Bengaluru to Get 80,000-Seat Cricket Stadium and Multi-Sport Complex

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday gave its in-principle approval for the construction of a world-class cricket stadium and multi-sport complex at Anekal taluk in Bengaluru Urban district, marking a major step toward enhancing the state's sporting infrastructure. The proposed ₹2,350 crore project will be among the most ambitious sports infrastructure developments in southern India.

Third International Stadium for Karnataka

The facility will be built on 75 acres of land at Suryanagar Fourth Stage Extension in Indlavadi village. Designed as a state-of-the-art sports complex, it will be capable of hosting international cricket matches along with 24 other indoor and outdoor sports.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil confirmed the Cabinet's approval of the proposal by the Housing Department. "The Cabinet has approved the plan to build the stadium and directed the department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and conduct a viability study," he stated.

If realised, the Anekal project will become Karnataka's third international cricket stadium, after similar projects in Mysuru and Tumakuru.

Grand Design and Features

Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan revealed that the new stadium will have a seating capacity of 80,000 spectators, making it one of the largest in India. The complex will also feature a 3,000-seat auditorium, training academies, athlete hostels, fitness centres, and eco-friendly green zones for public use.

"With these world-class facilities, it will become one of the most advanced sports complexes in the country," said Khan.

Addressing Bengaluru's Long-standing Need

Officials noted that the project addresses Bengaluru's shortage of large sporting venues. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with a capacity of 38,000, has not hosted an international match since 2004 following a tragic incident during IPL celebrations.

The new Anekal complex will meet modern safety, accessibility, and crowd management standards, aligning with recommendations from the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission.

Economic and Sporting Impact

Officials estimate that the project will generate significant employment opportunities and support sports tourism in the region. It also aims to provide a professional platform for grassroots athletes and decentralise sports facilities across Karnataka.

Smaller cities like Mysuru and Tumakuru will also benefit, as the government envisions a network of international-level venues to host national and global tournaments.

Other Cabinet Decisions

The Cabinet also approved input subsidies for farmers affected by floods and heavy rain. Compensation rates were raised above NDRF/SDRF guidelines, covering 12.82 lakh hectares of damaged farmland, reaffirming the government's dual focus on agriculture and infrastructure growth.

A New Era for Karnataka Sports

Once completed, the Anekal stadium will mark the beginning of a new era for Karnataka's sports infrastructure. The facility aims to elevate Bengaluru's status as a global sports hub while complementing its reputation as a tech and innovation capital.

With the DPR and feasibility studies set to begin soon, the ₹2,350 crore project promises to transform Karnataka into one of India's leading destinations for international sporting events.