Bengaluru is poised to receive a major boost to its sports infrastructure with the development of a new international cricket stadium and integrated sports complex in Anekal taluk, near Bannerghatta National Park. The project, spread across 75 acres, marks the city's biggest sporting infrastructure expansion in decades.
India's Second-Largest Cricket Stadium
The proposed stadium will accommodate 80,000 spectators, making it India's second-largest cricket venue after Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. This will significantly expand Karnataka's capacity to host large-scale international sporting events, reducing pressure on the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Rs 943-Crore Multi-Sports Complex
The ambitious project, costing Rs 943 crore, includes advanced training facilities, modern sports infrastructure, and international-standard amenities. It aims to promote multiple sporting disciplines alongside cricket development and competitions in the Bengaluru region.
Location and Eco-Sensitive Zone Issue
The stadium complex is being developed at Indlawadi village in Anekal taluk, around 24 kilometres from Bengaluru city centre and close to Bannerghatta National Park. However, the project has sparked controversy because the proposed site falls within the original Eco-Sensitive Zone of Bannerghatta National Park, an issue currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Funding and Land Price Surge
The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) will finance the entire stadium project by auctioning corner sites across Karnataka, with authorities expecting nearly Rs 20,000 crore in revenue without direct government expenditure. Property rates around the proposed site have increased significantly, with land prices rising from nearly Rs 1,500 per square foot to Rs 5,000 recently.
Economic and Social Impact
Authorities believe the sports infrastructure project will boost tourism, create employment opportunities, support local economic growth, and provide modern facilities for aspiring athletes across Karnataka and neighbouring regions. Additionally, new residential projects featuring G+5 and G+10 towers with more than 100 three-bedroom apartments are being developed under KHB's 50:50 land-sharing model.
