Lucknow sports complex gets eight bidders

well as financial capabilities. Qualified firms will be invited to submit Requests for Proposals (RFP). The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) had invited RFQs after a pre-bid conference held in July. As many as 15 companies had attended that conference and had shown interest in the project. But on August 16,the last date of RFQ submission,only eight firms turned up.

The firms are — Ramky Infrastructure,Eldeco,JP Sports,DSC Limited,CNC,Essel Infra Projects,Gammon India and Madhukone. “Eight companies have offered bids and this response is very good. The RFQs would be evaluated in next few days,” said Mritunjay Kumar Narain,LDA vice-chairman.

He confirmed the appointment of Delhi-based Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Private Limited as Transaction Advisor for the project. Sources said the appointment was finalised at a high-level meeting on Friday. As transaction advisor,the firm will have to assist LDA in evaluation of bids,preparation of draft RFP and finally in selection of the developer for the project. The LDA has asked the firm to start work on the project with immediate effect.

According to officials,the complex will have world-class facilities to conduct international events and will be developed as per the latest guidelines issued by International Cricket Council (ICC). The complex will have a cricket stadium with a seating capacity of at least 50,000 people. It will have floodlight facilities for holding matches at night.

There will be a hockey ground with a seating capacity of a minimum 30,000 people and a football ground with a seating capacity of minimum 25,000 people. Facilities for indoor games likes basketball,gymnasium,lawn tennis and aquatics will also be available. The developer shall utilise a minimum of 60 acres for stadium,sports complex and a sports academy. About 25 per cent of the remaining 57 acres can be utilised for residential purposes and 75 per cent for commercial,hospitality and other purposes.