Jalandharites are all set to get a state-of-the-art Sports Hub soon. The long-awaited transformation of Burlton Park into a Sports Hub is finally set to begin, 9 years after initial proposals. The ambitious project under the Smart City initiative has received official approval for design and construction from Chandigarh authorities. Spread across 62 acres, the Burlton Park Sports Hub will be one of the most significant developments under the Smart City mission. A budget of Rs 77.7 crore has been allocated for the project, which includes world-class sports facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
As per sources in the known development, Burlton Park's Foundation Stone will be laid this week by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. The ceremony is likely to be held soon.
How was Jalandhar Burlton Park revived after 9 years?
The much-anticipated Burlton Park Sports Hub project in Jalandhar is back on track, thanks to the determined efforts of several key political and industrial figures. The project saw renewed momentum under the leadership of Jalandhar Mayor Vineet Dhir, who played a pivotal role in restarting the stalled initiative. His efforts, in close coordination with Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and Dr Ravjot, local bodies Minister, were instrumental in reviving the long-pending contractor agreement. With their support, the previously halted contract was reinstated, and the contractor agreed to resume work.
The turning point came when Hockey India Vice President and prominent Jalandhar industrialist Nitin Kohli approached MP Ashok Mittal, urging intervention to ensure the project’s completion. Mittal’s swift action led to the contractor, who was a close friend of Mr Amit Bajaj, another well-known figure of Jalandhar, being recalled and the project gaining re-approval at the government level. The Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Mr Gautam Jain, also played a critical role in securing the necessary approvals from New Delhi, given the Smart City status of the project.
With all approvals in place, the stage is now set for a grand foundation ceremony. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's last visit to Jalandhar, alongside MP Ashok Mittal and industrialist Ramesh Mittal, marked the final push needed to schedule the event.
The involvement of Nitin Kohli and Amit Bajaj, who is closely connected with the Punjab government, has ensured the project aligns with the state’s broader vision of promoting sports, industry, and public welfare.
Facilities at Burlton Park Sports Hub
The Burlton Park Sports Hub, spanning 62 acres, will include top-tier facilities such as:
- Synthetic athletic tracks
- International-standard hockey turfs (2)
- Football and outdoor sports courts
- Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts
- Skating rink and cycling track
- Open gyms and sports pavilions
As per sources in the known development, efforts are also being made to include infrastructure for exhibitions and industry events, further enhancing the park’s utility beyond sports. Post-inauguration, many of these world-class facilities will be available to the public free of cost, significantly boosting access to quality sports infrastructure.
Benefits of Burlton Park
With this revival, Jalandhar is poised to reclaim its reputation as a sports hub. The upgraded Burlton Park is expected to host international hockey matches, and there is potential for IPL matches similar to Mohali, owing to the standard of infrastructure being developed.