The sporting facilities of the Steel City are set for a significant transformation as SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) embarks on a large-scale modernization and upgradation of the infrastructure. During his Independence Day address, Mr. Atanu Bhowmick, Director In-charge of RSP, announced the extensive projects aimed at revitalizing the sports infrastructures. The Steel Plant has committed over Rs. 11 crore to enhance and upgrade these facilities, marking a major boost to the local sports ecosystem.
The key projects include the renovation of Ispat Stadium in Sector-6, where four multistoried player changing rooms with comprehensive facilities will be developed. Additional enhancements at the stadium include full lighting facilities, a sprinkler system with water connection and storage, repairs of the boundary wall and VIP area shade, etc. The football ground and cycling pitch, along with the fitness path and washroom, will also undergo renovations. In the Ispat Basketball Complex, a new shed will be constructed for the benefit of the players. The new volleyball ground at the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium, is also going to have ground fencing, lighting, and a seating area for players.
Simultaneously, the the Biju Patnaik Hockey Stadium will also receive significant upgrades, with floodlights being installed at an expense of Rs. 3 crore. It is noteworthy that RSP had had given a complete make over to the stadium with the installation of a new state-of-the-art synthetic turf, sprinkler system and other facilities in the year 2023 at an expenditure of about Rs 12 Crores. With the addition of the floodlights, the stadium is going to provide a further impetus to the game and the players of this region.
