The railway stadium that hosted Dhanbad Premier League last month. (Gautam Dey)

After playing perfect host to the inaugural edition of the Dhanbad Premier League last month, the coal capital’s railway stadium is all set to doll up to become bigger, better and more spectator-friendly.

The stadium, which has been a regular venue for national-level cricket tournaments like the Ranji Trophy (in 2010-11 and 2011-12) and the Cooch Behar Trophy (2008) and some BCCI-sponsored U-22 matches, will get a state-of-the-art gymnasium, an umpire stand and a proper boundary wall, once the nip-and-tuck job is over.

The makeover plans also incorporate adding more galleries to double the seating capacity.

Senior divisional commercial manager of East Central Railway’s Dhanbad division Dayanand said Rs 55 lakh would be spent for revamp of the stadium. A major part of the money, he said, would be used for setting up the gymnasium and repairing the boundary wall.

“The boundary wall is damaged at some places that needs to be patched up for ensuring the safety and security of the premises,” Dayanand, who also doubles up as the sports officer of Dhanbad division, told The Telegraph.

He said entry gates to the stadium would also be widened to let in more people at a time.

“During the Dhanbad Premier League, we often noticed spectators jostling to get in. Hence, we have decided to broaden all six entry gates — two at the railway stadium end, two near the railway club and two at the St Antony Church end,” the senior commercial manager said.

The galleries, which can now seat around 5,000 people, would be expanded with additional seats being added near the station end.

“The new gymnasium and the umpire’s stand, work orders for which have already been issued, alone will cost us Rs 40 lakh,” Dayanand said. He expected the tenders for the remaining work — boundary wall repair and the addition of galleries — to be floated in the next two-three months with actual construction work beginning by the end of the year.

Dhanabd divisional railway manager Sudhir Kumar is said to have already given his nod for all the aspects of the revamp project that has sparked considerable excitement among members of the Dhanbad Cricket Association that has welcomed the move.

General secretary of district cricket association S.A. Rahman said that any revamp work carried out at the stadium, situated in the heart of the city, would help in promoting cricket.