Work on mini stadium in Puducherry nearing completion
The construction work of a mini sports stadium, one of the most anticipated projects under the Smart Cities Mission at the erstwhile Anna Thidal in Puducherry is nearing completion, with the facility planned for inauguration in June.
Located in the Boulevard, the work commenced in June 2021 and existing shops facing Anna Salai were demolished to construct the stadium. The scope of works included a basement parking, a dormitory, a football ground, 200-metre running track, pétanque court, gymnasium and a children's play area.
'About 90% of the works have been completed, with only electrical works and construction of the front arch pending. With the completion of electrical works for the 179 shops, the facility will be opened for public use. It is expected to be inaugurated in June,' a senior official said.
The project faced long delay as the contractor failed to complete the works even after 32 months. The delay resulted in severe hardship to the public and students of various government schools in the vicinity. Since many of the government schools in the Boulevard area did not have a playground, the schoolchildren were using the Anna Thidal.
Following inordinate delay, the Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL) Board terminated the contract.
'The existing contractor had completed about 80% of the work. Due to inordinate delays, the contract was terminated, and the remaining portion of the work was awarded to NBCC (India) Ltd., a Central government undertaking. Besides, the initial estimate of ₹9.66 crore had to be revised after several new facilities were proposed in the scope of works and a fresh estimate was prepared for ₹17.58 crore. As many as 179 shops would come up in the stadium', an official said.
The revised scope of works in the new design also included flood lighting, landscaping, tennis court, volleyball court and a playground. A visitors' gallery to accommodate 4,500 persons and other facilities have been completed.
According to a PSCDL official, the electrical works for shops is underway and will be completed shortly. The shop spaces in the mini stadium, including those on the front facing Anna Salai, will be allotted to existing traders. The stadium is likely to be inaugurated in June.
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