KATHMANDU: The upgrading of the Pepsicola football ground in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32 is progressing rapidly. An 11-a-side artificial turf field is being constructed here with the financial investment of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

According to Arjun Aryal, an engineer at the metropolis’s Public Construction Department, the work of laying the carpet on the field has been completed, while filling it with sand remains. He stated that it will take another two months to finish all the upgrade works, including the sand filling. “Sand needs to be placed on top of the carpet. Placing sand during cold weather takes time,” he said. “The agreement states that it should be completed by November/December. It will now be completed in at most two months.”

According to him, sand is used to prevent waterlogging, make the field durable, and facilitate smooth gameplay. Since artificial grass is made of plastic fibers, adding sand helps keep those fibers upright and stable, preventing the grass from wrinkling or tearing out.

Furthermore, because sand softens the field, it reduces the risk of injuries when players run or fall. It also mimics natural grass in terms of ball speed and bounce. Additionally, rainwater drains quickly, preventing waterlogging and making it easier to conduct matches. Engineer Aryal added that drains will be constructed to prevent water collection and damage to the field, alongside a foot track on the sides for walking.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City had initiated the process in the fiscal year 2024/25 with the aim of organizing the dusty and unmanaged ground using artificial turf. Under this initiative, the construction of turf fields was started in six locations across Kathmandu, including Pepsicola.

The construction of these grass fields is underway under a single contract at Bansbari, Social Ground in Nayabazar, Bagmati Corridor in Balkhu, and Ganeshthan in Chabahil. JSS/SM JV Gyaneshwor had bagged the contract for upgrading and constructing all these six grounds for Rs 68 million.