Stadium Revamp Stalled as Earth-Filling Tenders Fail Repeatedly
The long-awaited rejuvenation project of Subhash Stadium in Sonepat has hit a major roadblock, with repeated tenders for earth-filling work failing to attract any bidders. The stadium, located in a low-lying area approximately 10-12 feet below the main road level, requires extensive soil filling before any construction can begin. According to PWD Executive Engineer Anil Kamboj, tenders have been floated four or five times, but no agency has come forward due to the market rate of soil being higher than government-approved rates.
Facilitation Centre Remains Incomplete Midway
Adding to the delays, the construction of a three-storey facilitation centre at the stadium has been stalled midway. Initially allotted around Rs 3.60 crore, the project was halted, and a revised estimate of Rs 5.40 crore received administrative approval. A work order was awarded to a contractor in February 2026, but work has not yet started. District Sports Officer Manoj Kumar confirmed that a notice has been issued to the contractor for failing to commence work, and the contractor has been summoned for discussions.
Rs 13.51 Crore Estimate Sent for Administrative Approval
Despite these setbacks, the PWD Department has moved forward with the broader rejuvenation project. A rough cost estimate of Rs 13.51 crore has been sent to the Director General of Sports and Youth Welfare for administrative approval. The project includes the construction of a multipurpose hall measuring 125 feet by 76.6 feet, which will house three badminton courts, one volleyball court, and one kabaddi court. Additionally, a 200-metre-long, six-lane synthetic track will be developed.
MLA Nikhil Madaan Raises Concerns in Assembly
The issue was raised by local MLA Nikhil Madaan during Zero Hour in the winter session of the Haryana Assembly. He highlighted the need for modern sports facilities, including an indoor stadium for wrestling, kabaddi, basketball, and handball, as well as a modern gym, toilets, and dressing rooms. Madaan also pointed out the severe waterlogging during rains due to the stadium's low elevation and demanded soil filling to resolve the issue.
Minister Responds with Soil Filling Plan
In response, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Welfare Gaurav Gautam stated that the stadium would be filled with soil at a cost of Rs 66 lakh and shared details of the detailed project report (DPR) for the stadium's rejuvenation.
Facilitation Centre Design and Current Status
The stalled facilitation centre is designed to be a three-storey building. The ground floor will include a nutrition room, VIP lounge, gym, lockers for boys and girls, and toilets. The first floor will house a staff room, store rooms, a sports knowledge centre, a sports facilitator’s office, a girls’ instructor’s room, and girls’ changing rooms. The second floor will comprise four dormitories—two for boys and two for girls—and a caretaker’s room.
Daily Operations Continue Despite Delays
District Sports Officer Manoj Kumar noted that a handball training centre is operational at the stadium, and around 200 people, including daily walkers and youth preparing for competitive examinations, visit the stadium every day. He expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, stating, "The work on the facilitation centre has remained stalled for a long time. Although the PWD Department has awarded the tender, the contractor has not started the work."
PWD Official Cites Rate Discrepancy for Tender Failures
Executive Engineer Anil Kamboj explained the repeated tender failures: "The market rate of soil used for earth filling is higher than the government-approved rates, which is why no contractor has shown interest." He added that the department has once again invited tenders at the same government-approved rates, hoping for a response.
