Patna: City’s Kalidas Rangalaya, one of Bihar’s best-known theatre and cultural venues, has remained closed since 2025, with its reopening delayed despite a Rs7-crore renovation project. The prolonged closure has left theatre groups, artists and cultural enthusiasts waiting for the 50-year-old auditorium to reopen.Operated by Bihar Art Theatre (BAT), the auditorium is being renovated under a project sanctioned by the state art and culture department in 2025. The building construction department is executing the civil construction and infrastructure work.The project envisages a major overhaul of the theatre. The premises have been largely stripped down for renovation, which includes a new stage, air-conditioning, 300 push-back seats and upgraded green rooms. The theatre’s lighting and sound systems are also being upgraded.However, the project has missed its earlier completion deadline. Kumar Abhishek Ranjan, general secretary of BAT, said the renovation was expected to be completed by July 2026.“Most of the work has been completed, but the technical aspects, particularly light and sound systems, still need to be looked into. We have already met the development commissioner and are hopeful that the work will now be expedited for the benefit of everyone involved,” Ranjan said.State art and culture minister Pramod Kumar said some objections had been raised by the finance department regarding the renovation work, resulting in the delay. He said the theatre would be opened once the issues were resolved.“As soon as the objections are cleared, the premises will be opened for public viewing. I am hopeful that the pending work will be completed within the next 10 days,” Kumar said.For Patna’s theatre fraternity, the wait continues, with artists and audiences hoping the venue reopens soon after the prolonged delay.
