The much-awaited construction of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur, Chitwan, is moving forward as work on the ground and pitch is set to begin. The contractor company, Himalayan Himalayan-Kalinchowk BBR JV, has brought in a Bangladeshi curator to oversee the process, ensuring high-quality standards.
Advanced Drainage System for the Ground
Before laying the pitch, the existing soil will be removed, and a drainage system will be installed to prevent waterlogging. According to Bharatpur Metropolitan City’s senior division engineer Santosh Acharya, the design includes a top layer of water-absorbing soil, allowing the field to remain dry even during rain. The work on both the field and the pitch will proceed simultaneously.
Five Pitches to Be Built
The stadium will feature five separate pitches. Since the contract agreement was signed on July 7, progress has been steady, with over 15% of the total work already completed. The contractor company is currently working on the foundation of two VIP towers, including dressing rooms. Additionally, the construction of the parapet stands is moving forward.
From a Stalled Project to a Revived Dream
Initially, the project was led by the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation but was halted in August 2021 due to financial constraints. After nearly two years of inactivity, Bharatpur Metropolitan City took over the responsibility. The project resumed in July 2024, with funding contributions from federal, provincial, and local governments. Over 200 workers are currently engaged in the construction work daily.
Addressing Challenges and Plans
Despite progress, the contractor company has cited cement shortages as a reason for not advancing as quickly as planned. In the first phase, a parapet with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators will be completed. Previously, the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation had already built a parapet structure for 3,000 spectators and installed 286 pillars.
Engineer Acharya confirmed that modern drainage technology will be incorporated into the field, and the stadium will feature two three-story VIP towers. One tower will accommodate VIPs and players, while the other will house media, umpires, and corporate boxes. The western parapet is currently being prepared for slab casting, and by mid-March, the progress is expected to reach 20%. Acharya also stated that by April, the first-floor slab for both towers will be completed.
Renu Dahal Assures Budget Availability
Bharatpur Mayor Renu Dahal has assured that there will be no financial hurdles in completing the stadium. She revealed that the federal government has allocated NPR 250 million for the project in the current fiscal year, while the provincial government has contributed NPR 100 million, and Bharatpur Metropolitan City has allocated NPR 50 million.
Last year, on February 6, the Bagmati Provincial Government pledged NPR 525 million for the project. Some of the funds have already been mobilized for initial construction work. “There will be no budget shortage. The 70/30 cost-sharing ratio with the provincial government has been secured,” Mayor Dahal stated. “We will facilitate every necessary step to ensure the stadium’s timely completion.”
Declared a National Pride Project
Recognizing its significance, the federal cabinet declared the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium a National Pride Project on November 9, 2024. The government has decided to complete the remaining work through a coordinated effort involving all three levels of government.
The first phase of construction is set to be completed within the next 22 months, with a total project duration of 30 months. Once this phase is finished, work will begin on adding 15,000 more seats, installing chairs, and setting up floodlights, further enhancing the stadium’s facilities.
With momentum building and financial backing secured, the dream of a world-class cricket stadium in Nepal is finally becoming a reality.
