PM Lays Foundation Stone of International Cricket Stadium, Varanasi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi today. The modern international cricket stadium will be developed in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi at about Rs 450 crores and spread over 30 acres. 

Key Highlights

The Prime Minister noted the significance of the venue, which is at the intersection of the route to Mata Vindhyavasini and its proximity with the village Motikot, the place from which Raj Narain ji hailed. 

• The Prime Minister highlighted that the design of the International stadium dedicated to Lord Mahadev has instilled a feeling of pride among the citizens of Kashi. 
• He said that the stadium would witness great cricket matches while the young athletes would get to train at a stadium with international standards. 
• He informed that under the new National Education Policy, sports is treated as a proper subject rather than an extracurricular activity. First National Sports University was established in Manipur. 
• He also said that in Uttar Pradesh, thousands of crore rupees are being spent to expand sports infrastructure. He mentioned the expansion of a sports college in Gorakhpur and the establishment of Major Dhyan Chand University in Meerut. 

About International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi 

The international cricket stadium in Varanasi will be a step towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision to develop modern world-class sports infrastructure. 

• The modern international cricket stadium will be developed in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi at about Rs 450 crores and spread over 30 acres. 
• The thematic architecture of this stadium draws inspiration from Lord Shiva, with designs developed for crescent-shaped roof covers, trident-shaped lights, ghat steps-based seating, and Bilvipatra-shaped metallic sheets on the facade. The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators.