After nearly two decades of delays and stalled attempts, the long-awaited transformation of Jalandhar’s Burlton Park into a state-of-the-art Sports Hub is finally set to begin. On June 11, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will lay the foundation stone for the ambitious project, marking a new chapter for sports infrastructure in the region.
A project 17 years in the making
The idea for a sports hub at Burlton Park was first announced in September 2008 by the then SAD-BJP government, with a vision to create world-class facilities for cricket, hockey, football, swimming, and more. However, the project was repeatedly stalled due to legal challenges, funding issues, and changes in government. Despite a brief revival attempt under the Congress regime and inclusion in the Smart City Mission in 2016, on-the-ground progress remained elusive.
What’s planned now?
Jalandhar Mayor Vaneet Dhir shared that the revived project will have a budget of ₹77.7 crore and will focus on both upgrading existing facilities and creating new ones. Key features include
- Two international-standard AstroTurfs for hockey
- A seven-a-side natural grass football ground
- Domestic cricket facilities
- A dedicated yoga practice shed
- Skating rink, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts
- Judo rink, open gym, synthetic athletics track, cycling track, and jogging track
The project aims to cater to both professional athletes and the general public, with many facilities expected to be accessible free of cost.
How did the revival happen?
The current push to restart the project comes after persistent efforts by local leaders and sports enthusiasts. Mayor Vineet Dhir, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, and Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot played key roles in reviving the contractor agreement and securing government approvals. Hockey India Vice President Nitin Kohli and industrialist Amit Bajaj were also instrumental in lobbying for the project’s completion.
The Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Gautam Jain, ensured all necessary approvals from New Delhi, leveraging the project’s Smart City status.
A glance at timeline of the project
- September 26, 2008: Proposal for sports hub at Burlton Park announced
- May 2010: CR Narayana Rao Architects selected
- June 2012: HUDCO sanctions ₹130 crore loan
- 2013: Court dismisses PIL against tree felling, but project stalls
- 2016: Included in Smart City scheme
- April 2019: New ₹250 crore proposal floated
- January 2022: Tender awarded, but no progress
- June 11, 2025: Foundation stone to be laid by AAP government
Expert opinion and concerns
While the relaunch has been widely welcomed, some former officials have raised concerns. BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia, who first announced the project, questioned the suitability of Burlton Park’s location due to current traffic congestion. Former Sports Minister and Congress MLA Pargat Singh emphasized the need for careful planning, particularly regarding provisions for international cricket and adequate parking.
What’s next for Jalandhar?
With the foundation stone set to be laid, hopes are high that Jalandhar will soon reclaim its reputation as a sports hub. The upgraded Burlton Park is expected to host major hockey tournaments and could potentially attract IPL matches in the future. The project also aims to boost local industry and provide a much-needed recreational space for the city’s youth and residents.
The relaunch of the Burlton Park Sports Hub is a significant milestone for Jalandhar and Punjab’s sporting landscape. As work finally begins after 17 years, all eyes will be on the AAP government to deliver on this long-standing promise and transform Burlton Park into a true center for sports and community activity.