Bhubaneswar: Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha’s Culture Minister, on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the under-construction Kalamandal project near Sainik School Bhubaneswar and directed officials to expedite the completion of the work at the earliest.
Once completed, Kalamandal will be the largest auditorium in the state featuring a 2,000-seat state-of-the-art auditorium and a 500-seat open-air theatre. It is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs ₹173 crore on 9.85 acre land.
After taking stock of the ongoing construction work at the site today morning, the Minister conducted a review meeting on the progress of the project and emphasized the need for regular review meetings to ensure the highest standards of quality in the construction process.
He further emphasized on the importance of robust fire safety measures, architectural lighting, advanced audio-visual systems, and the installation of LED video walls within the complex.
Stating that the construction of Kalamandal would be completed as soon as possible, he noted that the project is being executed through close coordination between the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture and IDCO, while also incorporating suggestions from eminent personalities associated with the fields of art and culture.
According to the Minister, the project is poised to give Odisha’s rich cultural heritage a new identity and serve as a milestone in showcasing Odia art and culture on the global stage.
Among others, Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, IDCO’s managing director D. Prashant Kumar Reddy, and several senior officials attended the review meeting.
