Major new multi‑sport complex planned in Narela with largest cricket stadium in Delhi

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has officially begun the process to develop what is poised to become the largest sports facility in the city, situated in the Narela subcity in north Delhi. The authority has invited bids from consultants and is exploring models that include private sector participation for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new integrated sports complex.

The sports complex is proposed to be built on about 75 acres of land in sectors G3 and G4 of Narela. At the heart of the project will be a newly planned cricket stadium with a seating capacity of around 80,000 spectators, making it larger than Delhi’s current largest outdoor stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Officials involved in the planning said the facility aims to be more than just a single venue and should support a wide range of athletic, training, competition and recreational activities.

Authorities have set an initial base price of ₹36 crore for consultant bids, and the selected consultant will also pay an upfront licensing fee as part of the agreement to develop the project. The facility is envisioned to include infrastructure for multiple sports disciplines, including football, tennis, basketball and more. Indoor facilities are expected to house spaces for badminton, squash, table tennis, wrestling and boxing, along with gymnasiums and multipurpose halls for training and smaller events.

Outdoor components of the complex are planned to feature additional playing fields for football and cricket, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, jogging and cycling tracks, and swimming facilities. The broader design also includes support infrastructure such as administrative areas, athlete support facilities, spectator services, landscaped public spaces, parking and food courts. Officials have described the vision for the site as an “integrated sports hub” rather than a single‑purpose stadium.

The site’s location in Narela has been highlighted for its connectivity to major road corridors such as National Highway 1 and the Urban Extension Road II, which are expected to improve accessibility from different parts of Delhi as well as from the airport area. The project is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure in the capital, promote organized sporting activities at both community and professional levels, and encourage broader public engagement in sports.

Officials have stressed that the bidding and planning stages are underway and that timelines for actual construction and completion will depend on final design approvals and the choice of development partner. The sports complex project is among several initiatives aimed at enhancing recreation, sports training and event hosting capacities in and around Delhi.