The construction of the Thomas Sebastian Indoor Stadium in Edava, Varkala, developed by the sports and youth affairs department, has entered its final stage. The long-delayed project, with an estimated cost of Rs 34 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Funding and Features
Built with funding support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the two-storey modern sports complex is anticipated to provide a major boost to sports infrastructure in Varkala. The stadium will feature courts for volleyball, basketball, handball, and shuttle badminton, along with a 2,400-square-meter playing field, a sevens football ground, and a swimming pool. The project also includes a gallery with a seating capacity of 1,000 spectators, with provisions for dormitory and hostel facilities in future phases.
Current Status
Officials confirmed that the structural works of the stadium have been completed. Remaining tasks include flooring for basketball, volleyball, and kabaddi facilities, completion of the swimming pool, and installation of sports equipment. A sports department official stated, "The project had faced delays earlier due to issues related to finalization of the design structure and subsequent discontinuation of work by the contractor. Following re-tendering, construction activities have gained momentum and are now in the final stage."
Historical Context
The dream of establishing a sports stadium in Edava dates back nearly four decades. In 1987, local sports enthusiasts formed a committee to construct a stadium in the village. In 1989, residents contributed donations ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 2,000 to purchase 5.25 acres of land, which was later handed over to the panchayat. However, financial constraints prevented the panchayat from taking up construction, leading to the transfer of the land to the sports council in 2003. The state government later included the project in the 2016-17 budget and allocated funds through the sports council.
Recent Developments
In 2019, KITCO took over the construction work with a project estimate of Rs 34.25 crore. However, the project stalled again before being re-tendered in January 2025 to the Sports Kerala Foundation for Rs 26 crore. With construction now in its final phase, the long-awaited stadium is set to become a reality by the end of 2025.
