Sambalpur: Construction of second sports complex in the district will start shortly near Hirakud railway station in Burla.

The state government has identified 28.81 acres of land for the purpose. The complex will be constructed in two phases and Idco has been entrusted for the job, an official source said.

A Delhi-based construction company has prepared its detailed project report and the project cost has been estimated at Rs 70 crore. In the first phase, a multi-purpose indoor stadium, synthetic athletic track will be constructed and Rs 25 crore will be spent for it. This apart, for the first time a solar lighting system will be installed. The project, include water drainage system, collection of rainwater, and electrification work.

A modern swimming pool complex of national stature to organise national championship, sports training centre, hostel for physical training college will be constructed in a phased manner, a source said. A separate hostel for women and administrative block will be constructed. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone for the sports complex on February 27, 2015. Meanwhile, only the boundary wall has been completed. The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited will provide finance for the construction of the first phase of the project.