The historic Morabadi grounds, where governor Droupadi Murmu will unfurl the Tricolour, is all set for the Republic Day celebrations, but its revamp plan along the lines of Times Square has quietly hit the slow lane.

Implementing agency Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (Juidco) is yet to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase of construction.

This is one of the dream projects of chief minister Raghubar Das, who had asked the state urban development department to complete it on a priority basis.

“The first phase of construction work has been completed. As many as 11 LED screens were installed along with a permanent stage measuring 55ftX30ft for socio-cultural events at a cost of Rs 25 crore. There are plans to put up more high mast lights. DPR for the second phase is expected to be completed by February. Once it’s prepared, we will be in a position to ascertain the total cost of the second phase,”Juidco deputy manager in -charge Pradeep Kumar Singh said told The Telegraph.

Singh said installation of decorative lamps and road widening and strengthening would be undertaken in the second phase besides the construction of a three-tier pit puzzle parking system.

Pit puzzle parking is a fully automated system aimed at optimum use of space in basement parking. It is hydraulically designed to go vertically up to two levels above the ground and one level below.

Juidco is also planning to install a 50-metre high flagpole with a motorised hoisting system.

Work on the first phase began in August and was completed in November last year. Consultations for the second phase began soon after.

“However, we still don’t have the final draft of the plan because we are yet to accommodate a lot of things,” a Juidco official said.

He said an alternative arrangement would have to be made for roadside shopkeepers who would be displaced by the renovation.

“There is a vegetable market close to the ground. We have to make a suitable arrangement for that as well,” the official added.

He said a canteen offering food at reasonable prices was also on agenda.

“The overall idea is to keep the ground beautiful and spacious. Any construction and renovation work will have to be done carefully. These aspects are being considered in the DPR for the second phase,” the Juidco official added.