Uttar Pradesh: Yogi govt fast-tracks Gorakhpur international cricket stadium project

The Yogi Adityanath government has fast-tracked preparations for Uttar Pradesh's fourth international cricket stadium to boost sports infrastructure in the state.

While international matches are currently held in Kanpur and Lucknow, and construction work of the Varanasi stadium nears completion, work on the Gorakhpur International Cricket Stadium -- ”one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's dream projects -- ”has officially begun, the UP government said in a statement on Monday.

Aligned with CM Adityanath's vision, the Planning Department has prepared a detailed blueprint for the project.

The plan outlines that construction and development will be completed within 18 months on a 50-acre site at Tal Nadaur, Gorakhpur, with an estimated investment of Rs 236.40 crore.

The main stadium complex will be spread over 45 acres, while auxiliary facilities will be developed on the remaining 5 acres. The stadium will be situated 23.6 km from the airport, 22 km from Raptinagar bus stand, and 20.8 km from Gorakhpur railway station. To enhance accessibility, a connecting road linking the stadium to the Gorakhpur-Varanasi Highway (NH-24) is also planned, it said.

This two-storey cricket stadium will be constructed to meet the standards of global organisations, including the ICC.

It will feature seven main pitches and four practice pitches, with a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators. Designed as a multi-purpose venue, the stadium will be capable of hosting international cricket matches as well as other large-scale events.

The Gorakhpur International Cricket Stadium is being developed under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model. The project includes the construction of entry gates, security checkpoints, east and west stands, and north and south pavilions within the stadium complex.

Parking facilities will accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles. Both the east and west stands will have a seating capacity of 14,490 each, totaling 28,980 seats.