Construction of Parapet and Floodlights Ongoing at TU Cricket Ground

Construction of parapet seating and floodlights has been ongoing at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Kathmandu since Falgun (February/March).

Although the work officially started on Falgun 20 and was supposed to finish by Baisakh 24, it was not completed on time. Under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s directive, the deadline was extended by two more months, and the work is now continuing at a fast pace.

The contract to build the parapet was awarded to BKOI KCDC BG JV for Rs 437.7 million, while the floodlight installation was given to Bishan-Ishwari Joint Venture.

The initial delay was caused by the rainy season and technical adjustments. Now, the construction company says the work will be completed by the end of Asar (mid-July).

Parapet Construction Progress

Two separate seating sections with a total capacity of 10,000 are being built — one on the western side and the other on the southeastern side of the ground. According to the project chief, the parapet construction is about 65% complete.

The western section extends over 60,000 square feet with six blocks, while the southeastern section is 23,000 square feet with two blocks.

Slab Work Underway

Slab casting has begun on the western parapet section. According to construction company director Prem Paudel, slab work on the southeastern side will also begin in a few days.

“We have started casting slabs today. Preparation for the other side is also in progress,” said Paudel. After slab work is completed, seat installation will begin.

In the first phase, 1,500 seats have already arrived. The next batch has cleared customs and installation is set to begin next week.

Six Floodlights to Be Installed

Most cricket grounds usually have four floodlights, but TU Cricket Ground will have six. Project chief Chakravarti Kantha said the floodlights will be 45.5 and 55 meters tall, depending on the ground height. The poles will arrive from India in the first week of Asar, and the lights from other suppliers.

Three floodlight bases are already complete and ready for pole installation. Work has started on the fourth base, and preparations for the remaining two are underway.

Completion Expected by End of Asar

Despite the earlier delay, the construction company is confident that all work will be finished by the end of Asar. Paudel said, “Unless something unexpected happens, we will finish on time. We are currently working two shifts a day, about 20 hours daily.”

Kantha also confirmed that the parapet will be ready by Asar’s end and that floodlights will be installed if the equipment arrives on time.

For now, no additional structures will be built outside the parapet area. Only access paths will be paved.

Officials from the Ministry of Urban Development and CAN (Cricket Association of Nepal) have been visiting the site to monitor progress.