Odisha government to give massive refurbishment to Cuttack's Barabati stadium

The Odisha government is planning a significant refurbishment for Cuttack's iconic Barabati stadium. The stadium is expected to be dismantled and renovated as part of the proposed redevelopment plan. The Barabati Stadium was constructed in 1952. Later, the process of installing corporate boxes, and floodlights, and expanding the stadium's capacity began under the guidance of Ashirbad Behera, the former secretary of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA).

For the renovation, a vision document was created and submitted to the state government, according to OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera. He went on to say that an integrated project and more seating were required, and according to the plans, the stadium's capacity will be raised to 60,000 seats.

“There was a need for an integrated project and increase in seating capacity as fans in the state wish to watch matches here at Barabati. Hence, renovation work is highly needed. As per plans, the stadium seating capacity will be increased to 60,000. The foundation stone for the development plan will be laid on February 27 and work will start soon,” Behera was quoted as saying by Odishatv.in.

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Earlier on February 21, the 5T chairman met with OCA President Pranab Prakash Das and other officials at the Barabati Stadium. The transformation of the stadium with 60,000 seating capacity will be taken up, according to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Moreover, the region around Barabati Stadium will be transformed into a premier sports complex which will have amenities for athletes, including cricket players. The project would also include parking, galleries, food courts, and restrooms for spectators in accordance with international standards.

"As directed by CM @Naveen_Odisha, Chairman #5T and #NabinOdisha, Kartik Pandian visited Barabati stadium and discussed with Odisha Cricket Association President Pranab Prakash Das and other officials regarding cricket development in state. He reviewed plans for transformation of #Barabati cricket stadium with 60,000 seating capacity to be taken up under #5T transformation initiative of #Odisha Govt. #OdishaForCricket," CMO Odisha wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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See X post:

As directed by CM @Naveen_Odisha, Chairman #5T and #NabinOdisha, Kartik Pandian visited Barabati stadium and discussed with Odisha Cricket Association President Pranab Prakash Das and other officials regarding cricket development in state. He reviewed plans for transformation of… pic.twitter.com/O9fdgpdP7x

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) February 21, 2024

Here are other highlights of Barabati transformation project 

A five-star hotel, offices, and a shopping mall are planned for the area next to Barabati Stadium. A public plaza is also going to be constructed in front of the stadium. In addition, a top-notch State-level cricket league with enough broadcasting infrastructure is probably going to be held this year to boost the competitiveness of cricket players in Odisha. The CMO also confirmed that the Odisha Women's Cricket Academy will soon begin operational in Puri.