Colour alteration in Kerala Kaloor’s JN Stadium adds to GCDA renovation row

A fresh controversy has erupted over a sponsor changing the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium’s (JNIS) colour tone. The stadium, in Kaloor, had only been repainted almost fully by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) at considerable expense earlier this year.

It may be noted that the GCDA is already under a cloud over the allegedly arbitrary manner in which it permitted the renovation of the stadium by a private company, which claimed to be the sponsor of the now-called-off international friendly match between Argentina and Australia.

The colour tone inside the stadium is being changed from ultramarine blue, which is similar to the colour of Kochi Metro and widely associated with the city, to a combination of grey and red. Reportedly, the colour change has left the Defect Liability Period (DLP) coverage for five years offered by the paint company holding it responsible for any defect during the said period, void. The matter has reportedly been brought to the attention of the GCDA by its engineering wing.

When contacted by The Hindu, GCDA chairperson K. Chandran Pillai said the colour change had been discussed beforehand and was permitted for improved aesthetics befitting the profile of the international match. He noted that GCDA had limited options, either to deny or permit the change, as it could not have afforded additional expenditure for repainting. He admitted that while the repainting nullified the warranty coverage, it had been replaced with a more durable paint to ensure perfection.

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The beautification work to give the stadium a fresh coat of paint began in April, following the conclusion of the last edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) season. Since its inception, the stadium had been fully painted only once and had developed a jaded appearance. Although the project was initially estimated at ₹2.50 crore, it was awarded for ₹1.35 crore through competitive e-tendering.

The Opposition United Democratic Front has been accusing the GCDA over allocating the stadium’s renovation to a private company without following due process. The UDF alleged a “shady business deal” aimed at usurping the State’s flagship international stadium, forcing GCDA to come out with a clarification.