IIT Bhubaneswar Experts Inspect Spectator Galleries At Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium Ahead of T20I Match
Cuttack, November 21, 2025 – As the countdown begins for the T20 International match between India and South Africa scheduled for December 9, experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar conducted a thorough inspection of the spectator galleries and pavilions at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. This inspection is part of the preparations to ensure the safety and comfort of the spectators attending the event.
Inspection Details
The inspection team comprised engineers from IIT Bhubaneswar, members of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) Technical Committee, and officials from the Roads and Buildings Department. They focused on evaluating the condition and necessary repairs of specific galleries within the stadium, particularly galleries number 5, 6, and 7.
Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra, the chief of the technical committee, stated, “The technical committee of OCA, along with various technical experts associated with IIT Bhubaneswar and engineers from the Roads and Buildings Department, inspected the condition and repairs of gallery number 5, 6, and 7 of Barabati Stadium. The committee will submit its report to the state government on December 6.”
Safety Enhancements
Gallery number 7, which was previously declared ‘dangerous’ by the OCA in 2019, has undergone significant repairs. These repairs were carried out by experts from Canada and Thailand, utilizing specialized construction materials. Mohapatra assured that the gallery is now completely safe and stronger than before, capable of accommodating the required number of spectators.
To further enhance safety, special corridors have been arranged in the three galleries to ensure the well-being of the spectators during the match. This proactive approach reflects the commitment of the authorities to provide a secure environment for all attendees.
Changes in Seating Capacity
In a notable change from previous matches, the seating capacity of the galleries will be reduced for the upcoming T20I match. Previously, each seat measured 19 inches in width, but this has now been increased to 22 inches. This adjustment is expected to decrease the total number of available seats by more than 2,000, prioritizing spectator comfort over sheer capacity.
The Odisha Cricket Association is also planning to increase the number of tickets allocated to sports associations and schools affiliated with the OCA. As a result, fewer tickets will be available for general sale at the counter for this match, which may impact the overall attendance.
Barabati Stadium Capacity
Barabati Stadium has a total capacity of 44,574 spectators. For the previous match, a total of 24,692 tickets were sold. With the new seating arrangements and increased ticket allocation to affiliated organizations, the dynamics of ticket sales are expected to change significantly for the upcoming game.
Conclusion
The inspection by IIT Bhubaneswar experts and the subsequent repairs to the spectator galleries illustrate a strong commitment to safety and spectator experience at Barabati Stadium. As the date of the T20I match approaches, the collaborative efforts of various technical teams and the OCA will play a crucial role in ensuring a successful event.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates available as of November 2025.
