In a major sports development, Jalandhar has witnessed the inauguration of the Burlton Park Sports Hub after a long wait of 17 years. On June 11, 2025, the foundation stone for the project was laid by the Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal.
The total cost of the project was around Rs 77 crore.
During the inauguration event, CM Mann announced that following the construction of this major sports project in Jalandhar, the people of Amritsar will also witness the building of an international cricket stadium. He emphasized that the AAP government has been working tirelessly to revive Punjab’s position as the best sports hub of the nation.
Along with this, CM Bhagwant Mann proposed that the name “Burlton Park,” a remnant from colonial times, be changed. “Form a committee and rename this park in honour of a sports legend connected to Punjab’s athletic heritage,” he suggested.
He also emphasized Punjab’s strong contribution to international sports, proudly noting that around eight players from Jalandhar are currently representing the Indian hockey team.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP and LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal, Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot, MLA Mohinder Bhagat, Jalandhar Central Halka Incharge Nitin Kohli, Mayor Vaneet Dhir, and other senior officials. Notably, most of the attendees worked tirelessly to revive the project.
Project’s timeline
The former contractor was convinced to come back to work, and this implied that there was no need of going through the process of tendering afresh; time and resources were saved. It is worth mentioning that this ambitious project that was initially rolled out in 2008 at a cost of 500 crore rupees became a victim of political and administrative apathy over the years.
The project was first headed by Mayor Rakesh Rathore under the Akali-BJP government but little did he know that his move to hurriedly destroy the old stadium was one of his biggest mistakes. The project could not gather momentum later though Mayor Sunil Jyoti and Congress government tried to give it a push. With time, its budget decreased to ₹77 crore only.
In 2022, Jalandhar Smart City Company has given the 77 crore rupees contract to AS Enterprises Limited, Chandigarh. They were however only involved in the construction of boundary walls. This tender was eventually canceled in 2023 and the bank guarantee of 4 crores was forfeited by the company. It even went to courts.
However, Mayor Vineet Dhir intervened, entered into negotiations with the contractors and managed to resurrect the project bringing it back on course.
The world-class facilities to be offered by the sports hub
A cricket stadium
A hockey ground
7 side football ground
Volleyball, basketball, judo and yoga hall
Multipurpose indoor sports hall
Skating rink, cycle track, jogging track, gymnastics facilities
Beautification of parking areas and parks
Arvind Kejriwal announces Burlton Park will be completed within a year
AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal also addressed the media in which he announced that the Burlton Park Sports Hub will be completed within 1 year. "I promise that me and Mann Saab will come back here within 1 year to play a sport," promised former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.