PATNA: In a bid to promote the state`s cultural and theatre traditions, the city`s premier indoor auditorium Premchand Rangshala is set to get a facelift and the final touches are being given to it in this regard.
In fact, the state`s art and culture department is carrying out a project to upgrade and remodel the dilapidated structure of Premchand Rangshala — a well-known venue for theater artists of the state.
“We are remodeling it to make it a major cultural centre of the state,” director art and culture department Sanjay Singh told TOI. “Along with the theatre performances this could also be used for various other cultural programmes like dancing, music and singing,” Singh said, adding: “The new renovated structure will be ready for cultural event by the end of next month”.
“Our main aim is to make Premchand Rangshala the city`s major hub for performing art. That is why special attention is being given to the technologies used and infrastructure of the building”, he said.
“A sum of Rs 5.91 crore has been spent for remodelling the old structure of the Rangshala,” said state culture minister Sukhda Pandey. With the remodeling, the seating capacity would be over 600 as against existing capacity to accommodate 500.
“It will be centrally air-conditioned with modern lighting system, motorized curtains, false ceiling and new wall panel,” said Ravneesh Kumar, the civil engineer engaged in the renovation of the present structure.
With the work being carried out in full swing, it is expected that building will be ready to host cultural activities by June-end, said an official.
Once the renovation work is completed, the department will run it on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Bihar`s Infrastructure Development Authority (IDA) is expected to look for an appropriate the agency to run it properly, the official said.
Till 1974, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had occupied the building The government got the CRPF to vacate the building following sustained pressure applied by the city`s art lovers and cultural activists.
Now, anyone can hire it for holding any cultural event after making the necessary payment.