Bhubaneswar: Odia Language, Literature & Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Tuesday reviewed the ongoing construction work of the ‘Kalamandal’ project near Sainik School in Bhubaneswar and directed officials to expedite its completion.
Chairing a review meeting on the progress of the project, the Minister stressed the need for timely completion while ensuring high construction quality. Earlier in the day, he also visited the site and instructed officials of the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) to speed up the work.
The Rs 173-crore ‘Kalamandal’ complex is being developed with a 2,000-seat auditorium and a 500-seat open-air theatre. The Minister directed the Culture Department and IDCO to conduct regular review meetings to monitor progress and maintain construction standards. He also emphasised provisions for fire safety systems, modern lighting, audio-visual arrangements, and LED video wall installations.
Minister Suraj stated that the project is being developed in coordination between the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department and IDCO, incorporating suggestions from eminent personalities in the field of art and culture. He expressed confidence that upon completion, ‘Kalamandal’ will be formally inaugurated and emerge as the state’s largest cultural auditorium and open-air stage, giving a new identity to Odisha’s cultural heritage.
Director of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, IDCO Managing Director D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy, and other senior officials were present at the review meeting.
