AHMEDABAD: The foundation stone for the "world's biggest cricket stadium", coming up in Motera area here and estimated to cost in the region of Rs7 billion, was laid Monday.
On the occasion, Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) vice president Parimal Nathwani announced that the construction of the new stadium, being built in place of the old 'Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium', would be completed within two years.
"Upon completion, this new stadium at Motera will be the biggest cricket stadium in the world with seating capacity of 1.10 lakh (110,000), putting behind the Melbourne stadium (in Australia), which accommodates 90,000 spectators," PTI quoted Nathwani as claiming.
The MCG replaced Eden Gardens in Kolkata as the world's biggest stadium when the iconic venue had its capacity reduced following redevelopment.
Noted architect firm 'M/s. Populous' has been roped in as the principle architect to design the stadium. This is the same firm which had designed the Melbourne Cricket Ground, said Nathwani.
The old stadium, which had a seating capacity of 54,000, was razed recently by the GCA to build the new stadium, spread across 63 acres.
"The total cost of the the project is estimated at Rs700 crore (Rs7 billion). The stadium will have 76 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a club house and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Engineering firm 'L&T' has awarded the work to build this stadium through tender process," said Nathwani.
To cope up with the traffic congestion issues, which is common during matches, Nathwani announced that the stadium will have three entry points instead of one.
"In the new stadium, traffic will be segregated in three directions. Apart from the old Sabarmati to Motera road, there is a plan to integrate Metro Rail, which will pass from here. Third option is to link the Sabarmati Riverfront road with the stadium," said Nathwani.
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