Dimapur's long-delayed sports complex gains momentum as construction advances and government pursues SAI partnership for completion
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DIMAPUR — Nearly two decades after work began, the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) at Dimapur is finally showing visible signs of progress, raising hopes that Nagaland's largest sports infrastructure project may move closer to completion after years of delays caused largely by funding constraints.
Major structural works are currently underway at the stadium, with steel girders being installed over the main structure. The development comes as Nagaland government moves forward with plans to partner with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for the completion and operationalisation of the long-pending project.
A visit to the site showed that more than half of the steel girder structure has already been installed. An engineer associated with the construction work informed that installation of the steel girders commenced in April and has been progressing steadily.
According to the engineer, the next phase will involve laying purlins across the top chords of the girders, followed by installation of roofing sheets.
Flooring and wall construction works are also being carried out simultaneously in different sections of the complex.
However, he added that the pace of construction depends largely on the availability of funds, stressing that construction activities cannot proceed smoothly without adequate financial support.
Managing Director of NN Construction & Decors, Nibu Nagi, echoed similar concerns, stating that the timely completion of the project is contingent upon the release of funds.
On reports that the facility could be handed over to SAI after completion of roofing and walling works, Nagi said that the matter rests entirely with the government and is beyond his scope of responsibility.
He stated that he had not received any official communication regarding such a move and had only learnt about it through media reports.
Nagi, however, maintained that once the works assigned under the existing work order are completed, he would have no objection to handing over the project to the government.
He also said that maintaining a facility of such scale would involve considerable expenditure and expressed the view that handing over the stadium to SAI would be a practical decision given the high maintenance costs involved.
Expressing optimism about the project, Nagi said that if funds are made available on schedule, the stadium could be completed by the end of 2027.
He informed that major works remaining include installation of turf and lighting systems, construction of the VIP gallery and several ancillary components.
The latest progress on the ground comes against the backdrop of the government's efforts to bring SAI on board for completion and operation of the facility.
During the Eighth Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed the House that the government is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with SAI for the completion and operationalisation of the sports complex.
According to the chief minister, the draft MoU is currently with the Law and Justice Department for vetting. The government has stated that a total of INR 140 crore has been sanctioned for the project so far.
The sports complex, spread across 64.25 acres, is among the largest infrastructure projects undertaken in the state’s sports sector. Officials have confirmed that the entire area has been fenced and that there are no issues relating to land encroachment.
The project was originally conceived in 2006-07 as a main athletic stadium with an RCC gallery structure and a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.
The initial estimated cost was INR 60.57 crore.
Funding for the project was initially provided by the erstwhile Planning Commission, which released about INR 43 crore between 2006-07 and 2010-11.
Following the cessation of central funding, the state government infused INR 10 crore during 2011-12.
Subsequently, the state government released another INR 87 crore between 2019-20 and 2024-25, taking the total sanctioned amount to INR 140 crore.
The project's prolonged delay has largely been attributed to piecemeal funding over the years. Rising construction costs, additional structural requirements and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax have further increased the overall financial outlay.
According to current estimates, around INR 267 crore will be required to complete the sports complex, including additional works and GST components.