Shivaji Stadium touches finish line, a year too late

In two weeks, it will be a year since Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games. Shivaji Stadium, which was to serve as the practice venue for hockey, is still being renovated.

In two weeks, it will be a year since Delhi hosted the Commonwealth Games. Shivaji Stadium, which was to serve as the practice venue for hockey, is still being renovated.

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The New Delhi Municipal Council, tasked with getting the stadium Games-ready, says the work is almost done. The Capital can hope to see the all-new Shivaji Stadium by December.

The play area, the four-storey building and the parking are 95% ready, says the civic body, which came in for criticism for delay in executing Games works.

The NMDC is, however, undecided on the commercial use of the building — the rent to be charged and whether to open the parking for public use.

“The commercial aspect is to be decided by the NDMC’ political wing. The building is complete and fittings are being made,” said a senior civic body engineer, who didn't wish to be identified.

The NDMC had tried to lay the turf by October last year but rains and tenders came in the way, said officials.

The panel appointed by the Prime Minister to look into Games graft cases has termed as “unwarranted” the renovation expenditure of Rs185 crore. The cost shot up as allocated funds weren’t enough for a modern structure, said senior NDMC officials.