The long-pending dream of an international cricket stadium in Ghaziabad has moved a significant step closer to reality. The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has approved the draft layout of the proposed stadium prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), clearing major hurdles that had delayed the project for years.

An important meeting was held on Monday at the GDA conference hall, attended by Rakesh Mishra, UPCA’s coordinator for the project, along with officials from the land acquisition, engineering, and planning departments. During the meeting, the GDA’s planning department examined the draft plan and granted its consent.

ALSO READ: North Eastern Railway Changes Timetable For 107 Trains Effective January 1: Check Revised Timings

The UPCA is now expected to submit a formal application for final approval. Another joint meeting between the GDA and UPCA is likely to take place within the next ten days. After finalising the plan, the approval process will be completed through an online application system to ensure swift clearance without objections.

The proposed stadium, to be constructed in the Morti area of Rajnagar Extension, will be spread across 31 to 32 acres under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The facility will have an initial seating capacity of around 55,000 spectators, with scope for future expansion. The stadium complex will include parking facilities for 2,510 vehicles, and a dedicated traffic management plan will be developed to prevent congestion in the surrounding area.

According to project estimates, the UPCA has already acquired the land for approximately Rs 70 crore, while construction costs are expected to reach Rs 450 crore. An MoU between the UPCA and GDA is set to be signed soon. Under the new development framework, the GDA may waive land conversion and map approval fees, offering major financial relief to the project.

ALSO READ: Bihar's HBYC Program To Cover All 38 Districts; Over 63,700 ASHA Workers Trained | What Is It?

Notably, the proposal for a cricket stadium in Ghaziabad has remained stuck since 2014 due to disputes over Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and land-use regulations. 

“With the implementation of new building bylaws, these issues have now been resolved, reviving hopes that Ghaziabad will soon host a modern international cricket venue,” said Nand Kishore Kalal, Vice-Chairman, GDA.