New Delhi: The global economic meltdown has hit the preparation of 2010 Commonwealth Games and Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi Tuesday said the budget for the mega-event will be increased in view of the financial crisis.

“The budget for the Games will be increased slightly considering the escalating prices of raw material used in construction. The prices of steel and cement are currently high and we have to take that into consideration,” Kalmadi said.

“We are building an international standard stadium here and we can’t compromise on that,” he added.

Kalmadi, however, was concerned about the security arrangement for the Games in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

“We are very concerned about the security arrangement and we are taking additional steps. We are in talk with the Home Ministry and the Lt. Governor is meeting with experts from Israel. We are procuring all required equipment to ensure 100% safety. We can’t afford to lower our guard in these times,” Kalmadi said.

The CWG organising Committee Chairman, who was on an inspection of the Nehru Stadium, reiterated that the work was on schedule and would be completed by December.

“Work is on track no doubt. We have completed 30% of work, so we are on target. Most of the infrastructure will be ready by December this year, by March 2010 the test events will start and in August we have the Games.