Chitwan, Dec. 25: The construction of parapets has started in the Bharatpur-based Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium raising hopes for the structure to be ready for matches soon.

Pillars for parapets were erected around the ground four years ago but, on August 6, 2021, the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation suspended the construction completely citing lack of money. Four months later, the Foundation pulled out of the project.

Three years later, in July 2024, the government took matters into its hands and resumed the construction of the stranded Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium. Bharatpur Metropolitan City and Bagmati Provincial government are backing the project economically.

“The working pace has increased recently after it resumed a couple of months ago,” said Santosh Acharya, senior division engineer at the Metropolis. According to the stakeholders, a technical inspection was conducted over the pillars before the work on parapets was initiated.

“Workers are currently cementing the parapet in Stand 1. They will then work on Stands 2, 3 and 4 respectively,” said Birendra Kumar Yadav, chief engineer and the manager of the project.

He added, “Works are also underway to erect pillars for VIP Tower 1. Regarding VIP Tower 2, we are working on the foundation of its pillars.”

Similarly, Er. Yadav informed that they were installing an advanced water drainage system for the stadium.

As per the contract agreement, Himalayan-Kalinchowk-BBR JV will be constructing two VIP towers and a 10,000-capacity parapet, ground and pitch. “After the stadium construction is completed as per the recent plan, it will have a capacity to accommodate 15,000 audiences,” Bharatpur Metropolis informed.

The contractor was awarded the project at Rs. 785 million.