Karna stadium redevelopment project back on track after snag

With the deadline for the Karnal Smart City project now extended by two more years, Karnal Smart City Ltd (KSCL), the agency looking after the Karnal Smart City project, is set to re-float the tender for the remaining works of the Karna Stadium redevelopment. Earlier, the project had hit a major roadblock following the termination of the executing agency’s work order due to prolonged delays and lack of progress.

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The redevelopment of Karna Stadium is being carried out in two phases under the Smart City Mission, aiming to boost sports infrastructure and provide improved facilities for athletes. The construction agency had abandoned the work midway last year, leading to significant delays. KSCL had already penalised the agency over Rs 1 crore for failing to complete the work on time. “The work order of the construction agency has been terminated. The KSCL will re-float the tender for the remaining works. We will ensure timely completion of the remaining work,” said Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, KSCL.

The first phase of the redevelopment project includes the construction of four tennis courts on the ground previously used for hockey, alongside a spectator gallery on the north side with a seating capacity of around 250 persons.

In addition, two hostel blocks with separate entries and exits, and a dining hall on the east side of the courts were planned. These hostel blocks were nearly complete, with the men hostel accommodating 90 players and the women hostel 45 players, though both were left at the final finishing stage. The work on the multipurpose hall is also pending, which was to house an indoor kabaddi hall on the ground floor, a gym on the top floor, and a rehabilitation centre on the second floor.

A new stage area with a spectator gallery seating for nearly 500 people, along with a VIP lounge and a climbing wall between the stage building and the multipurpose hall, is also part of the first phase. The estimated cost of the first phase is Rs 23.95 crore. Initially scheduled for completion in May 2024, significant portions remain unfinished, including the tennis courts, gallery, multipurpose hall and climbing wall.

The second phase, estimated at Rs 12.59 crore, a four-floor building with a fencing court, weightlifting hall, gymnastic hall and a viewer gallery was to be constructed. As per information, work on this phase began in November 2022. The agency was required to complete the civil work by the end of May, while the gymnastic equipment will be installed by a separate agency.

The delay in completion has brewed resentment among sports enthusiasts, who are now urging the government to finalise a new executing agency at the earliest to ensure speedy completion of the project.

“The works on the redevelopment of Karna Stadium is hanging fire for the past around an year, due to which sportspersons are not able to avail the benefits of the project of the government,” said Satish Kumar, a resident.

Satyawan, another sportsperson, said the authorities should finalise the agency for timely completion of the project.