Karnataka Government Approves ₹2,350 Crore Anekal International Cricket Stadium Project

On Thursday, the Karnataka government approved building a new international cricket stadium and sports complex in Anekal, a town in Bengaluru Urban district. This decision came after officials found that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was not safe or suitable for large crowds, especially after the stampede in Bengaluru last year during the RCB celebrations following their first IPL trophy win.

The new international cricket stadium and sports complex in Anekal will cost around ₹2,350 crore to build. It will be set up on a 75-acre land in Indlavadi village. The stadium will be much bigger than the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with a seating capacity of about 80,000 compared to the current 38,000.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil said the cabinet has approved the plan and asked the Housing Department to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and study how practical the project is. The DPR will look into the project’s size, building costs, technical needs, safety steps, effect on the environment and long-term maintenance plans.

The Anekal stadium will be Karnataka’s third international cricket venue, after the ones in Mysuru and Tumakuru. It will have a seating capacity of 80,000, which is more than double that of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that holds 38,000 people. The sports complex will also include facilities for 24 indoor and outdoor games and a 3,000-seat auditorium, making it one of the biggest sports centers in India.

The decision was made because the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has space and infrastructure problems. No international match has been played there since June 2025, when a tragic stampede during the RCB victory celebrations took 11 lives and injured many others. The Justice John Michael Cunha Commission later advised that major cricket matches should be moved to safer and better-equipped stadiums.

The Anekal project is expected to boost development in the area. Roads, parking, water, electricity, and other facilities will be improved to manage large crowds. Public transport, security, and emergency services will also be upgraded. These changes are likely to attract tourists, real estate investors, and new businesses, helping the local economy in both the short and long run.

The stadium will serve many purposes, hosting concerts, business events, and cultural programs throughout the year. It will have modern features like VIP lounges, media centers, LED screens, floodlights, and fan zones to give visitors and players a great experience. There will also be easy access for people with disabilities, digital ticketing, and smart crowd control systems to ensure safety and comfort.

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