The Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium at Kaloor in Kochi (file)
A security audit shall be collectively carried out by consultants from IIT Palakkad, the Public Works division (Buildings), and the Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF) — an organisation underneath the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs. Based on this audit, a choice concerning the seating capability shall be made.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has handed over the stadium to SKF to facilitate infrastructural enhancements in affiliation with the sponsors of the occasion forward of Argentina staff’s go to.
In a press release issued on Friday, the sponsors of Argentina’s go to to Kochi, Reporter Broadcasting Company, claimed that the stadium is being upgraded to accommodate 50,000 spectators.
However, sources from each the PWD and SKF clarified that the ultimate determination on seating capability shall be taken solely after the protection audit, which entails IIT Palakkad consultants who arrived on the stadium on Friday. An inspection could be carried out following an outlined methodology, and exams shall be carried out if essential to assess structural stability and security, based mostly on which the seating capability shall be finalised.
“According to paperwork obtained from GCDA, the structural and designed capability of the stadium when it was inbuilt 1996 was 55,000. The financial lifespan of a construction is often round 60 to 70 years, however this depends upon well timed upkeep. We don’t want to prejudge whether or not or not the identical capability may be permitted practically 30 years later,” stated SKF sources.
Additionally, PWD sources confirmed that the seating capability for latest matches has been set at 35,000.
During the FIFA Under-17 World Cup matches hosted by the stadium in 2017, the capability was lowered to 42,000 from the unique plan of 55,000 after FIFA expressed dissatisfaction with the evacuation preparations for the third tier. In case of an emergency, the gang have to be evacuated inside eight minutes, and FIFA discovered this unfeasible for the third tier after native organisers proposed putting in 32,000 bucket seats throughout two of the stadium’s three tiers.
Pitch enchancment works
Meanwhile, pitch enchancment works in accordance with FIFA pointers is underneath method on the stadium, whereas exterior renovation works will start shortly. As per the federal government order, all renovation bills shall be borne by the sponsors, who said that works price ₹70 crore are in progress.
A gathering of varied departments convened to assessment the preparations has resolved to finish preparations on the earliest.
“Parking has been recognized as a serious problem, particularly contemplating the motion of VVIPs. A call has been made to determine all potential parking areas in and across the stadium. The stadium will characteristic each outer and interior boundaries as a part of the safety measures,” stated SKF sources.
Ticket costs
In its assertion, the sponsor stated ticket costs could be introduced this week and clarified that the fares being circulated now have been “pretend”.
Published – October 10, 2025 02:38 pm IST
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