Uncertainty continues to cloud the future of the Youth Hostel opposite Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium, with sports authorities confirming that no renovation or repair work is currently planned even as calls grow for urgent restoration or privatization of the deteriorating facility.
Officials at the stadium’s administrative office said the hostel remains under the jurisdiction of the Director of Sports, Vikram Singh, but there are no active proposals or scheduled projects to upgrade the building. Despite increasing public attention on the condition of the structure, the office clarified that no maintenance or revival work is underway at present. An email seeking clarification was sent to Vikram Singh, and attempts were also made to meet him in person, but there has been no response from the administrator so far.
The development has drawn focus to the hostel’s prominent location in Sri Vijaya Puram. Positioned directly across from the main stadium and along a key road frequently used for official and VIP movement, the building’s visible deterioration has raised concerns about neglect in a high-profile area of the city.
Amid the official confirmation of inaction, a former contractor associated with the facility has urged immediate steps to either restore the hostel or hand it over to private operators through a tender process. Requesting anonymity, he said the building once served as a vital accommodation hub for visiting athletes and students coming to Sri Vijaya Puram for sports events, training camps and educational activities.
According to him, the hostel functioned successfully in the past but gradually fell into disuse due to structural aging and the absence of consistent maintenance. Over time, this led to its closure and the present state of disrepair.
Describing the current condition, he said the structure is “rotting away” because of a “complete lack of maintenance and attention,” pointing out the stark contrast between its decaying appearance and the surrounding zone that remains active with stadium-related events and institutional activity.
Former users of the facility also recalled its importance as an affordable stay option in earlier years. Rajendran said that during his younger days, whenever he travelled from Rangat to Port Blair, the youth hostel was the only place he could afford. “We used to stay there and eat there as well. At that time, it was within our budget and the facility was good,” he said. Samar shared a similar experience, stating, “When we came from Rangat in our younger days, we stayed in the youth hostel because it was the only affordable option for us. The accommodation and food arrangements were good then.”
The issue has gained added significance as new infrastructure projects move ahead nearby. A large women’s hostel is under construction in the vicinity, reflecting continued investment in accommodation facilities. However, the older Youth Hostel remains abandoned, even as demand persists for affordable lodging for young visitors and sports teams.
The former contractor argued that reviving the hostel would help bridge a practical gap. Budget accommodation close to sports venues is often essential for visiting teams and student groups, and the facility had earlier fulfilled that need.
“If the government department cannot work on it, if there is no fund, then transfer it to private in the tender. Private companies can fix it, renovate it, and run it again,” he said, suggesting that privatization could offer a workable alternative if public funds are unavailable.
Beyond the question of accommodation, he also linked the issue to urban upkeep and planning, stating that restoring the structure would improve the visual condition of a key stretch of the city while strengthening support infrastructure for youth and sports activities.
For now, however, the official position remains unchanged. With no projects announced and no timelines indicated, the Youth Hostel continues to stand unused, its future uncertain as debate grows over whether it will be restored, repurposed, or left to deteriorate further.
