Attending a match here is thrilling, but the ordeal of navigating traffic and finding parking dampens the spirit-- Cricket enthusiast
The stadium's establishment was a commendable move, but the lack of foresight in infrastructural planning is evident now--An urban planning expert
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Guwahati's pride, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium in Barsapara, has undeniably elevated the city's stature in the international cricketing arena. However, the rapid urbanisation surrounding the stadium has ushered in a series of infrastructural and logistical challenges that warrant immediate attention.
Inaugurated in 2017, the ACA Stadium, also known as the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium, stands as a testament to Assam's commitment to cricket. Constructed on a transformed dump yard, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of approximately 40,000, extendable up to 55,000, making it the largest sports stadium in Northeast India. The transformation from a waste site to a world-class sporting venue was envisioned to place Guwahati on the global cricketing map.
Owned and operated by the Assam Cricket Association, the stadium serves as the home ground for the Assam cricket team. The ACA's headquarters are strategically located within the stadium premises, ensuring streamlined management and operational efficiency. This centralised administration facilitates prompt decision-making and effective coordination during events. However, lately the board members of ACA have been unresponsive to the media fraternity when approached. Biased affinity towards selected media houses has left a sense of frustration amongst the journalists. Moreover, the unavailability of top members to respond the journalists pursuing exclusive stories have raised concerns about their capability of administration.
Since its inception, the ACA Stadium has hosted a plethora of domestic and international matches, marking several milestones:
- International Debut: The stadium's international journey commenced with a T20 International between India and Australia on 10 October 2017, a match that drew significant attention and set the stage for future international fixtures.
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): The inaugural ODI took place on 21 October 2018, featuring India against the West Indies. This match further cemented the stadium's reputation as a venue capable of hosting high-profile games.
- Indian Premier League (IPL): In April 2023, the Rajasthan Royals adopted the ACA Stadium as their secondary home venue, bringing the IPL fervour to Guwahati. This move was aimed at expanding the team's fan base and promoting cricket in the northeastern region.
The influx of cricket enthusiasts during matches has undeniably bolstered local businesses, from hospitality to retail sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and local vendors experience a surge in patronage, contributing to the city's economy. However, the economic boon is juxtaposed with challenges that mar the overall experience for fans and residents alike.
The rapid urbanisation around the stadium has led to significant accessibility issues. The existing road infrastructure struggles to accommodate the surge in vehicular movement during match days, leading to prolonged traffic snarls. Fans often find themselves navigating congested streets, resulting in delays and frustration. Moreover, with limited official parking spaces, attendees often resort to parking in nearby residential areas. Residents, seizing the opportunity, offer their premises for parking, charging between Rs. 100-300. While this provides a temporary solution, it raises concerns about exploitation and lack of regulation.
Post-match scenarios often depict a grim picture. Littering in and around the stadium premises is rampant, with waste management systems overwhelmed by the volume of refuse. The scarcity of urinals, especially for women, increases the sanitation crisis. The stench of urine and scattered garbage not only tarnish the stadium's image but also pose health hazards. The lack of adequate sanitary facilities is a pressing concern that affects both attendees and the local community.
The concerns are echoed by various stakeholders. A local resident remarked, "Match days are a double-edged sword. While they bring business, the chaos and litter left behind are overwhelming." A cricket enthusiast shared, "Attending a match here is thrilling, but the ordeal of navigating traffic and finding parking dampens the spirit." An urban planning expert noted, "The stadium's establishment was a commendable move, but the lack of foresight in infrastructural planning is evident now."
An official from the Public Works Department (PWD) highlighted, "The stadium was not built by PWD; it was under the ACA's purview. At the time, transforming the dump yard into a stadium was much needed. However, with its international recognition, accessibility issues have surfaced." This acknowledgment underscores the need for collaborative efforts between various governmental bodies to address the emerging challenges.
The ACA Stadium continues to be a hub of cricketing action. In the ongoing IPL season, Guwahati is playing host to two matches. While the match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders was played on March 26, Rajasthan Royals will take on Chennai Super Kings on March 30.
Such high-profile matches draw large crowds, further amplifying the existing infrastructural challenges. The first match witnessed a wave of fans crowding the roads and scheduling their time to reach the venue. For the upcoming match, fans are advised to plan their commute in advance and utilise public transportation options to mitigate congestion.
Guwahati's Nehru Stadium, once the city's primary sports venue, has faced similar challenges. Established in 1962, the multi-purpose stadium has hosted numerous cricket and football matches. However, over the years, it has struggled with infrastructural shortcomings and underutilisation. The stadium's infrastructure development was initiated for events like the South Asian Games in 2016 and the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017 but was abandoned midway, leaving the facility in a state of neglect.
Recognising the need for revitalisation, plans have been initiated to revamp Nehru Stadium into a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex. The proposed renovation aims to upgrade the seating capacity to 50,000 and include facilities that meet international standards. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure in Assam and addressing past oversights.
In light of these challenges, a new international-standard cricket stadium is under construction in Amingaon, North Guwahati. With a seating capacity of 20,000, the project is slated for completion by 2026. The Assam government has entrusted the construction to Ahluwalia Contracts, with a budget of Rs. 364 crore and a completion timeline of 24 months. The Amingaon Stadium presents an opportunity to rectify past oversights by prioritising comprehensive urban planning to ensure seamless accessibility and minimise congestion. Incorporating sufficient parking spaces, sanitation facilities, and amenities for law enforcement personnel will enhance the match-day experience. Collaborating with local residents to address concerns and ensure that the stadium's operations benefit the broader community without causing undue distress is also crucial.
The ACA Stadium in Barsapara has undeniably placed Guwahati on the global cricketing map. However, the accompanying challenges underscore the need for meticulous planning and infrastructure development. As the city gears up for the ongoing IPL season, with the next matche scheduled on March 30, it is imperative for authorities to address these issues proactively. The forthcoming Amingaon Stadium stands as a beacon of hope, promising a more holistic and enriching cricketing experience for players, fans, and residents alike.
