Dibrugarh: The Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh is poised to emerge as Assam’s largest multi-sports arena, marking a major expansion of the state’s sports infrastructure. The first phase of the project will be inaugurated on January 30 by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Assam state BJP general secretary and Assam Tourism Development Corporation chairman Rituparna Baruah inspected the stadium on Saturday to review preparations ahead of the inauguration.
Developed across 104 bighas at an estimated cost of Rs 233 crore, the project aims to transform the legacy stadium into a modern, world-class sporting complex. The first phase, which stands completed, will have a seating capacity of around 5,000 spectators. Subsequent phases are planned to expand capacity to nearly 35,000.
Work on the upgradation began in 2019 with the objective of creating a comprehensive multi-sports hub. Once fully developed, the complex will feature facilities for athletics, football, swimming and other disciplines, along with an indoor stadium, hostel accommodation, a VIP block and a main gallery.
Officials said the upgraded stadium would provide young athletes with access to contemporary training and practice infrastructure, while also enabling Dibrugarh to host large-scale sporting events.
The inspection was attended by Dibrugarh District Sports Association president Niranjan Saikia, senior association officials, and engineers and officers of the Public Works Department, including the Executive Engineer.
The project was originally conceived during the tenure of former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, with the foundation stone laid on July 5, 2018. According to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the first phase has been completed at an initial investment of around Rs 210 crore, with further phases planned to enhance capacity and facilities.
Speaking to reporters, Rituparna Baruah said the Phase I multidisciplinary sports complex would be inaugurated on January 30. He noted that the stadium was constructed on 105 bighas of land, including 55 bighas originally classified as Village Grazing Reserve (VGR) land, which was later converted for the project.
The completion of Khanikar Stadium is being seen as a transformative step in positioning Dibrugarh as a major sporting destination in Assam and strengthening sports culture across Upper Assam.