The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), is set to get a much-needed facelift — at least in terms of appearance — which has been long overdue, given its jaded look.

The beautification work to give the stadium a fresh coat of paint has been progressing since April. It is likely to be completed by August. Since its inception, the stadium has been fully painted only once. The GCDA prepared an estimate, and the government gave its approval. Though the work was estimated at ₹2.50 crore, it was awarded for ₹1.35 crore through competitive e-tendering.

Around 1.50 lakh sq. ft is being painted. The project got under way after the conclusion of the latest edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) season in April.

At present, painting is progressing on the stadium’s interior and exterior walls, as well as handrails. The work has been making steady progress despite the inclement weather. Nearly 50% of the work has been completed, according to a statement issued by the GCDA.

While the beautification is welcome, the stadium is also in need of an infrastructure upgrade. A video of a leaking roof during a crowded ISL match had gone viral on social media some time ago. Besides, a senior Asian Football Confederation functionary had remarked last year that while the stadium has an amazing ambience, it was a “recipe for disaster.” Among other things, the official cited its location in the heart of the city and the lack of infrastructure — including security arrangements and segregation of fans, officials, and players — as key concerns.

The stadium, built on 12 of the 34 acres, with a seating capacity of 55,000, was commissioned in 1996. It was dedicated to the nation by then Vice-President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma. The first-class match between the visiting South African team and the Karnataka team — which had won the Ranji Trophy and Irani Trophy under the captaincy of former Indian cricket team captain Rahul Dravid — was the first cricket match hosted at the stadium. It was played from November 10 to 12, 1996.

Since then, the stadium has hosted numerous international and first-class cricket and football matches. Incidentally, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s best-ever bowling figures in a One Day International — 5 for 32 — were recorded at this stadium against Australia in 1998. It also hosted matches of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The stadium is now the home ground of the ISL team Kerala Blasters FC.