The ambitious plan to build a state-of-the-art cycling velodrome in Mysuru has hit a major roadblock, remaining stagnant for two years since its announcement in the 2023-24 state budget. The project, allocated Rs 10 crore, was envisioned to create world-class training facilities for cyclists but has failed to move beyond the planning stage due to unresolved land allocation issues.
Project Vision and Current Status
Conceived as a solution to Bengaluru's infrastructure constraints including traffic congestion and land scarcity, the Mysuru velodrome was positioned as an ideal training ground for national and international competitions. The city's proximity to Bengaluru and growing cycling community through initiatives like the Trin Trin public bicycle-sharing system made it the perfect location for this specialized sports facility.
A velodrome represents a purpose-built arena featuring a steeply banked oval track specifically designed for track cycling, with two curved sections connected by straightaways. This infrastructure is crucial for proper training and skill development in competitive cycling.
Multi-Sports Complex Plan
The velodrome was part of a larger sports development initiative that included establishing academies for kho kho, volleyball, and wrestling, along with a synthetic athletic track. The Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports submitted a formal proposal to the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) requesting 25 acres of land at various survey numbers in Hanchya-Sathagalli.
This proposed location near the Visvesvaraya Technological University regional centre on the Outer Ring Road was identified as suitable for creating a comprehensive multi-discipline sports complex that would host all these projects under one umbrella.
Administrative Hurdles and Athlete Concerns
Bhaskar Nayak, Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, confirmed that while his department has taken necessary steps to secure the land from MDA, the authority has yet to sanction the required property. "If the MDA provides the land sought for all these projects, including the velodrome, wrestling, kho kho, and all other new projects announced by the government to be set up in Mysuru, they will come up in a multi-discipline sports complex," Nayak stated.
The delay has drawn concern from professional cyclists like international cyclist N Lokesh, who emphasized the urgent need for such a facility. "There is no proper cycling track available for training for national and international competitions," Lokesh explained, highlighting how athletes currently train on regular roads, leading to safety concerns and injuries from skidding accidents.
With cycling popularity increasing annually in Mysuru and surrounding districts, the absence of proper training infrastructure continues to hamper athlete development and poses safety risks to enthusiasts who currently practice on public roads without adequate facilities.
