A Mini-Stadium worth 25 Crores for Cochin
February 8, 2009
A world class multi-purpose stadium is awaiting clearance from the Indian Olympic Association which is proposed to come up in Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium at Kadavanthra and is estimated to cost around 25 crores. The existing infrastructure will either be expanded and new olympic standard facilities will be introduced in Cochins premium sports complex.
The plan includes expansion of the existing swimming pool which is currently smaller than the standard to be pulled down and a new one constructed. A new parking lot, a skating rink and and auditorium with 3000 capacity are also part of the plan. Also, table tennis tables, squash court, basketball, volleyball and shuttle badminton complete with gallery is also in the cards if things go as planned. This project is expected to be due within 16 months of getting the approval.
End of News
BUT! Apart from the parking lot, I do not see much of a use of this project! Seriously, the membership fee of the stadium is for the high end of the society, the stadium stays empty for most of the year except when there is a fair or exhibition in town.
And we have proof. The white elephant of Cochin, the International stadium in Kaloor. When was thelast time an “international” or “local” match was played in the staduim? It is home to a number of exhibitions and a lot of political rallies. But never sports. And the money pumped into its construction and maintainance is astronomical.I lost track at 1500 crores.
Do we really need a sports complex when the rest of our infrastructure is in a mess? And this proposed new complex is a part of 34th National Games. I would advice everyone to keep indoors on the dates of this event considering the traffic we will see. 
TheAnand
abser vadakkekala...
Arun A.Varma
JYOTHRAJ T.V.
M'd Naseef
I think it’s an unnecessary addition to the city.. As of now, I don’t think it’s required.. The roads are bad, the mosquitoes are worse, education is in a mess, health is non-existent, and the Government wants to entertain the high end of the society by building a bigger pool? Yeah right !!
And, there is no telling how long the project will take anyway.. 16 months, eh?? I mean, Bakery Jn. in Trivandrum is a standing example of how long some things may take to go through…
on February 8th, 2009Totally…..why do IAS officers who are reportedly the cream of genius and brains SO DUMB!
on February 9th, 2009I would not agree with you there Anand. Have you gone to the stadium in recent years.? The place is stuffed with men woman and kids. Its so crowded that my mother keeps complaining how difficult it is to get a badminton court free at 2 in the afternoon.. AT 2 IN THE AFTERNOON.! The swimming pool is always crowded. So is the table tennis and basketball and tennis and squash courts. The gym is so damn crowded there are lines for the treadmill. Next time I am in Kochi I am taking you there.!
Or just go have a look in the after noon evening time. The place is swarming with health conscious fit sportsmen humans (the kind i hate). 
The membership might seem pricey. But with the amenities they offer its worth it. special floored Badminton courts, Tennis courts, Cricket pitch, Football ground, Wooden basketball court, pool tables, squash courts, sophisticated gym, lot of table tennis tables and a huge swimming pool. And that too all the equipment that is used is the best available. Its totally worth it.! And the best thing.! I VOTE! Yes I am treated like an adult during election times.!
on April 29th, 2009Oh.. Sorry forgot to mention a conference hall, library and reading rooms, childrens park and accommodation and a restaurant too..!
on April 29th, 2009Damn it….. And a skating area too.!
on April 29th, 2009But is membership really avaiable ? Can some one give me a rough idea on the memberships price tag ?
on June 5th, 2009