SDAT Cancels Rs 205.89-Crore Work Order for Semmencheri Global Sports City

The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has terminated the Rs 205.89-crore work order awarded for the construction of the flagship Global Sports City project at Semmencheri, along Chennai's Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) corridor.

The termination was revealed by RPP Infra Projects Limited in a regulatory filing to the National Stock Exchange. The company, which had been awarded the contract on February 20, 2026, stated that it received a formal communication from SDAT on August 12, 2026, confirming that the work order had been cancelled.

According to the disclosure, SDAT decided to cancel the original contract to redesign the project on a larger footprint. The authority cited the need to make full use of available land to create a bigger, comprehensive, and all-encompassing sports complex capable of hosting major national and international competitions, including events on the scale of the Asian Games.

The foundation stone for the Semmencheri facility had been laid by then Chief Minister M K Stalin on February 18. RPP Infra Projects noted that the cancellation followed a broader review of ongoing state projects and work orders conducted by the administration. The firm had already commenced work under the order and incurred significant expenditures before the termination.

RPP Infra Projects stated that it engaged with SDAT to keep the original project going, but the termination proceeded. The company is currently evaluating the financial and operational implications of the decision, along with its legal rights and remedies under the contract terms. The regulatory filing provided no revised timeline or budget for the restructured project, nor did it clarify whether the contractor would receive compensation for expenses already incurred.

The first phase of the Global Sports City was planned across more than 80 acres in Semmencheri. The blueprint featured an international-standard football stadium, multi-discipline indoor stadiums, shooting ranges for 10-metre, 25-metre, and 50-metre events, archery facilities, rowing and kayaking infrastructure, BMX cycling and skating arenas, and residential hostels for athletes.

Semmencheri was originally selected for the sports city over alternative locations in Kuthambakkam and Vandalur. Due to the site being prone to flooding, then Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena had previously instructed the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to formulate a dedicated stormwater drainage plan for the area.