Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said that the best solution for construction of Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex at Dimapur is to hand it over to the Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Appreciating the concern raised regarding the construction of the Sports Complex at Dimapur, Rio, during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly noted that the issue has also been widely discussed on social media and has drawn considerable public attention.
He informed the House that the project, spread across 64.25 acres, is one of the largest sports infrastructure initiatives in the state. The entire area is fully fenced and free from encroachment. Initially, the complex was conceptualized as a major athletic stadium with a proposed seating capacity of 30,000. The RCC gallery structure alone was estimated at ₹60.57 crore during 2006–07.
Rio stated that during the tenure of the Planning Commission, the state government sought financial assistance since Nagaland lacked adequate internal resources. While the Planning Commission agreed to support the project, funds were released in installments of about ₹11 crore annually between 2006 and 2011, totaling ₹43 crore during that four-year period.
However, he admitted that at the time the vision and planning might not have been comprehensive, particularly regarding the construction of functional rooms and other facilities required for a stadium of such scale. Revised estimates were later submitted, but with the transition from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog and the introduction of the GST regime, funding support became uncertain, which slowed down the progress of the project.
Subsequently, the state government mobilized additional funds through capital investment and contributed ₹97 crore. Together with the earlier ₹43 crore, a total of ₹140 crore has been invested in the project so far. However, the total requirement has now escalated to approximately ₹267 crore, including GST and additional components.
Given the financial constraints, the Chief Minister said the most viable solution would be to hand over the complex to the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He explained that SAI would be able to complete the remaining construction and develop the complex into a national-standard coaching centre, benefiting the state’s sportspersons through professional training and national-level coaches.
Rio recalled meeting former Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, who deputed officials to inspect the stadium. After verification, an in-principle agreement was reached, although the process was later delayed due to changes in ministerial portfolios.
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He informed the House that the formalities have now been completed and that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is currently under process. The proposal is with the Law & Justice Department, and once cleared, the MoU will be signed with SAI’s regional directorate. After completing the roofing and walling works, the contractor will hand over the project to SAI to ensure better security and further development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for improved road connectivity to the stadium. With a seating capacity of 30,000, the complex currently has only one entry point, which is inadequate. He proposed at least three approach roads—from the south-east, north, and possibly from the west towards Dimapur College. Although two additional roads exist, they are narrow and would require expansion and compensation for land acquisition. A second survey has already been conducted in this regard.
He further stated that delays cannot be entirely blamed on the contractor, as funding has not always been sufficient. Once the remaining construction work is completed, the contractor will hand over the project to SAI.
The Chief Minister emphasized that once transferred, the complex will not only be completed but also fully utilized by SAI, with national-level coaches deployed across various disciplines. He expressed hope that the “dream stadium” would soon become operational and capable of hosting national and regional sporting events.
Seeking cooperation from all concerned departments, the Chief Minister reiterated that Nagaland’s sports infrastructure still lags behind other states. He expressed confidence that under SAI’s stewardship, the Dimapur Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex would finally “see the light of day.”
The long-pending construction of the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex at Dimapur was raised during the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, with MLA Nuklutoshi questioning the future of the project.
Raising a starred question, Nuklutoshi said the project has been ongoing for more than 20 years and is nearing its “silver jubilee” without completion. He pointed out that the project was initiated during the tenure of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and stated that it would be fitting for it to be completed under his leadership.
“You have been Chief Minister for many years and have undertaken several commendable works. This important project, which began during your time, should also be completed in your tenure,” Nuklutoshi said.
Terming the sports complex a vital infrastructure project for the state, he sought clarification from the Chief Minister on whether the government intends to complete the project or if it risks being abandoned after decades of delay.
