LUCKNOW, Oct. 13 -- The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has accelerated its plan to construct a mini stadium inside Janeshwar Mishra Park under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The upcoming facility, spread over 15 acres, is expected to be completed by December 2026, offering multiple sports and recreational options for citizens. It will be developed near Gate No 6 of Janeshwar Mishra Park, with ample parking space available. LDA vice-chairman Prathamesh Kumar confirmed that the layout plan for the project will be ready within a week and that the stadium will be built within a year once work begins. "We are committed to developing quality sports infrastructure that is both affordable and accessible to the public," he said. Officials said the mini stadium will cater to a variety of sports, including cricket, football, badminton, tennis, and skating. The project, part of the original Janeshwar Mishra Park master plan, had remained pending for years. Now revived, it aims to encourage sporting activity and provide free access to certain areas so that visitors can participate in recreational sports without any charges. Under the PPP model, the selected private agency will invest around Rs.4 crore, while the LDA will contribute approximately Rs.6 crore. In return, the agency will pay Rs.40 lakh annually to the LDA for a period of about 15 years and will manage the stadium's operation and maintenance. Officials emphasised that the terms in the RFP clearly require the private partner to keep usage charges low and ensure affordability for all. The authority has already issued work orders and directed teams to inspect and finalize the demarcation of the area within the park. The project is also expected to boost footfall at Janeshwar Mishra Park, one of the largest and most visited parks in Lucknow. Senior officials added that once the layout plan is approved, the estimated cost and design blueprint will be finalized before construction begins. The upcoming mini stadium, they said, will not only strengthen Lucknow's sports ecosystem but also provide citizens with a modern, multi-sport facility in the heart of the city....