Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah lays foundation stone for 2nd largest cricket stadium in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 23
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that the state government has taken a major step towards the overall development of Bengaluru by initiating the construction of an international-standard cricket stadium at Suryanagar near the city, which he added would boost sports, tourism, employment generation and economic growth.
Speaking after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for multiple housing and infrastructure projects organised jointly by the Housing Department and the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) at Suryagram, the Chief Minister added that the project reflects the state government's long-term development vision.
Referring to the stadium in Gujarat with a seating capacity of around 132,000, Siddaramaiah said Karnataka's proposed stadium would become the second-largest in the country.
He added that the stadium would help accelerate tourism growth, improve the local economy of surrounding villages, and create employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said the stadium would be constructed entirely using KHB funds without any financial assistance from the state government.
He cited estimates suggesting that KHB could generate nearly Rs 20,000 crore through the sale of its vacant residential sites.
The event included the foundation stone laying ceremony for the international cricket stadium, launch of the Chief Minister's "Namma Mane" housing scheme, foundation stone laying for the Suryashine and Surya Divine residential complexes, and symbolic distribution of housing sites to landowners who had provided land for the housing project.
Siddaramaiah added that the Housing Department and KHB, which had so far focused mainly on housing construction, have now ventured into building an 80,000-seat international stadium, calling it a significant milestone in the state's development plans.
He praised KHB Chairman and MLA Shivalingegowda and Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan for their efforts in taking up the project.
"Every individual dreams of having a roof over their head. With land prices rising sharply, KHB is providing affordable housing sites for poor and middle-class families," the Chief Minister said.
Siddaramaiah also announced that administrative approval has been granted for the construction of key connecting roads in Jigani hobli to support the area's development, and officials have been instructed to begin the work soon.
He said that the Housing Department has already distributed more than three lakh houses and residential sites across Karnataka during the current phase.
"Hence, through sports, tourism, employment generation and economic development, we have laid the foundation for the region's comprehensive progress," the Chief Minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, KHB Chairman Shivalingegowda, Anekal MLA Shivanna, senior legislators T.B. Jayachandra and Krishnappa, former MP D.K. Suresh, Slum Development Board Chairman and MLA Abbayya, MLC Ramoji Gowda, and Guarantee Implementation Committee Chairman H.M. Revanna were among those present at the event.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who follows Indian cricket closely, this is exciting news. The revenue from stadium tourism and local economy boost could be substantial. But I do wonder about the environmental clearance and traffic impact on surrounding areas. Infrastructure without proper planning creates more problems than solutions.
"Namma Mane" housing scheme and stadium both launched together... good balance. But why is KHB using its funds for a stadium instead of more housing for poor? 😕 Middle-class families still struggling for affordable homes in Bangalore. Priorities need to be questioned!
An 80,000-seat stadium is ambitious. The Ahmedabad stadium is massive but maintenance is huge. Karnataka should learn from their model. Also, will this get ICC matches? Need proper drainage system and floodlights. Hope KHB has experienced sports infrastructure consultants on board.
He is distributing housing sites to landowners who gave land for housing project - that's a clever strategy to avoid legal disputes. Our politicians are getting smarter these days. But let's see if roads and basic amenities come before the cricket stadium actually becomes operational! 😅
Finally Bangalore gets a stadium worthy of its cricket culture! With Namma Metro expanding, connectivity to Suryanagar will improve. My only concern is: KHB selling residential sites to generate Rs 20,000 crore - this means even more land acquisition and displacement? Impact on farmers and villagers must be addressed transparently.
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