Follow Us
Nitish Sharma
Tribune News Service
Ambala, June 19
With the upgrade work of the War Heroes Memorial Stadium running behind schedule, the project is likely to miss its August end deadline this year. The stadium in Ambala Cantonment is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 50 crore.
Polyturf for football and synthetic track for athletics are the main facility at the stadium, which would also have floodlights, a three-storey pavilion for spectators, gymnasium and offices.
The Olympic standard polyturf from Italy and the athletic track have already arrived, but the ground work is yet to be completed. Similarly stands, pavilion, lift and other structures are under construction.
The project started in April 2017 and was to be completed in April this year. However, the date of completion of the project was extended till August end, which was likely to miss the deadline.
An official on condition of anonymity said, “It is a big project. Extra time is required to complete the project as some changes have been made after the work started. The entire electrification work is pending, sheds are to be constructed and base of the ground is yet to be prepared. The turf will be laid after the base is ready.”
An official of the Public Works (B&R) Department said, “The project deadline has been fixed as August end. Efforts are being made to complete the project at the earliest. It may take another 15 to 20 days after the deadline to complete the project.”
Deputy Director (Sports) Arun Kant, said, “We have been told by the contractor as well as the PWD (B&R) Department that the work will be completed by August end. The contractor has increased the labour and the work is being done till late night here. The leveling work of the ground has been done and we are hopeful that the project will be completed soon.”
State Health and Sports Minister Anil Vij said, “The project has been running behind its schedule. Earlier, it was to be completed in April, but the date was extended to August end. It is a big project. I have asked officials and the contractor to get the stadium upgraded within the stipulated time and also ensure that it meets the Olympic standards.”