Bhubaneswar: In order to bolster the cultural infrastructure of Odisha, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj conducted a high-level review of the ongoing Kalamandal project situated near Sainik School in Bhubaneswar.
Emphasizing the project’s role as a future beacon of Odia heritage, the Minister directed officials to accelerate construction to ensure its timely completion.
Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, along with IDCO Managing Director Shri D. Prasanta Kumar Reddy and other senior officials were present during the review meeting.
During an early morning site visit followed by a coordination meeting, Minister Suraj instructed IDCO authorities to expedite the remaining work without compromising on quality. The ambitious complex, being developed with an estimated budget of 173 crore rupees, is poised to become a premier destination for the arts. Once finished, it will house a massive 2,000-seat state-of-the-art auditorium and a 500-seat open-air theatre, making it the largest cultural facility in the state.
The Minister’s review touched upon critical technical aspects, including advanced fire safety protocols, specialized lighting, high-fidelity audio-visual systems, and the installation of large-scale LED video walls. To maintain rigorous standards, he mandated regular joint review meetings between the Department of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture and IDCO.
Minister Shri Suraj noted that the design and execution of the project are being shaped by incorporating feedback from eminent personalities in the fields of art and culture. He expressed confidence that Kalamandal would serve as a milestone in globalizing Odia culture and providing a new identity to the state’s artistic legacy.
As the final phases of construction approach, the state looks forward to the official inauguration of this monumental cultural hub, which promises to be a vibrant stage for Odisha’s traditional and contemporary performing arts.