2 hrs ago
Navi Mumbai Formula 4 Track Cost Draws Athlete Facility Debate
Navi Mumbai is building a track for Formula 4 car racing in Nerul.
The project was first estimated to cost ₹31.93 crore.
Its cost has now increased to ₹39.83 crore.
Another ₹21 lakh was spent to move electric lights.
Athletes say they have waited about ten years for a synthetic running track.
A planned sports complex in Vashi was cancelled because of funding concerns.
Critics say money should have been used for facilities that help athletes for many years.
They also want the civic body to explain the extra spending and other work connected to the racing track.
The Nerul Formula 4 track’s cost has risen from ₹31.93 crore to ₹39.83 crore.
An additional ₹21 lakh was spent on shifting electric lights for the project.
Athletes have waited about a decade for a synthetic running track.
A proposed ₹45 crore sports complex in Vashi was cancelled over funding concerns.
Critics are seeking transparency over spending, tree cutting and allied infrastructure work.
- Who
- The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, athletes, residents, sports enthusiasts and critic Samir Bagwan are involved in the issue.
- What
- The cost of a Formula 4 racing track and allied works has increased, while athletes’ demand for a synthetic running track remains unmet.
- Where
- The Formula 4 track is being developed near Jewels of Navi Mumbai along Palm Beach Road in Nerul; the cancelled sports complex was proposed in Vashi Sector 10-A.
- When
- The demand for a synthetic running track has continued for about a decade; the additional spending is expected to be discussed at the next General Body meeting.
- Why
- Critics are questioning the spending priorities, cost escalation and lack of transparency while long-term athletic facilities remain pending.
Key facts
- Formula 4 track cost
- Increased from ₹31.93 crore to ₹39.83 crore
- Cost increase
- ₹7.89 crore for the racing track and allied works
- Electric-light relocation
- ₹21 lakh
- Synthetic track demand
- Athletes have sought one for about a decade
- Cancelled sports complex
- A proposed facility in Vashi Sector 10-A was estimated at ₹45 crore
- Project location
- Near Jewels of Navi Mumbai along Palm Beach Road in Nerul
- Expected scrutiny
- The additional expenditure may be discussed at the next Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation General Body meeting
Quotes
Samir Bagwan
Former Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport member and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) deputy city chief
“Nearly Rs 40 crore is being spent for a 30-minute racing event, while funds were denied for a sports complex that could have served sportspersons for decades. We oppose such expenditure when basic sporting facilities for athletes remain pending.”
freepressjournal.in
“Rules, transparency and technical accuracy are essential in works carried out using public funds. Therefore, every aspect of this matter should be thoroughly examined and the truth should be brought before the public.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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