Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday inspected the ongoing construction of the new Shrimant Raje Raghuji Rao Bhonsle Sabhagruha (Town Hall) building at Mahal and directed officials to develop the facility as a state-of-the-art civic centre equipped with the latest technology and modern amenities. The project, undertaken by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), is currently in its final stage of construction.
During the inspection, Gadkari emphasised that there should be no compromise on the quality of materials used in the auditorium and other parts of the building. Drawing a comparison with the Central Vista project in New Delhi, he suggested that the new Town Hall should match high standards in terms of infrastructure, interiors, seating, acoustics, air-conditioning systems, and overall aesthetics.The city MP also reviewed the strengthening work of the adjacent heritage structure and instructed officials to ensure that the new building’s beautification complements the architectural character of the old heritage structure. Enhanced microphone systems, improved seating arrangements, and efficient climate control systems were among the key suggestions made by the minister. Spread across 6,808.13 square metres, the new Town Hall complex comprises two basements and four upper floors. The lower basement is designated for entry and parking of VIPs and the mayor’s vehicles, while the second basement will cater to entry, office space, and parking for elected members and officials. The first floor will house a hall with a seating capacity of 155. The second floor will feature the main assembly hall with seating for 288 members and 50 officials, along with offices for the mayor, commissioner, deputy mayor, and leader of the opposition. The third floor will have a gallery accommodating 210 visitors and journalists, while the fourth floor will include office spaces, a canteen, and an open terrace. MLAs Pravin Datke and Krishna Khopde, deputy mayor Leela Hathibed, ruling party leader Narendra (Balya) Borkar, corporators Sudhir Raut and Sachin Naik, senior civic officials, and representatives of the project agencies were present during the inspection.
