Discover Varanasi International Cricket Stadium, UP, India
How to Reach Varanasi International Cricket Stadium (Ganjari)
The Ganjari village, where the upcoming Varanasi International Cricket Stadium is located, is situated in the Rajatalab Tehsil of Varanasi District in Uttar Pradesh. Here’s how kids can describe the different ways to get there:
By Road:
Getting to the stadium by road is super easy!
- If you’re coming from Prayagraj Road (NH2), take the Ring Road at Rakhauna Village, Rajatalab.
- From the Airport, or places like Ghazipur, Azamgarh, or Jaunpur, hop onto the Ring Road at Harhua.
- The famous Chaudhary Charan Singh Bus Stop is only 15 km away from the stadium. There are also many local bus stops nearby, which can take you closer to your destination.
By Air:
Flying into Varanasi? The Babatpur Airport is just 24 km away from Ganjari. From there, you can book a cab or hop into an auto-rickshaw for a smooth ride to the stadium!
By Rail:
Love train journeys? Here’s the scoop:
- The stadium is about 15 km from the Varanasi Junction Railway Station.
- It’s even closer to the Banaras Station, just 12.5 km away!
Suggested Read: Discover 9 Important Ghats in Varanasi out of Total Ghats in Varanasi India
Varanasi Cricket Stadium Update
Exciting news for cricket fans! The Varanasi International Cricket Stadium is making swift progress, with 30% of civil work completed so far. Thanks to the impressive construction speed, the stadium is now expected to be ready by December 2025, ahead of its earlier timeline of 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Location: The stadium is being built in the Rajatalab area, adjacent to Ring Road Phase-2.
- Seating Capacity: Initially planned for 30,000 spectators, the capacity can be extended to 40,000 in the future.
- Completion Timeline: Scheduled for December 2025, the stadium is likely to host matches during the ICC T20 World Cup.
- Fourth in Uttar Pradesh: This will be the fourth international cricket stadium in UP, adding to the cricketing legacy of the state.
Varanasi International Cricket Stadium: A Grand Project in Progress
Ongoing Preparation
The much-awaited Varanasi International Cricket Stadium is under construction in the Rajatalab area, where the Uttar Pradesh government has acquired 31 acres of land. This land has been transferred to the BCCI and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) for stadium development.
Key updates include:
- Construction Timeline: The project began in May/June 2023 and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
- Road Connectivity: An 8-kilometer-long flyover costing Rs. 1,300 crore is being built for easy access to the stadium.
- Economic Impact: The development will generate numerous job opportunities, along with chains of restaurants and new hotels.
Architectural Highlights
Designed to reflect the spiritual essence of Kashi, the stadium is inspired by Lord Shiva, featuring:
- Roof Design: Crescent-shaped roofs representing the crown of Lord Shiva.
- Floodlights: Shaped like tridents (trishuls).
- Entry Gate: Metallic frames resembling bilva patra (sacred leaves).
- Damru-Inspired Design: The façade reflects the shape of the damru, a drum associated with Lord Shiva.
Facilities and Features
The state-of-the-art stadium will be comparable to Ahmedabad’s Motera Stadium, offering:
- Seating capacity: 30,000, expandable to 40,000.
- Day-and-night match setup with advanced drainage systems.
- Four locker rooms and three practice fields.
- Facilities for sports like badminton, table tennis, swimming, and self-defense.
- Dedicated Broadcast Room (BCR) spanning 2,000 square feet.
- Amenities such as VIP lounges, corporate boxes, solar panels, car charging stations, and golf carts.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The Varanasi International Stadium uniquely blends sports and spirituality, symbolizing devotion to Lord Shiva. With this theme, the stadium becomes a tribute to Kashi’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Project Budget
- Total estimated cost: Rs. 300–400 crore.
- Land acquisition: Rs. 120 crore.
- Lease Agreement: UPCA will lease the land for 30 years, paying Rs. 10 lakh annually.
Inauguration and Future Prospects
The foundation stone (Shilanyas) was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 23, 2023. Once completed, the stadium is expected to:
- Host national and international matches.
- Serve as a venue for the ICC T20 World Cup matches.
- Attract tourists and elevate Varanasi’s status as a global destination.
The Varanasi International Cricket Stadium is not just another sports venue but a cultural icon combining modern infrastructure with the ancient spirit of Kashi.
FAQs on Varanasi International Cricket Stadium
Q.1 What is the capacity of the cricket stadium in Varanasi?
- Ans. The proposed Varanasi International Cricket Stadium will have a seating capacity of up to 30,000 people.
Q.2 What is the budget for Varanasi International Cricket Stadium?
- Ans. The estimated cost to construct and develop the stadium to international standards is around Rs 300 crore.
Q.3 Is UP set to get its third International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi?
- Ans. Yes, Varanasi is set to become the site for Uttar Pradesh’s third International Cricket Stadium. The project is planned to be completed by the end of 2024, with the government having acquired land in the Rajatalab area of Varanasi.
Q.4 What is the name of the Varanasi International Cricket Stadium?
- Ans. The newly proposed stadium will be called the Varanasi International Cricket Stadium and will be located in the Ganjari village of Rajatalab.
Q.5 Is there any International Cricket Stadium in UP?
- Ans. Yes, Uttar Pradesh already has two international cricket stadiums:
- Green Park Stadium in Kanpur.
- Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
With the addition of the Varanasi stadium, UP will have three international cricket venues!