Cost of CWG may rise,says Kalmadi

The prices of steel and cement had shot through the roof last year,but eased off considerably after the recession hit. However,Kalmadi pointed out that the prices were still above the levels they were at three years back. “We are not saying that it has anything to do with the ongoing recession. The prices might have come down lately but they are higher than what they were three years back — when construction work began,” clarified Kalmadi,who on Tuesday inspected renovation work at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

He said the stadium and the weightlifting hall would be ready by December 2009. “Work is very much on track. With 30 per cent of work competed,I am hopeful CPWD would be able to complete the task before the end of this year. “The feedback from other venues is equally good. Most stadia will be ready by December so that we can conduct test events in March 2010,” the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president said.

The Nehru Stadium will,however,see a reduced capacity — from 75,0000 to 60,000 — owing to plans to have bucket seats in the upper tiers as well. The stadium will also see an overhead roof with inside lighting.

Kalmadi admitted there was a delay with the cycling velodrome. “There were some concerns but it was due to the demand by the International Cycling Union (ICU) to have a timber track and a closed stadium that the work got delayed. But the work has now begun and would be completed by March 2010,” he said.