GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday, July 12, inspected the ongoing construction of a 20,000-seat cricket stadium and a high-performance swimming pool coming up at Amingaon, adjacent to the National Centre of Excellence for Badminton.
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The Chief Minister said the cricket stadium is on track for completion within the next few months. He added that the state government is exploring a lease arrangement for adjoining railway land to build a multi-level parking facility for the venue.
The swimming pool, which is now ready for use, was also reviewed during the visit, along with two hostel blocks coming up within the complex. One hostel, with capacity for 100 beds, will house swimming and badminton trainees, while a larger 200-bed facility is being built for cricketers and coaches.
Sarma said the upcoming sports infrastructure at Amingaon is expected to work alongside the Sarusajai-based Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in hosting national and international sporting events for the state.
The swimming pool's operation and management will be handed over to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Chief Minister said. The facility has been designed to train 40 swimmers simultaneously and will be equipped to host national and international competitions.
During the visit, Sarma also inspected progress on the hostel projects and toured the National Centre of Excellence for Badminton, which he noted has produced several players who have gone on to represent India at the national and international level, establishing itself as one of the country's premier centres for the sport.
The Chief Minister further announced that a six-lane road would be built alongside the Kamrup District Commissioner's Office and the sports complex, providing direct connectivity between the National Highway and the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.
Sarma later visited the Inspection Bungalow at Amingaon, where he suggested improvements to enhance its appearance and overall upkeep.
Senior officials from the Public Works Department, Sports Department, and other concerned departments accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.