After years of neglected murals, statues, and sculptures gathering dust under the city’s flyovers, someone has finally nailed it. According to a media report, a refreshing transformation has taken place beneath the Dighori-Narendra Nagar flyover, where a clean, well-marked basketball court has been set up. The local community has embraced it with enthusiasm, spending their evenings joyfully dribbling and dunking in this vibrant new space.
What many are calling the city’s first ‘mini-sports complex’ offers more than just a basketball court. The entire stretch beneath the massive flyover—from one pier to the next—is being opened up for various physical activities.
A Mallakhamb zone, a dedicated yoga space, and a seating area for spectators are all being set up under the flyover. For once—and at least for now—there are no signs of commercial exploitation of the space.
Though the basketball court is smaller than the standard size mandated by the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA), to which the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) is affiliated, it hardly bothers the players. They’re more than happy to dunk and cheer every time the ball hits the hoop. The space between the piers measures 22.11 metres by 13.96 metres—ample room for players and fitness enthusiasts to work up a sweat.
What stands out is the striking use of bright colours, the innovative design of the hoop installation, and the sturdy metal mesh that keeps the ball from rolling onto the road.
This creative initiative was envisioned by consulting architect Rasshi Bavvankule and engineer Goraj Bavvankule. After winning the consultancy tender, the couple proposed the concept to the NMC’s sports department, which approved and executed the project.
Funding for these projects comes from the ₹15 crore prize awarded to Nagpur for being named the most beautiful city in India during the G20 summit. The redevelopment at Dighori cost ₹1.25 crore, while the Narendra Nagar project is estimated at ₹2.75 crore. Tenders were issued in February 2024, with work starting in September the same year.
Badminton, Skating Rink, Cricket, Futsal, Pickleball in the Pipeline
The Dighori project is nearing completion, with approximately 618 square metres of space now safely enclosed with iron mesh to ensure player safety and prevent any interference with nearby traffic. Riding on the success of this initiative, a much larger project is underway beneath the Narendra Nagar flyover.
Spread across more than 3,000 square metres, this upcoming sports complex will include dedicated courts for badminton, roller skating, basketball, box cricket, futsal, and pickleball, along with zones for skateboarding and surfing—all designed with dimensions of 20.60 metres by 12.50 metres, making it the first of its kind in the city.
The project will also feature recreational zones and a walking track. Completion is expected within the next three months.
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