The poor quality of construction work at Nehru Stadium, executed as part of the Smart City initiative, has been exposed. The perimeter walkway, designed for fitness enthusiasts' morning and evening exercises, is damaged. The subpar workmanship has led to weeds growing, loosened pavers, and hazardous dips in the walking track. 

The Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL) spent over Rs 210 million through the Smart City Project for the stadium's renovation and enhancement with various facilities.

The redevelopment commenced in July 2020, after sporting activities were halted in late 2019, and took three years to complete. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a virtual inauguration of the upgraded stadium in March 2023. However, the facility remains non-operational since its inauguration due to unresolved handover matters between HDSCL and the HDMC. 

Based on the sources within HDMC, after finalising the official handover process, HDSCL provided Rs 1.8 crore to HDMC for maintenance and other requirements. HDSCL specified that the stadium should be strictly used for sporting activities, with no vehicular entry permitted. 

However, HDMC utilises the grounds for various non-sporting events, including cracker sales during deepavali and Ganesha festivals as well as political gatherings, alongside sports activities. Despite completing the handover process, HDMC officials have not made the indoor gaming facilities accessible to the public. 

When approached, Basavaraj Dharmante, DGM of HDSCL, confirmed that HDMC is now responsible for maintenance and repairs of the stadium. He stated that operations and maintenance funds of Rs 1.8 crore were transferred to HDMC for repairs and other works at the Nehru Stadium. 

Union minister Pralhad Joshi stated that dedicated meetings would be organised to review issues concerning substandard construction works and other matters under smart city projects. "It is the duty of HDMC to check all works under Smart City Projects. If any small repairs and others are there, they should get them done from HDSCL and maintain them properly," he added. 

James, 65, who lives on Karwar Road, mentioned that he frequents Nehru Stadium twice daily for walks. "It is very difficult to walk briskly on uneven pavers. In most places in the stadium, the pavers are damaged. In some places, they have turned into hazardous dips, and grass has grown between these pavers," he explained.