SDAT scraps RPP Infra's ₹205.89-crore Global Sports City contract

The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has terminated its ₹205.89-crore contract with RPP Infra Projects Ltd. for the design and construction of the proposed 'Global Sports City' in Chennai. The company, in a regulatory filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, confirmed receiving the termination communication.

In a letter dated July 31, 2026, SDAT Member Secretary J. Meghanatha Reddy stated that a meeting chaired by the Minister for Public Works and Sports Development decided to restructure the project. The aim is to develop a larger, more comprehensive sports complex capable of hosting national and international events, including those of the scale of the Asian Games, based on the total available land.

RPP Infra said it had already begun work and incurred substantial expenditure. The company is now assessing the financial impact and its legal remedies under the contract terms.

A senior government official said the project is being re-examined because the area is prone to flooding. A person associated with the project said a flood-proofing plan is under consideration, which could involve raising land levels and channelising water for water sports.

The first phase of the Global Sports City was planned on over 80 acres and included an international-standard football stadium, shooting ranges, archery facilities, rowing and kayaking infrastructure, BMX tracks, skating arenas, indoor stadiums, and athlete hostels.

Among three sites considered — Semmancheri, Kuthambakkam, and Vandalur — Semmancheri was finalised. The then Chief Secretary, Shiv Das Meena, had earlier asked the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to prepare a storm-water drainage plan for the flood-prone location.