All set for IPL warriors

“With up to 80 percent of all scheduled work complete,the stadium will be ready by the first week of March,” Project Manager Ravinder Singh told Newsline.

An obscure left turn on the NH-4 takes one through the narrow lanes of Mamurdi village,crowded with local people travelling on foot,to Gahunje. The ragged roads disappear into bumpy mud patches constantly being trampled upon by herds of sheep and cattle. Out of the rural backwardness arises the modern MCA Pune International Cricket Centre,bordered by mountains and flanked by the express highway.

Atop the mountain on the south side,one can view dozens of dumpers transporting materials in different directions,cranes unloading massive slabs of concrete and close to 200 workers in fluorescent,high-visibility jackets and hard hats,scattered like ants around an anthill. It is a picture of frenetic activity.

A closer look from the south side of the stand reveals the complete scene. The main pitch area,being flattened by a roller,is complete and the lush green expanse is a sign of things to come. The outfield is covered by a layer of silica sand. “The covering of cocopeat and zeolite mixture will follow by the end of the month. By the first week of February,grass will be grown,” assured Ravinder Singh.

Surrounding the unfinished outfield is the bottom tier seating galleries. All sides,other than the south,of the stadium have been reinforced with concrete slabs. Phase one of the project includes construction of the south side stand,scheduled to be completed by the end of the month. “Five to seven percent of the RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) work and the construction of the South Side of the stand will be completed by the end of January. The south stand will house the VIP box,the press room,players rooms and the commentary box,” Singh said.

The only worry is the approach road for two-wheelers as the road is bound to cause traffic congestion. But Singh said that there is no cause for concern as the MSRDC has undertaken a project to make an alternate route for two-wheelers that should be completed by the time the stadium is ready. “Roads,infrastructure and the tree plantation projects are finishing touches and will be completed in the last month,” said Singh.