Karnataka Govt To Build 60,000-Seat Multi-Purpose Stadium In Bengaluru Following Stampede

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that around 50 acres of land have already been identified for the proposed stadium in Bengaluru.

The stadium project is part of a broader Rs 1 lakh crore infrastructure roadmap for Bengaluru.

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In a significant step towards upgrading Bengaluru's urban and sports infrastructure, the Karnataka government has unveiled plans to construct a modern, multi-purpose stadium with a seating capacity of 60,000. The announcement follows the deadly stampede on June 4 near M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL celebration, which claimed 11 lives and left many injured.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, speaking at the 516th birth anniversary celebration of Bengaluru’s founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, confirmed that around 50 acres of land have already been identified for the proposed stadium, reported The New Indian Express. The sports complex is reportedly set to come up in north or south of Bengaluru. Former MP DK Suresh has reportedly shortlisted three potential sites for the project. However, the exact locations have not been revealed.

DK Shivakumar announced the new stadium project at the event organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture, BBMP, and the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Development Authority. 

Bengaluru Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede

The need for improved infrastructure became evident after the June 4 stampede, which occurred when an estimated 3 lakh people flooded the area around the 35,000-seat Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL victory celebrations. The tragic outcome raised serious concerns over crowd management and event planning in the city.

In response to public outrage, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had acknowledged the logistical constraints of hosting large events in the city center and hinted at shifting future facilities to more suitable locations. The new stadium proposal aligns with this vision, aiming to alleviate pressure on downtown areas and improve public safety during major events.

The stadium project is part of a broader Rs 1 lakh crore infrastructure roadmap for Bengaluru, which includes a network of new flyovers, tunnel roads, and public transport upgrades to meet the demands of the city’s rapidly growing population.