Discontent Sparks Among Indian Concertgoers Over Facilities and Traffic Chaos

Despite a booming concert industry, many attendees at live music events in India are voicing their dissatisfaction regarding inadequate facilities, particularly concerning sanitation and traffic congestion. The situation has prompted discussions on the need for better venue infrastructure and attendee experiences in future events.

Amrita Kaur anticipated a thrilling night at Punjabi pop sensation Diljit Dosanjh's recent concert in Chandigarh, only to be met with a series of disappointing experiences. Having attended numerous concerts before, she was familiar with the somewhat chaotic yet exhilarating atmosphere of large gatherings in India. However, she likened the disarray at this event to a nightmare, citing minimal crowd control and sanitation failures. Overloaded mobile networks added to her anxiety, making attendees feel vulnerable, while accessing toilet facilities became an ordeal fraught with repulsive conditions.

Kaur's grievance is echoed by many across India as the 2023 concert season, featuring international superstars like Dua Lipa and Maroon 5, brings in massive revenues—an expected 25% rise from last year’s $94.1 million. This burgeoning market is characterized by young, affluent Indians eager to enjoy live performances. Over 400,000 music lovers reportedly traveled to attend events this year alone, yet a prevailing sentiment of dissatisfaction remains.

The predicament gained traction after a distressing incident at a Bryan Adams concert, where a diabetic fan lamented a lack of washroom availability that forced him into a humiliating situation. Following this, Dosanjh made headlines by expressing that he would cease performances in India until venue improvements were made, although he later clarified his comments pertained to a specific venue.

Social media became flooded with such complaints, as concertgoers expressed woes over inflated ticket prices paired with undesirable experiences, including excessive travel delays. Some fans have begun opting for concerts abroad, where logistics and cleanliness are perceived to be better, claiming concerts in countries like Germany provide far superior experiences.

Organizers readily acknowledge the infrastructural shortcomings impacting event experiences throughout India. With a scarcity of dedicated concert venues, live events are often held in suboptimal settings such as malls or outdoor spaces without adequate facilities, hampering capacity and experience.

While public stadiums have started to host music events due to their larger capacity, they often grapple with poor sound quality and logistical challenges. The booking process for government-regulated venues can also be cumbersome, leading to lost interest from event organizers.

To bridge the gaps, funds are often funneled into creating makeshift infrastructure at concerts. However, this practice can lead to significant financial risks and limits the opportunities for smaller artists who cannot attract large crowds.

The criticisms extend beyond just inadequate facilities; the accessibility of venues poses another challenge, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Many venues lack necessary accommodations, further marginalizing certain attendees from enjoying the concert experience.

Despite ongoing criticisms, the appetite for music events remains strong. Still, the lasting impact of venue experiences on audience attendance is a pressing concern. Organizers must collaborate with venues to ensure fundamental amenities are met to protect their reputations. As India anticipates more international names in the concert scene, attendees hope for marked improvements to justify the cost of accessing live music in the future.