Jharsuguda: The cricket stadium in Odisha’s Jharsuguda is set to undergo a complete transformation with the state government planning a Rs 250 crore project to make it an international-standard facility.
Officials said a detailed project report (DPR) to give a facelift to the stadium located at Jharsuguda’s Malimunda is being prepared by an Australian company, which has designed some of the world’s best stadiums.
Once the DPR is ready and approved, work will begin to implement the ambitious project, Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy said during the inauguration of a new astroturf hockey ground at H.Kantapali on Thursday.
The proposed project would also include infrastructure for football, lawn tennis, and athletics, said a senior official of the sports department.
It may be recalled that establishment of an international stadium in Jharsuguda was contemplated during 2013-14, when Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) sanctioned funds under its CSR programme. A 32-acre site was identified at Malimunda, with 19 acres allocated for the stadium. MCL initially approved Rs eight crore, which was spent on land development and access roads.
Subsequently, the cost estimate was revised to over Rs 17 crore and more funds were sought in 2016-17. The government sanctioned another Rs 10.35 crore in 2023 for a swimming pool in the stadium complex and Rs 5.34 crore for cricket infrastructure. The construction work is still in progress, sources said.
Experts are of the view that the complex, including the gallery built in the first phase, lacks basic structures like chairs and other amenities for spectators. To meet international norms, the existing gallery may have to be demolished and rebuilt.