In a significant push to boost Odisha’s cultural infrastructure, Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has instructed officials to expedite the construction of the iconic Kalamandala project near Sainik School in Bhubaneswar.
During a high-level review meeting chaired by him on Tuesday morning, the Minister personally inspected the ongoing work and directed IDCO officials to accelerate all pending activities while maintaining the highest standards of quality. The Rs 173 crore state-of-the-art cultural complex will feature a grand 2,000-seat auditorium and a 500-seat open-air theatre, poised to become Odisha’s largest and most modern performing arts venue.
Minister Suraj laid special emphasis on critical finishing elements, including fire safety systems, advanced lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities, and large LED video walls. He instructed the Culture Department and IDCO to conduct regular review meetings to ensure timely and flawless execution.“Kalamandala will be completed at the earliest,” the Minister affirmed.
“This landmark project is being developed in close coordination with eminent personalities from the field of art and culture. Once inaugurated, it will not only enhance the cultural identity of Odisha but will also serve as a global platform to showcase the richness of the Odia language, literature, and heritage.”
The project is expected to emerge as a milestone in preserving and promoting Odisha’s cultural glory, positioning the state prominently on the national and international cultural map.
Senior officials present at the meeting and site inspection included Dr Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary, Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, and D. Prashant Kumar Reddy, Managing Director, IDCO, along with other senior officers.
