Bengaluru, May 20 (IANS) Preparations are in full swing for the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed international stadium coming up at Surya Nagar 4th Phase near Indlawadi in Anekal taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Ahead of the event, Karnataka Housing Minister, Zameer Ahmad Khan, visited the site on Wednesday to review the arrangements being made for the ceremony.

Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) Chairman Shivalinge Gowda accompanied him during the inspection.

It can be noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to perform the foundation stone laying ceremony on May 23 for the ambitious sports infrastructure project.

The minister reviewed the preparations for the grand stage and other facilities being readied for the programme. Officials informed that the arrangements are progressing at a brisk pace as only three days remain for the event.

This is the second visit by Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan to the project site in less than a week. He had earlier inspected the location last Saturday to assess the ongoing preparations and project status.

The proposed international stadium is being developed across 75 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 2,350 crore. The stadium is planned with a seating capacity of 80,000 spectators and is expected to emerge as a major sports infrastructure hub for Karnataka.

Officials said all major arrangements for the groundbreaking ceremony have already been completed.

It can be noted that the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) project aims to become India’s second-largest cricket venue. The development was expedited following a tragic crowd stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in June 2025, prompting the need for a larger, modern facility with superior crowd management.

The initial phase will focus on the main stadium structure, allied works, and internal road infrastructure. Urban planners and critics have raised concerns regarding the remote location and the current lack of high-capacity road or Metro connectivity to the Anekal area.

The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB), in April, had called for tenders to execute the first phase of the project and according to sources, the tender has received good response.

“The last date to apply is May 16. Soon after that, we will conduct a technical evaluation, verification and issue work orders,” a senior KHB official said.

Officials will go ahead with the foundation-laying ceremony before finalising the tenders, since the location for the stadium has been finalised. Phase one of the project will focus on construction of the stadium with a seating capacity of close to 80,000 and is expected to cost Rs 950 crore.

The KHB has completed the feasibility study and has come up with a specialised design for the stadium. According to documents, the ‘seating bowl’ design was inspired by the works of renowned structural engineer Walter P Moore.

The facility will serve as a multi-use stadium hosting national and international cricket matches as well as major concerts and events. Work on the project is expected to be completed by 2029.

–IANS

mka/rad