JAIPUR: The IPL 2026 season is now just over a month away and yet the fate of Rajasthan Royals’ traditional home at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Stadium here hangs in the balance. Stadium authorities are facing an intense race against time to address the damning findings of a recent independent audit report commissioned by the franchise, which has exposed serious shortcomings in the venue’s ability to safely handle the crowds.The Royals got a comprehensive third-party assessment done by Tata Projects to address their longstanding concerns over public safety. The report has confirmed what the franchise officials had been suspecting for long: severe deficiencies in life safety, structural integrity and statutory compliance, highlighting SMS Stadium fails minimum safety standards across all parameters.
700 pages report: Pointing out several high-risk and critical safety issues detailed in the 700-page report, a source close to the matter says, “Among the most pressing concerns are severe fire and life-safety lapses, including the complete absence of dedicated fire escape routes in VIP areas, along with major sections of spectator stands exceeding their design life, inadequate exit provisions, poor earthing systems, and elevated risks of fire and electrocution.“These form just part of a lengthy catalogue of deficiencies uncovered by the independent audit commissioned by Royals and conducted by Tata Projects.”Incidentally, last year on June 2, barely two days before the unfortunate stampede occurred in Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals had written to the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) seeking permission to conduct an audit to evaluate current structural integrity and overall health of the stadium.“The letter had clearly mentioned that the franchise wished to engage a competent agency, and the test is expected to take three to four weeks,” the source adds.On September 12, the franchise followed up the request with another letter to the state sports council, formally initiating a comprehensive safety review and highlighted the urgency for it citing the RCB incident and underscoring proactive measures.“RSSC granted permission on Nov 28 and the audit was conducted from Dec 25-Jan 26. Tests were conducted according to the central government established and updated national regulatory codes like National Building Code, National Electric Code, Fire Code and Safety Code in Sports Ground,” say those in the know of developments.State govt writes to BCCI: In a strong show of support for the stadium, Rajasthan chief secretary V Srinivas has written directly to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, assuring top officials that spectator safety and security remain the state govt’s highest priority.“In reference to the upcoming IPL season, it has come to my notice that Rajasthan Royals, the home franchise of Rajasthan, has raised certain concerns regarding the safety and security of SMS Stadium. I wish to reiterate that the safety and security of spectators is paramount for the state government. I would like to categorically state that there is no issue concerning the safety, security, or structural integrity of the stadium infrastructure,” the letter reads.“The Government of Rajasthan constituted a very high-level committee to thoroughly examine all aspects related to the stadium’s safety and security. The committee comprised senior professors from MNIT, one of the reputed institutes of engineering and technology of Government of India, senior officials of the Government of Rajasthan, engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), and other domain experts. The committee has submitted its report and has found the stadium to be fully safe and secure. The committee has, however, made certain suggestions for minor improvements, and the government is fully committed to completing all recommended works well in time before the commencement of the IPL season,” letter mentions.Defending the stadium amid safety concerns, RSSC chairman Neeraj K Pawan said authorities view the required fixes as manageable. “The issues identified are largely minor in nature and can be addressed promptly. This includes repairing and upgrading fire exits, strengthening structural safety in the South Block, further refining the evacuation plan, replacing outdated floodlights, fine-tuning seating arrangements, and improving alleys, walkways, and entry-exit points. We have ample time and resources to complete these works before the IPL season begins,” Pawan says.
