vehicles during the IPL clash between Lucknow and Delhi, even as the stadium operated at near full capacity of around 50,000 spectators. Traditionally, match days have meant bumper-to-bumper traffic, especially during evening peak hours, with key stretches leading to the stadium turning into choke points. However, on this occasion, commuters reported steady movement and minimal delays. While minor slowdowns were reported at a few intersections, there were no major jams - a departure from previous match days that often saw commuters stranded for hours. Several spectators said they were able to reach the venue without getting stuck for long periods. "We expected the usual jam, but traffic kept moving. It was surprisingly well managed," said a commuter on Shaheed Path. Officials attributed the improvement to a revised traffic plan and enhanced monitoring. DCP (traffic) Ravina Tyagi said the entire stretch was under real-time surveillance from a smart control room, where teams tracked congestion points through live feeds. "I'm overseeing it on screen," she added. The same "city-style" planning extended beyond the stadium as well. To streamline vehicular movement, areas around the venue were divided into two super zones, further split into three zones, nine sectors and 24 sub-sectors, creating a parallel grid to regulate traffic flow. "Separate routes for VVIPs, players, and spectators, along with designated entry and exit gates, aim to minimise overlap and congestion," said JCP (law and order) Babloo Kumar. htc...