The Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium to undergo a refurbishment worth 5 Crore including an improved facade, upgraded stands, a cafeteria, new dressing rooms and a media center in a major overhaul to be taken up by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), officials briefed on the plans confirmed.
On February 19, bids were invited for the stadium renovation by the civic body, for the work that is estimated to cost ₹5 crore, according to the officials.
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Renovation Plans for Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium Revealed by MCD
The Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium has a capacity of 35,000 spectators and has hosted major national football tournaments such as the Subroto Cup, Durand Cup and Nehru Cup.
The first phase of this project is likely to cost ₹4.8 crore, a senior MCD official said, and is expected to be completed in six months after the project is awarded to a contractor. “The stadium was last renovated ahead of the 2010 Common Wealth Games. Under the latest plan, we will work on the improvement of the stadium facade along the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg.“
“New facilities will be added for players in the form of construction of dressing rooms. The west stands of the seating area are also going to be revamped,” the official said requesting anonymity.
Previously known as the Corporation Stadium, the Ambedkar Stadium used to hold football competitions such as Delhi Football League, DCM Trophy, Subroto Cup and Durand Cup. The Ambedkar Stadium has also been venue to host international football events such as 2007 and 2009 Nehru Cup. The Delhi Soccer Association also had it’s offices there.
Officials said that since 2007, the stadium has not witnessed a major makeover and its rejuvenation was long due.
Renovation Plans Set for Dr. BR Ambedkar Stadium After Spot Check Reveals Maintenance Issues
Reports claims that several parts of the stadium were indeed in need of repair and maintenance work, during a spot check on Monday. Spectator stands located along the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and plaster layers on the portions of the main facade were scraping off with primary iron bars being exposed to the elements.
Railings of the staircases and the glass windows were also broken with several entry points being barricaded with iron bars. The toilet block situated in the corner area was overflowing, and tiles were cracked. Portions of the steel railing around the perimeter of the football ground were absent, and ropes were used as makeshift replacements.
“Under the beautification project, we will be improve the facade of the stadium, along with redesigning Gate number 4 and 5, which are used by the spectators to enter the facility,” the MCD official added.
Toilet complexes inside the stadium will be modernized, and the drainage network will be upgraded, according to the project report prepared for the reconstruction work.
“The stadium was also used to host major MCD events such as Bal Diwas, in which thousands of MCD students used to participate. It also earned revenue for the MCD by hosting major tournaments. The improved drainage will help clear the ground faster after rains. The tiled roof sections in the stands will be revamped by using clay Mangalore tiles,” the official added.
On February 14, plans were made to hold the Bal Diwas programme in the stadium by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). But it was rescheduled bearing in mind the restrictions in the wake of farmers’ protest.
“The program was earlier postponed from November 14 due to very high pollution levels,” the MCD official said.
The Ambedkar Stadium is the biggest sporting facility in possession of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and managed by them. The civic body also oversees 52 physical training centers/gyms, 15 swimming pools and five sports complexes.
According to the MCD official, the bids will be accepted by February 21, and the work is likely to be awarded by the following month. “Once an agency is finalized, they will be provided six months to carry out the work. We are hoping that it will be complete by October-November this year,” the official added.
