Lucknow: In a significant development for shooters in Lucknow and across the state, the operation and maintenance of the Chandrashekhar Azad Shooting Range in Sarojininagar, which has been lying in a deteriorated condition, will be handed over to a private player under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for upkeep and expansion. In-principle approval has been granted by the state govt, and the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has been directed to identify a private partner. Spread over 44 acres, a portion of the shooting range has been proposed for commercial use under the redevelopment plan. The facility was constructed in 2008 at an approved cost of Rs 37.14 crore, of which Rs 18.88 crore was released. The range was developed by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) on its land. Over the years, due to a lack of maintenance, the condition of the complex deteriorated. The LDA has now been appointed to select a private partner to complete the pending work and manage operations. The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by the principal secretary, Urban Development. The state govt has made a budgetary provision of Rs 50 crore for 2025–26, but officials consider the amount insufficient for complete modernisation. The LDA has been asked to prepare a detailed action plan for redevelopment and for the selection of a PPP partner to make the facility operational. An international-standard shooting facility will be developed on 36.85 acres, and municipal land will also be reclaimed for the project. According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared by Design and Design Services, the total redevelopment cost is estimated at Rs 197.28 crore. Under the plan, a hostel facility will be constructed within the complex. The existing 25-metre and 50-metre range targets will be demolished, and new ranges will be developed at a different location within the campus. Modifications will also be carried out in certain 10-metre ranges. A senior official of the LMC said that a meeting between the LDA V-C and the municipal commissioner has been scheduled to finalise the roadmap. The operational strategy will be decided at the meeting, after which redevelopment work is expected to begin.
