Lucknow, Read: Preparations have intensified to develop Ghaziabad, the gateway to the state, as a major center of sports, tourism, business and modern urban development. This mega project of about Rs 2200 crore will include international cricket stadium, Aerocity township, commercial complex, hotel, retail zone and convention center.
According to Ghaziabad Development Authority, this scheme will be developed in Morti area of Rajnagar Extension. Under this, an international cricket stadium will be built on about 37 acres and Aerocity township will be established on the surrounding 380 acres, due to which the entire area will be developed as an integrated urban hub.
The stadium is proposed to have facilities like capacity of more than 30,000 spectators, modern media center and hi-tech lighting. With this, Western Uttar Pradesh is expected to get an opportunity to host international level cricket matches for the first time. This project is not just a stadium but is considered to be the beginning of a new urban model for Ghaziabad. With airport connectivity, business facilities and residential development, this area can become a national level investment destination in the future.
The Aerocity to be built around the stadium will be the biggest attraction of this project. Hotels, luxury resorts, modern shopping malls, retail zones, hi-tech business hubs, office space, entertainment centers and commercial complexes will be developed in it. The plan will also include a sports academy, smart residential complex and green space, so that the area becomes a complete destination for living, working and entertainment, rather than just a sports complex.
The scheme was first formulated in 2014–15, but did not take off for a long time. Now it is being taken forward rapidly on the joint venture model of Ghaziabad Development Authority and UP Cricket Association. According to officials, after getting approval from the board, the formalities of laying the foundation stone can be completed soon.