Work on the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium in Karaikal has been in full swing and it is expected to be completed by June. While the civil work on the plinth area of 15,000 square feet had been completed, scaffoldings are being set up for providing false ceiling.
Creation of facilities for badminton, ball badminton, basket ball and table tennis had been completed. A gymnasium and physiotherapy unit would be set up in course of time.
A special feature of the stadium, constructed at an estimate of Rs. 15 crore, is that it has been designed on international standards by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in coordination with the Sports Development Authority of India. “Adequate care has been taken for setting up the flooring and the maximum height of the ceiling,” A. Rajasekaran, Executive Engineer, Buildings and Road, Karaikal Division, told The Hindu on Thursday. Maple wood, imported from California, will be utilised as it is the most seasoned timber. “It ensures safety of the players and avoids knee pain,” he said.
The ceiling would be 13.6 metres from the floor.
Separate rest-room for players, office room, coach room and a gallery with a capacity of 1,500 persons are some of the added advantages of the stadium. A separate transformer would be set up for uninterrupted power supply. In addition, a generator would be set up shortly.
For the time being, the stadium would be partly air-conditioned and the entire stadium would be air-conditioned in course of time. Mr. Rajasekaran said that adequate care has been taken for providing lights. Special long-shadow lights would be a player-friendly feature.
The stadium is located on a sprawling 16 hectares of land which would be developed in future.
Plans are afoot for providing 400-metre running track and other outdoor sports infrastructure, he added.
