After nearly two decades of delays and dashed hopes, Jalandhar’s iconic Burlton Park is finally poised for a dramatic transformation into a world-class sports hub. On June 11, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will lay the foundation stone for the ambitious ₹77.7-crore project, marking a new era for sports infrastructure in Punjab.
A vision 17 years in the making
First announced in 2008, the Burlton Park Sports Hub project has weathered legal hurdles, funding issues, and shifting governments. Despite being included in the Smart City Mission in 2016 and brief revival attempts, real progress remained elusive until now.
What will Burlton Park offer?
The 60-acre Burlton Park Sports Hub will feature:
- Cricket Stadium: Domestic-level cricket facilities with a dedicated pavilion, locker rooms, changing rooms, and washrooms. Floodlights will be installed for night practice, and the stadium is expected to host major matches in the future.
- Hockey Stadium: Two international-standard AstroTurfs for hockey, aiming to attract national and international tournaments.
- Yoga Shed: A seperate Yoga with peaceful environment for both physical and mental health.
- Kabaddi Stadium: Considering the interest of north India for Kabaddi sports a separate ground is dedicated.
- Judo Area: A dojo, the practice area of Judo is included in the Burlton Park sports hub.
- Shopping complex: Sources claim that the sports hub will be accompanied by a shopping complex as well, making it a perfect destination for families to roam around in Jalandhar.
- Accessibility: Many facilities are designed to be accessible free of cost, catering to both professional athletes and the general public.
Project timeline & milestones
- 2008: The Project first proposed by the SAD-BJP government.
- 2010–2012: Architects selected; HUDCO sanctions ₹130 crore loan.
- 2013–2019: Legal and funding delays; included in Smart City Mission.
- 2022: Tender awarded, but only the boundary wall built.
- 2025: The Foundation stone is to be laid on June 11 by the AAP government.
Expert opinions & concerns
While the relaunch has been welcomed, some officials have raised concerns about Burlton Park’s central location and potential parking challenges. Former Sports Minister Pargat Singh has called for careful planning, especially for international cricket provisions and crowd management.
Wenatchee: A model for ‘Multi-Sport’ facilities
For comparison, Wenatchee, Washington, USA, boasts a robust sports infrastructure, including
- Town Toyota Center: A 4,300-seat multipurpose arena for ice hockey, basketball, concerts, and more.
- Apple Bowl: Football and soccer stadium.
- Rec Park Baseball Field: Dedicated baseball facilities.
- Wenatchee High School Complex: Multiple gyms, aquatic center, wrestling gym, and auxiliary facilities.
Wenatchee’s model demonstrates how integrated, multi-sport complexes can serve both athletes and the wider community, offering year-round opportunities for sports, recreation, and events.
What’s next for Jalandhar?
With the foundation stone set to be laid, hopes are high that Burlton Park will soon reclaim its place as Punjab’s premier sports destination. The new hub is expected to host major hockey tournaments, football matches, and potentially IPL cricket games, while also providing much-needed recreational space for Jalandhar’s youth and families.
The project is not just about sports—it’s about community, health, and economic development. As work begins after a 17-year wait, all eyes are on the AAP government to deliver on this landmark promise and make Burlton Park a vibrant center for sports and public life in Punjab.
Burlton Park’s transformation promises to put Jalandhar back on the national sports map, offering world-class facilities for cricket, hockey, football, athletics, and more—mirroring the success of international sports hubs like Wenatchee. The coming years will reveal whether this long-awaited dream finally becomes a reality for the city and the state.