RTMNU synthetic track to be ready by June

By Paritosh Pramanik

The pace at which the construction work of athletics synthetic track at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University’s ground at Ravi Nagar is going, it seems it will be completed in stipulated time, by 

June end.

If completed, this might also be for the first time in history of city that the work of any sports arena is completed in time.

After the tender process and actual work delayed on several occasions, the bhoomipujan of the track was done by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari late last year. Looking at the completed work at the venue, it is expected the track will be ready for competition from next academic year or by August, 2022 for other athletics competitions.

“We are on time. I think the track will be ready by June end,” a confident Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU, told ‘The Hitavada.

The first layer for the synthetic track (of boulders, bricks and sand) is completed. The construction of side walls which will keep the layer bonded is also completed,” informed Dr Suryawanshi, who is also Secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association.

There is a slight change in the plan as more space has been allotted for 100 metres races. “We have extended the track for 100 metres towards the entry gate where the landscaping was done. This will help the sprinters,” said Dr Suryawanshi, a former international long distance runner.

Similarly, the slope of football ground, which will be in the centre surrounding the track, has been done which will help rain water to drain out fast.

The 8-lane synthetic track will also have a steeple chase pit, one discus cum hammer cage, shot put ring, steeple chase water barrier, pole vault boxes, take off boards and other facilities.

This will be the second athletics synthetic track of the city afterDivisional Sports Complex in Mankapur.