New Delhi: The Sports Authority of India (SAI), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has launched a major initiative to redevelop the historic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JNS) in Delhi into a cutting-edge “New Delhi Sports Hub” through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In a tender notice issued on January 29, 2026, SAI has invited proposals from Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)-empanelled transaction advisors to guide the project, which carries an indicative cost of ₹7,853 crore.

The ambitious project aims to elevate the 77,000-seat stadium, originally built for the 1982 Asian Games and later used as a venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, to global standards. Spanning approximately 98 acres in south-central Delhi, the complex currently includes a main arena, an indoor weightlifting auditorium, three football grounds, two athletic tracks, two badminton halls, a table tennis hall, an archery training zone, and other facilities. The redevelopment will focus on holistic upgrades for sports excellence while optimising underutilised spaces for revenue-generating commercial activities, ensuring sustainable land use.

Key Objectives of the Project

World-class infrastructure: Comprehensive development of the stadium to meet global sports standards.

Revenue augmentation: Development of unused or underutilised areas of the stadium for commercial purposes to enhance revenue generation.

Sustainability: Ensuring optimum and sustainable utilisation of available land resources.

Urban icon: Creating a modern and vibrant landmark for the city in line with international standards in sports and real estate.

Current Facilities of the Stadium

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex is spread across approximately 98 acres. Key facilities include:

• Main stadium arena with a seating capacity of 77,000

• Indoor weightlifting auditorium, three football grounds, and two athletic tracks

• Two badminton halls, a table tennis hall, and an archery training zone

Role of the Transaction Advisor

The selected advisor will be required to:

• Prepare the master plan and project feasibility report

• Assess the technical feasibility and financial viability of the project

• Develop a financial and revenue model

• Prepare the project structure and documentation, including the concession agreement under the PPP model

• Assist in the bidding process for the selection of the private partner (concessionaire)

Project Details and Eligibility

Estimated cost: The indicative cost of the overall project is ₹7,853 crore, while the estimated cost for Project Management Services (PMS) is ₹11,85,11,165, inclusive of all taxes.

Advisor eligibility: Only transaction advisors empanelled by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, are eligible.

Duration: The consultancy services are expected to be completed within 13 months.

Important date: The last date for submission of bids is February 23, 2026 (11:00 AM).

Through this project, the government aims to create synergy between sports administration, sports infrastructure, and commercial real estate development, positioning the complex as a major integrated sports destination in the national capital. DeshBharat