To ensure that spectators face no inconvenience while returning home after watching IPL matches at Eden Gardens, the state government has decided to run special buses. These special bus services, provided by the transport department, will be available at Esplanade on match days. Cricket fans returning from Eden Gardens will find buses to various parts of the city and suburbs. However, spectators will not have to pay any additional fare for these special buses. Starting from Saturday, these buses will be available at Esplanade. This IPL season, a total of eight matches will be played at Eden Gardens on the following dates: March 22, April 6, April 21, April 26, May 4, May 7, May 23, and May 25. Read also: KKR vs RCB Live Blog: IPL 2025 Match 1 Score & Key Moments Which Routes Will the Buses Cover? According to the transport department, special buses will be available from Esplanade to destinations like Thakurpukur, New Town, Dunlop, Ballygunge, Garia, Howrah, Airport, Barasat, Nilganj, Kamalgazi, Haridevpur, Mandirtala, Tikiapara, Tollygunge, and Beleghata. These buses will depart after the match ends, charging only the standard government fare from returning spectators. Apart from government buses, private buses and app-based cab services will also be available on match days. Keeping cricket fans in mind, Eastern Railway has arranged special train services. Additionally, extra metro trains will run from Esplanade to Dakshineswar and Kavi Subhash on Saturday. To ensure smooth transportation, these special government buses will be well-coordinated with match timings, departing soon after the games conclude. This initiative aims to prevent overcrowding and provide a hassle-free journey for fans. Additionally, Kolkata Police will be deployed at key transit points to manage the crowd efficiently. Meanwhile, amidst rain threats, the opening ceremony for the 18th season of the Indian Premier League has started seamlessly, hosted by the Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan. The opening show will see performances from the melody queen Shreya Ghoshal. Apart from that, there will be performances from Karan Ahuja and others.