Culture Minister Reviews Kalamandal Project, Stresses Early Completion

Bhubaneswar, May, 2026 : Culture Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj reviewed the progress of the under-construction Kalamandal project near Sainik School Bhubaneswar and directed officials to expedite the completion of the project at the earliest.

A review meeting on the progress of the Kalamandal project was held today under the chairmanship of the Culture Minister. Minister Shri Suraj visited the project site and instructed officials of IDCO to accelerate the ongoing construction work.

Being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 173 crore, the Kalamandal complex will feature a 2,000-seat auditorium and a 500-seat open-air theatre, both currently under construction.

The Minister also directed officials of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and IDCO to hold regular review meetings to ensure the quality of construction work. He laid emphasis on strengthening fire safety measures, illumination of the complex, audio-visual facilities and installation of LED video walls.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj said that the construction work of Kalamandal would be completed at the earliest. He stated that the project is being executed through coordinated efforts of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department and IDCO, while also incorporating suggestions from eminent personalities associated with art and culture.

He further informed that Kalamandal would be formally inaugurated after completion of the project.
The Minister said Kalamandal, envisioned as the state’s largest auditorium and open-air theatre, would become a major centre for art and culture. It will serve as a milestone in promoting Odia culture on the global stage, Minister added.

Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, IDCO Managing Director D. Prashant Kumar Reddy, and other senior officials were present at the review meeting.