Enhanced seating capacity from 33,500 to 50,000; Permanent roofing, drainage, parking & redesigned entry-exit points
Mysuru: Mysuru’s famed Torchlight Parade Grounds at Bannimantap is set for a major facelift, with plans to upgrade seating facilities, provide permanent roofing, improve drainage and parking and redesign entry and exit points to enhance safety and crowd management.
The Mysuru Development Authority (MDA), which manages the sprawling grounds, has initiated the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible agencies to prepare it.
The proposed DPR will cover the enhancement of seating capacity, the construction of a permanent roofing structure, the raising of the ground level with a proper drainage system, the development of parking facilities and the improvement of access arrangements.
The Parade Grounds occupy a prominent place in Mysuru’s heritage and cultural landscape, hosting the Torchlight Parade during world-famous Dasara as well as Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. In 2018, seating capacity at the venue was increased from 22,000 to 33,500 at a cost of Rs. 6.5 crore.
According to MDA officials, the existing roofing is inadequate and the seating layout requires rationalisation to maximise available space. At present, portions of the stone seating platforms remain underutilised due to inefficient spacing. The proposed redesign aims to optimise seating arrangements and accommodate more spectators, at least 50,000, comfortably.
Maximising safety
The DPR will place special emphasis on crowd safety, with plans to redesign entry and exit points for better movement, emergency response, preventing overcrowding and ensuring smoother movement of visitors during major events.
The move comes in the aftermath of June 4, 2025, stampede outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where 11 people were killed and over 50 were injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations.
The tragedy occurred when an estimated 3 lakh RCB fans gathered for victory celebrations, far exceeding the stadium’s capacity of 35,000.
Fresh tenders to be issued
Speaking to Star of Mysore, MDA Officer Meghana, who is in charge of the project, said the initial tender process, floated on May 18 with a submission deadline of May 25, attracted only one bidder. Since the bid did not meet the prescribed conditions and format, the proposal could not be approved.
As a result, the MDA has decided to issue a fresh tender. The re-tendering process is expected to begin this month and the DPR preparation will take between three and six months, following which the DPR will be finalised and submitted to the MDA Board and the State Government for approval and budget allocation.
Once funding is sanctioned, work on the comprehensive upgrade project will commence. Officials believe the upgraded venue will significantly improve the experience of visitors attending public events and ceremonial functions.
The redevelopment gains added significance as a new KSRTC Sub-Urban Bus Stand is coming up nearby on land attached to the KSRTC Depot. Together, the modernised Parade Grounds and the upcoming bus stand are expected to transform Bannimantap into a major activity hub.
This post was published on June 15, 2026 7:30 pm