PANAJI
The State government has decided to lease out the Rs 35-crore multi-utility sports and commercial complex at Campal, built under the Smart City project, to private operators on a 10-year commercial licence.
The Goa State Urban Development Agency has invited bids to appoint a transaction advisor. The advisor will plan and run the competitive process to select an operator.
The complex covers about 40,000 square metres and includes a natural football turf, a sports academy layout, premium restaurant space, parking areas, and branding zones.
As part of the licence conditions, the operator must keep the facility open for 30 days a year free of cost for government events. It must also reserve 10 per cent of seats in the sports academy for underprivileged youth nominated by GSUDA.
The move follows criticism from local leaders that the facility remained unused for nearly three years.
Panaji councillor Jack Sukhija had repeatedly called for the complex to be opened to the public. He said a public project should not remain locked when people need space for sport, training, and community events. He also demanded transparent management and affordable access, saying public sports facilities should not be treated only as profit-making ventures.
With the government now opting for a commercial lease, the debate over public access versus private operation of Panaji’s main sports complex is expected to continue.
