Pune: Expansion Of Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum Gains Momentum; ‘Museum City’ To Come Up In Bavdhan
Pune: Expansion Of Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum Gains Momentum; 'Museum City' To Come Up In Bavdhan
Renuka Suryavanshi
Mumbai/Pune, July 1, 2025: A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was held today at Mantralaya to expedite the expansion of the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Plans are underway to build an international-standard museum on a 6-acre plot in Bavdhan Budruk.
Museum Director Sudhanva Ranade gave a detailed presentation on the background and unique features of the museum project. Speaking on the occasion, he clarified that the proposed ‘Museum City’ in Bavdhan will not be just a museum, but a pioneering initiative of international standards that will enhance Pune’s reputation on the global stage.
An administrative committee will be set up to appoint renowned architects, and budget allocation will follow the preparation of a detailed project plan. It was also decided that the newly developed ‘Museum City’ will continue to bear the name of Raja Dinkar Kelkar, informed Hemant Rasane, MLA from the Kasba constituency.
The Kelkar Museum, known for preserving India’s glorious history, houses over 20,000 artefacts dating back to the 14th century. However, due to space constraints, only 11% of the collection is currently on display to the public. To address this, the state government had earlier allotted 6 acres in Bavdhan Budruk for the museum’s expansion.
The meeting was attended by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, MLA Hemant Rasane, Additional Chief Secretary for Cultural Affairs Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning Department Rajgopal Deora, Secretary for Financial Reforms Shaila A., and Finance and Planning Secretary Rajesh Deshmukh. Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar and District Collector Jitendra Dudi participated via video conference.
After the meeting, Hemant Rasane said, “The Deputy CM has given clear directions to ensure that the new museum is built with quality, appeal, and sustainability. I am committed to preserving Pune’s rich heritage, including monuments from the Shivaji and Peshwa eras. Efforts are ongoing to revive several historical structures, including Shaniwarwada. I am confident that this ‘Museum City’ will gain international recognition in the future.”
