Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, July 24: After years of delays and missed deadlines, the much-awaited all-weather Swimming Pool at MA Stadium in Jammu is finally on course for completion by January 2026. The project, which was first taken up under the Languishing Projects scheme in 2019, has seen multiple funding and administrative setbacks but has now entered its final phase of construction.
Officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) confirmed that work on the concluding phase commenced on April 31, 2025, under the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) mode, with an allotted cost of Rs 272.77 lakh. The executing agency, Design and Decor Chandigarh, has been given a timeline of nine months to deliver the completed project.
“The allotment cost of the tender was Rs 273.38 lakh, and the work was awarded at Rs 272.77 lakh. So far, 20% of the work has been completed and we are hopeful that it will be finished within the given timeframe,” said Sanjeev Sharma, Executive Engineer, JKSC. “Once completed, the facility will provide a world-class, all-weather training space to hundreds of young swimmers in Jammu, many of whom currently lack access to affordable, quality infrastructure.”
The all-weather Swimming Pool, which is expected to cater to nearly 300 swimmers daily, is being constructed to national standards and will feature a main pool with regulation depth, a learner’s pool, spectator seating and fully-equipped changing rooms. The facility is also being designed to host national-level aquatic events.
The project was initially sanctioned in February 2019 under the Languishing Projects scheme during the administration of the then Governor Satya Pal Malik. An amount of Rs 3.50 crore was released at that time, of which Rs 3.13 crore was utilized in the first phase. Subsequently, Rs 4.93 crore was sanctioned under the Capex budget for the second phase, with Rs 3.98 crore expended. The current and final phase is being executed with Rs 272.77 lakh, as per reports.
However, the project has not been without criticism. Members of the local swimming community have expressed concern over the prolonged delays, which they say have deprived aspiring athletes of crucial training years.
Sanjeev Dogra, President of Dolphin Swimmers Club, stated, “We have around 75 children enrolled, many from humble backgrounds who cannot afford the high fees charged by private swimming pools. The delay in this project has made it difficult for us to support them. We are hopeful that this facility will soon become operational.”
Tahir Javed Khan, a representative of the construction firm, said the team has already undertaken major structural repairs, installed ventilation systems and completed preliminary plumbing. “Electric fittings, granite work and final finishing are underway. We are also addressing the issues left unresolved by the previous contractor,” he said.
Once completed, the Swimming Pool is expected to transform Jammu’s sporting infrastructure by offering an inclusive, professional environment for swimmers from all walks of life.
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