The international cricket stadium under construction in Varanasi is rapidly nearing its final form. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this stadium in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on September 23, 2023, and the project is now more than 70% complete.
Ganjari Stadium Varanasi: The Ganjari International Cricket Stadium, being built in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, is now rapidly progressing towards completion. Approximately 70 percent of the construction work on this modern stadium, located in Ganjari village of Rajatalab tehsil, has been completed. This stadium is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream project and is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Capacity of 30,000 Spectators, Cost of 450 Crores
The Ganjari Stadium is being built at a cost of approximately 450 crore rupees, and the construction work has been entrusted to India's leading infrastructure company, Larsen & Toubro (L&T). This stadium will be spread over 30.66 acres and will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators. The target is to complete the first phase of work by the end of this year.
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of this much-awaited stadium on September 23, 2023. Prior to this, in April 2023, he announced the construction of an international cricket stadium in Varanasi. Within just five months, a major step was taken towards construction by performing the ground-breaking ceremony.
L&T Responsible for 30 Years of Maintenance
The design, construction, and operation of this stadium are the responsibility of L&T, which will also be responsible for its maintenance for the next 30 years. The company took a year to prepare the design and master plan. Construction work is proceeding smoothly, and in the second phase, after the first phase is completed, other structures, including multi-level parking, will be constructed.
- Stadium to be equipped with modern facilities
- This stadium is being discussed not only for its grand size but also for its state-of-the-art facilities. These include:
- Grass cricket ground conforming to international standards
- More than 18 practice pitches
- Dressing rooms, physiotherapy rooms, medical center
- Media center, commentator boxes, VIP and VVIP boxes
- Broadcast platform, recording booth, food kiosks
- Ramps and special seating arrangements for the disabled
- Multi-level parking for 1500 four-wheeled vehicles
Glimpse of Sanatan Culture
The architecture of Ganjari Stadium is connected to Indian Sanatan culture. Its roof is being made crescent-shaped, the spectator gallery is being made like the steps of the Ganges ghats, and the floodlight poles are being made in the shape of a trident. In addition, the pavilions, media and commentator boxes have been given the shape of a 'damru' (a small two-headed drum), while the entrance will be in the form of 'belpatra' (leaves of the bael tree). This design reflects the sentiment dedicated to Lord Shiva.
With regard to the proposed 2026 T-20 World Cup to be held in India, high expectations are being placed on the Ganjari Stadium. Officials of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) recently visited the stadium under construction and expressed the possibility that if the construction is completed on time, one or two World Cup matches could be held here.
Players will get a big advantage
With the construction of Ganjari Stadium, young cricketers from Purvanchal, Uttar Pradesh, and neighboring states – such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh – will have access to international-level facilities. This will also create opportunities to host domestic tournaments, Ranji Trophy, and matches of teams like India-A. Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has planned to develop a township in 150 acres around Ganjari Stadium.
This will include budget hotels, luxury hotels, supermarkets, shopping malls, and commercial facilities. This area can become a major sports and tourism hub in the times to come.
