Budget playbook: How Chhattisgarh and Ahmedabad are building the next generation of sports infrastructure

The Chhattisgarh government is set to unveil major infrastructure initiatives in its 2026-27 state budget, with a strong emphasis on expanding sports facilities and easing urban traffic congestion. The budget session of the state assembly will begin on February 23, while the annual budget is expected to be presented on February 27. Sources involved in budget planning indicate that the government is prioritising core urban infrastructure while reducing spending on non-essential schemes across departments.

A key focus of the upcoming budget is the development of sports infrastructure in small and medium-sized towns. Proposals under consideration include the construction of new playgrounds and sports complexes to boost grassroots participation. The government is planning to install a statue of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh at the International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur, with an estimated allocation of ₹1.86 crore. Additionally, a new sports complex is proposed in Nagar Panchayat Pakhanjur, aimed at strengthening local sports facilities.

The budget may also provide funding for several indoor sports projects. A mini indoor stadium in Duldula is proposed, with an estimated cost of ₹5 crore. An allocation of ₹1 crore is expected to be made to complete pending works at the First Battalion indoor stadium in Durg. The renovation of the existing indoor stadium in Sarangarh is also likely to receive financial support.

Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has presented its highest-ever draft budget of ₹17,018 crore for the 2026-27 financial year, marking a major step in the city’s infrastructure expansion. The budget places strong emphasis on large-scale infrastructure, urban mobility, environmental sustainability, and sports facilities, in line with preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The draft budget includes an allocation of ₹430.84 crore for overall sports city development. Of this, ₹211.88 crore has been earmarked for the construction of 11 new sports complexes across Ahmedabad. An additional ₹110.96 crore is proposed for supporting facilities, including five gyms, three swimming pools, and 35 playgrounds, strengthening grassroots and professional sports infrastructure alike

This is the first budget presented after Ahmedabad was selected as the host city for the Centenary Edition of the Commonwealth Games 2030. The civic body aims to transform the city’s infrastructure to meet international standards ahead of the global sporting event. Significant investments have been proposed for sports and social infrastructure, reflecting the city’s long-term vision.