Will Gujarat University be third-time lucky? Varsity opens bids to run multi-crore sports complex

Gujarat University has once again invited proposals from private companies and agencies to manage and operate its sports complex and other high-value facilities, developed at the cost of crores of rupees. 

Despite previous calls to attract interest, the university is yet to find a suitable partner, as earlier calls for proposals failed to receive any viable responses. 

While the land and funding for the project came from the government, the responsibility of running and maintaining these premium facilities will be entrusted to private entities.

Gujarat University has issued an e-tender notice inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from companies for the management and development of various facilities. These include:

Convention Centre at the GMDC ground

Transit House and Guest House

Indoor sports facilities at the Sports Complex

Athletic track

Tennis court and gymnasium hall

Dronacharya Shooting Academy’s sports facility

Previously, tenders were invited twice, but no company or agency showed interest.  

The sports facilities, built with crores of rupees from state government grants on university land worth crores, have been largely unused for years.

A recent inspection by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team highlighted the issue of under-utilised sports facilities.

The university has lacked a permanent sports director for years, and currently, 7-8 teaching faculties have been handed the charge of sports director.

It remains to be seen whether any company or agency will show interest in the current tender for management and development of sports complex.