Dharavi’s swanky new sports complex is finally nearing completion and will be inaugurated in May. The complex will house multiple sports facilities like a jogging track, swimming pool,table tennis tables, carrom tables, badminton courts, billiards tables, a basket ball and volley ball court. The estimated cost of building the facility was `8.25 crore three years ago. However, it has now shot up to `21 crore.
The MMRDA had started the construction of the Dharavi Sports Complex on June 23, 2009. The project was supposed have been complete by May 2011. “The delay and increase in the project cost was due to changes in the design and scope of the complex,” said Dilip Kawathkar, joint project director, public relations.
The complex is spread over 12,430 square metres near the Dharavi bus depot. “The sports complex would be an ideal facility for budding gymnasts and athletes,” said Rahul Asthana, metropolitan commissioner,MMRDA.
Apart from these, the other facilities will include, an auditorium for 300 people, a conference room, a library, dormitories for men and women, guest rooms, changing rooms, safe deposit vaults, lockers, stores and a cafeteria.
“After the complex is fully ready, we will hand it over to the
District Sports and Youth Welfare department of the government of Maharashtra and they will maintain the complex,” said Mr Kawathkar.