The stadium, situated in the heart of PM Modi’s parliamentary constituency, aims to blend modern sports infrastructure with traditional Indian aesthetics, paying homage to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The sprawling stadium, expected to cost approximately ₹451 crore, is a joint project between the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It symbolizes a significant stride towards realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of creating world-class sports facilities across India.
Drawing Inspiration from Lord Shiva
One of the most striking features of the proposed stadium is its architectural design, inspired by the revered deity Lord Shiva and the ancient city of Kashi (Varanasi). The stadium’s facade will bear features reminiscent of the holy city, with roofs resembling a crescent, which is symbolic of Lord Shiva, and floodlights shaped like tridents, another iconic representation of the deity.
“The stadium’s galleries will be styled like Kashi’s ghats, and huge motifs of ‘bilva patra,’ an essential offering to Lord Shiva, will adorn metallic frames,” shared Kaushal Raj Sharma, Divisional Commissioner. “The pavilion and VIP lounge will be shaped like ‘damru,’ the distinctive pellet drum associated with Lord Shiva.”
Cricketing Legends in Attendance
The foundation-laying ceremony was graced by cricketing legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, and Dilip Vengsarkar, who joined PM Modi in this momentous occasion. Key officials from the BCCI, including President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajiv Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah, were also present.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the new stadium for the region. “This stadium in the city of ‘Mahadev’ (Lord Shiva) will be dedicated to ‘Mahadev’ himself. The sportspersons here will benefit from the construction of an international stadium in Kashi. This stadium will become the star of the Purvanchal region,” said PM Modi.
He also extended his best wishes to athletes participating in the Asian Games, highlighting the government’s support for sports in India. “The success India is witnessing in sports is evidence of the change in outlook towards sports. The government is helping sportspersons at every level,” he added.
A Grand Endeavor
The stadium project is a collaborative effort, with the Uttar Pradesh government allocating ₹121 crore for land acquisition, and the BCCI investing ₹330 crore in the construction. With a seating capacity of 30,000, the stadium is set to become a prominent venue for cricket enthusiasts and players alike.
Positioned in the Rajatalab vicinity, near the Ring Road, the stadium is expected to be fully operational by December 2025, offering state-of-the-art facilities for both athletes and spectators.
A Symbol of Development
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Varanasi not only marked the foundation stone-laying for the international cricket stadium but also included the dedication of 16 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas built across Uttar Pradesh. These projects, amounting to approximately ₹1,115 crore, underscore the government’s commitment to fostering education and sports infrastructure in the region.
As the ceremony concluded, the grandeur of the new stadium and the dedication to preserving Varanasi’s cultural heritage were evident. Prime Minister Modi’s vision of combining modernity with tradition, as seen in this unique cricket stadium, reflects the changing landscape of sports infrastructure in India, marking a golden chapter in the city’s rich history.
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