Karnataka Government Advances Plans for New 80,000-Seat Cricket Stadium in Bengaluru Following Deadly Stampede

October 17, 2025

Bengaluru, the hub of India’s tech industry and a passionate cricket-loving city, may soon see the construction of a new international-level cricket stadium. The Karnataka government has given in-principle approval for the project, aimed at addressing safety concerns highlighted by a tragic stampede at the existing M Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this year. However, the final go-ahead awaits the submission of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

The proposed stadium, with a seating capacity of 80,000, would be India’s second-largest after the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This development comes as a response to overcrowding and infrastructure limitations at Chinnaswamy, which has a capacity of around 33,000-38,000 seats and is located in the bustling city center.

Tragic Stampede at Chinnaswamy Prompts Urgent Reforms

On June 4, 2025, a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory resulted in 11 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident occurred when an estimated 250,000 fans converged on the venue, overwhelming its capacity and leading to chaos at the entry gates.

A judicial commission led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha investigated the event and deemed the stadium unsuitable for large-scale gatherings. The report cited issues such as inadequate entry and exit points, lack of holding areas for crowds, and poor integration with public transport, which exacerbated risks during high-attendance events. Senior officials, including from the police, emphasized that relocating major events to a larger, outskirts-based facility could prevent future tragedies. The commission recommended halting major public events at Chinnaswamy until safety upgrades are implemented.

The stampede not only exposed infrastructural flaws but also sparked debates on event management. The Karnataka government attributed partial responsibility to organizers, including RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), for inadequate planning.

Details of the Proposed New Stadium

The new stadium is planned on a 75-acre plot in Indlavadi village, part of the Suryanagar-4th Phase Layout in rural Bengaluru. This location on the city’s outskirts aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide ample space for modern amenities.

Key features include:

• Seating Capacity: 80,000 spectators, making it suitable for international matches, IPL games, and large events.
• Estimated Cost: Rs 2,350 crore, funded through the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB).
• Additional Facilities: The project envisions a comprehensive sports complex with world-class infrastructure, potentially including training grounds, multi-sport venues, and enhanced safety measures like wider entry points and better crowd management systems.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a known cricket enthusiast, has highlighted the need for such a facility, noting that other major cities like Ahmedabad have larger stadiums to accommodate growing fan bases.

Current Status: DPR Pending and Next Steps

As of October 17, 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet has granted in-principle approval via the KHB, but the project remains under consideration pending the preparation and review of a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The DPR will outline technical specifications, final costs, environmental impacts, and implementation timelines before the Cabinet makes a definitive decision.

The KHB has been tasked with drafting the DPR and resubmitting the proposal. Once approved, the project could move to tendering and construction phases, potentially taking several years to complete. Stakeholders, including the KSCA and RCB, are expected to collaborate on the design to ensure it meets international standards.

Potential Impact on Bengaluru’s Sports Scene

If realized, the new stadium could transform Bengaluru’s cricketing landscape, providing a dedicated home for RCB and hosting major tournaments without the constraints of the city-center location. It may also boost local economy through tourism and events, while prioritizing fan safety—a lesson hard-learned from the June tragedy.

However, concerns remain about accessibility for fans from central Bengaluru and the environmental footprint of developing rural land. The government has assured that these will be addressed in the DPR.

As cricket continues to unite millions in India, this project represents a step toward safer, more inclusive sporting infrastructure in one of the country’s most vibrant cities.