Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, will inaugurate Phase I of the Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh on January 30, marking a major milestone in Assam’s sports infrastructure development.
The stadium project, one of the largest in Upper Assam, is being developed with an estimated investment of over ₹200 crore and is expected to strengthen Assam’s overall sports ecosystem, complementing existing facilities in Guwahati.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate Phase I of the Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh on January 30. Developed with an investment of over ₹200 crore, the project aims to transform the existing stadium into a modern multi-sports complex, strengthening Assam’s sports infrastructure alongside hubs like Guwahati.
What Phase I Includes
According to officials, Phase I of the Khanikar Stadium project has now been completed and features a modern stadium with a seating capacity of around 5,000 spectators.
This initial phase lays the foundation for a larger sports complex that will eventually meet national-level standards, similar to upgraded sporting venues in Guwahati that host state and regional events.
Long-Term Vision of the Project
The Khanikar Stadium is being developed across 104 bighas of land and is envisioned as a large-scale multi-sports hub for Upper Assam.
Once fully completed, the project aims to expand the stadium’s total seating capacity to nearly 35,000 spectators and include a wide range of advanced facilities, such as:
- Athletics and football grounds
- Swimming pool
- Indoor stadium
- Athlete hostels
- VIP block
- Main spectator gallery
Construction work on the upgradation began in 2019, with the goal of creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem in the region.
Investment and Future Phases
Officials stated that Phase I has been completed at an investment of approximately ₹210 crore. Subsequent phases will focus on:
- Increasing spectator capacity
- Expanding sports infrastructure
- Improving athlete accommodation and training amenities
The remaining phases will be executed in stages over the coming years.
Statement from the Chief Minister
Announcing the inauguration on social media, Himanta Biswa Sarma said the project would give a significant boost to sports-led development in the region.
He noted that facilities such as the indoor stadium and swimming pool would help create new opportunities for athletes from Upper Assam, while strengthening Assam’s overall sports framework.
Why This Matters to Guwahati
While the stadium is located in Dibrugarh, the project has wider implications for Guwahati and Assam’s sports ecosystem. Guwahati remains the state’s primary sports and administrative hub, hosting major tournaments, coaching centres, and sports bodies.
The development of a high-capacity stadium in Upper Assam is expected to decentralise major sporting events, reduce pressure on Guwahati-based venues, and create more opportunities for inter-city and state-level competitions.
Looking Ahead
With Phase I set to be inaugurated, attention will now turn to the rollout of the remaining phases of the Khanikar Stadium project. Once completed, the complex is expected to play a key role in nurturing local talent, hosting large-scale tournaments, and positioning Assam as a stronger sporting destination nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Phase I of the Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh will be inaugurated on January 30.
The stadium strengthens Assam’s sports infrastructure, complements Guwahati’s existing venues, and helps distribute major sporting events across the state.
