Pune: PMC Allocates ₹40 Lakh for Balgandharva Rangmandir Maintenance Shortly After ₹1.5 Crore Renovation, Issues Fresh Tenders
Pune: PMC Allocates ₹40 Lakh for Balgandharva Rangmandir Maintenance Shortly After ₹1.5 Crore Renovation, Issues Fresh Tenders
After undergoing ₹1.5 crore renovations just a few months ago, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to undertake additional maintenance work on the Balgandharva Auditorium. This new round of maintenance, valued at ₹40 lakh, will address repairs to chairs and interior sections of the auditorium’s second floor.
The auditorium, which reopened in March 2024 following a month and a half closure for renovations, now requires further work. The earlier renovations, costing ₹1.5 crore, included upgrading the VIP area, replacing the air-conditioning system and stage curtains, updating the chairs, and repainting the walls.
In early July, the PMC’s Bhavan Department (Building Construction) issued two tenders for the new maintenance tasks. The first tender, estimated at ₹29.62 lakh, includes polishing kota, marble, and Shahabad stone, installing CCTV cameras, a collapsible steel gate, window glass repairs, wooden work, foam sheet boards, curtain cloths and rods, water supply and sanitary fittings, and wall painting. The second tender, worth ₹8.47 lakh, covers additional minor repairs.
Executive Engineer Virendra Kelkar explained, “Some maintenance work was left unfinished during the previous renovations. Hence, we issued tenders for the necessary repairs, including chair repairs and other minor tasks. Additionally, we plan to reopen the cafeteria at the back of the Rangmandir, which was closed during Metro construction. Now that the Metro work is complete, we aim to attract visitors with a newly revamped cafeteria.”
Despite the extensive renovations, the auditorium experienced a roof leak during a show last month due to heavy rains. PMC officials assured that this issue has been resolved.
The Balgandharva Rangmandir, located on Jangali Maharaj Road and a hub for theatre and cultural activities, has faced past complaints from artists and patrons about inadequate facilities. Originally, the PMC proposed demolishing the existing structure to build a new facility with increased seating capacity and additional amenities. However, this plan faced opposition from the art and culture community.
“The Rangmandir revamp plan is currently on hold. The architect has submitted a plan, but no further action has been taken. We spend around ₹15 lakh annually on repairs and maintenance for Rangmandir,” said Kelkar.
Since its inauguration in 1968, Balgandharva Rangmandir has remained a prominent venue for cultural events, plays, and art exhibitions in Pune.
