Lunglei, November 2026: Mizoram Sports and Youth Services Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar on Saturday morning inspected the proposed site for installing a lighting system at C. Thuamluaia Ground in Lunglei to facilitate sports activities and matches during night hours.
The Minister was accompanied by Lunglei West MLA T. Lalhlimpuia, Lunglei South MLA Lalramliana Papuia, Lunglei Municipal Council Vice-Chairman K. Lalrinawma, officials of the Mizoram State Sports Council (MSSC), representatives of the Lunglei District Sports Committee (LDSC) and Lunglei District Football Association (LDFA), political party leaders and community representatives.
During the inspection, they examined the feasibility of installing floodlight towers around the football ground and discussed various proposals and arrangements to ensure that the project is implemented efficiently and without disrupting sporting activities.
Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said the government was committed to providing a high-quality floodlighting system at C. Thuamluaia Ground and that necessary preparations were already underway.
He pointed out that the installation of floodlight towers would require adequate space. Therefore, the precise locations for erecting the towers along the perimeter of the ground needed to be carefully examined to ensure that they did not interfere with matches or other sporting activities.
The Minister said that, apart from the earlier inspection conducted by the MSSC and the latest site visit, engineers would undertake a detailed technical assessment and prepare a more comprehensive plan wherever necessary. Issues requiring consultation and resolution, particularly concerning the locations of the towers, would also be pursued on priority.
He explained that although erecting the towers themselves would not be particularly difficult, considerable care was required in determining their positions and the direction of illumination. The lighting arrangement would need to be thoroughly examined and tested in advance to ensure proper visibility across the playing field without affecting matches. Consequently, the installation process could take some additional time.
The Minister assured that all necessary preparations and related requirements were being pursued expeditiously. He expressed hope that work would commence soon and that the project could be completed during the current summer season.
Emphasising the importance of the project for the people of Lunglei and young sportspersons, he said the government wanted to complete it at the earliest and expressed confidence that residents would greatly benefit from the facility.
Project Details and Technical Specifications
The lighting project at C. Thuamluaia Ground has been allocated Rs 5 crore under Part-I (Untied) of the State Administration's SASCI 2026–27 scheme. Administrative approval for the project was granted by the competent authorities on September 21, 2026. Preparatory work and other necessary formalities are currently underway.
Before the preparation of the detailed plan and cost estimates, representatives of the LDSC and engineers from the MSSC jointly inspected the site. The proposed design envisages the installation of four high-mast lighting towers at different locations around the stadium.
Each high-mast tower will have a planned height of 28 metres above the ground level of the playing field. However, differences in the elevation of the surrounding roads require variations in the height of the towers.
The two towers proposed on the western side will be installed at road level, which is seven metres lower than the playing field. Accordingly, these towers will need to be 35 metres high to provide the required illumination.
On the eastern side, the two proposed towers will be installed along the adjoining road, which is 11 metres higher than the playing field. Therefore, these towers will have a planned height of 17 metres.
Each of the four high-mast towers will be equipped with 40 LED sports floodlights, each with a capacity of 800 watts. This will take the total number of floodlights to 160 across the stadium.
To ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the lighting system, a 250 kVA, three-phase generator is also proposed to be installed at the southeastern corner of the ground.
The project will involve additional civil works as some of the proposed tower locations have challenging terrain. Excavation and removal of portions of existing rock walls will be required. Earthwork and retaining wall construction have also been included in the project plan to facilitate the installation and ensure the stability of the structures.
Once completed, the floodlighting facility is expected to significantly improve sporting infrastructure in Lunglei, enabling football matches and other sporting activities to be conducted during evening and night hours. It will also provide a major boost to local players and aspiring young sportspersons.
