Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium to Rise as a Joint Venture: Federal Approval and Funding Secured

The construction of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium is set to resume, backed by a joint investment from the three tiers of the government. Initially spearheaded by the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation, the project faced abandonment, only to be resurrected with the enthusiastic approval of the Federal Government.

The Bharatpur Metropolitan City, granted permission by the Council of Ministers, will collaborate with the provincial government to bring this ‘national pride’ project to fruition. Mayor Renu Dahal expressed her gratitude after the Federal Government granted consent on Tuesday, allowing the metropolis to take the lead in constructing the much-anticipated stadium.

Federal support for the project goes beyond approval, with funds being allocated in the form of grants for the construction of this sports infrastructure. The initial plan involved acquiring the necessary land through a land substitution basis; however, a recent update reveals that this provision has been waived. Instead, the Federal Government has greenlit the acquisition of land for 40 years, aligning with the Land Lease Act.

Mayor Dahal further disclosed that the Bharatpur Metropolitan City has already embarked on the construction process after finalizing land lease agreements with Tribhuvan University and the Agriculture and Forestry University. This marks a crucial step forward in the realization of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium.

While the Bagmati provincial government had initially pledged Rs 750 million for the construction, Mayor Dahal emphasized that a total of Rs 1 billion would be required to transform the stadium into a venue suitable for hosting national-level matches, in accordance with the metropolis’ comprehensive plan.

Mayor Dahal outlined the phased approach to the construction, highlighting that the first phase will focus on completing the pitch and parapet. This strategic progression aims to swiftly establish the stadium’s readiness for hosting cricket matches at a national level.

With joint efforts from multiple levels of government and a clear roadmap in place, the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium promises to become a cornerstone for cricket enthusiasts and a symbol of national pride in the near future.