Karnal Stadium Overhaul Stalled: Two-Year Delay Sparks Outrage
The ambitious redevelopment of Karna Stadium in Karnal, a flagship project under the Smart City initiative, is facing significant setbacks. The executing agency’s work order has been terminated, pushing back the completion date by a full two years.
This unexpected development leaves the first phase of the project, budgeted at ₹23.95 crore and originally slated for completion in May 2024, incomplete. The second phase, estimated to cost ₹12.59 crore, is now further delayed.
New tenders will have to be floated for the remaining works, adding to the project’s already considerable cost and timeline overruns. This delay has understandably caused frustration among local sports enthusiasts.
The extended timeline raises serious questions about the efficacy of the Smart City project’s implementation and its ability to deliver on its promises. The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the execution of such large-scale public works. The impact on upcoming sporting events and the morale of local athletes remains a key concern.
