Jamshedpur: Jaipal Singh Stadium construction cost soars by four times in six years

Stadium cost jumps to Rs 8.86 Crore from Rs 2.20 Crore

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: The long-delayed Jaipal Singh Stadium in Karandih is finally set to be constructed, but at a significantly higher cost. Originally budgeted at Rs 2.20 crore in 2018, the project’s cost has now risen to Rs 8.86 crore, a fourfold increase. The decision to proceed with the construction comes after years of delays and complications, with work set to begin soon.

In 2018, the Rural Development Special Division issued a tender for the stadium’s construction, but issues arose when the contractor, authorized by the then Deputy District Commissioner (DDC), began filling large pits in the uneven ground with fly ash. However, this work was halted due to protests from local Panchayat Samiti members.

The original plans for the stadium included a ground size of 120 x 90 meters, but after objections from locals, the size was increased to 220 x 135 meters, contributing to the increase in costs. Additionally, about six years of delays have led to the significant rise in expenditure.

The stadium’s foundation stone has been laid twice: first by MP Bidyut Baran Mahto and former MLA Maneka Sardar in 2018, and again this year by MLA Sanjeev Sardar. However, the project faced a significant setback in the form of a dispute with the contractor. Local Panchayat leaders had stopped the work, which led to the cancellation of the tender by the then Deputy Commissioner.

Following the cancellation, the contractor took the issue to the High Court, and a legal battle ensued. To avoid an unfavourable outcome, the administration reached a compromise with the contractor, allowing him to continue with the project. The long-standing dispute was resolved, and construction is now set to begin, despite the cost escalation and delays.

This stadium is expected to be a significant infrastructure project for the area, but its prolonged development and increasing costs have raised questions about administrative efficiency.