Nagpur: The redevelopment of historic Shrimant Raghuji Raje Town Hall faces another delay as its six-month extended deadline expires on Sept 30. Repeat design changes and difficulties in finalising parking arrangements have pushed the project further behind schedule, sources said.State govt sanctioned Rs125.75 crore to redevelop Town Hall into a modern civic facility. Project officials said changes to the original design affected electrical, HVAC, acoustic, and interior works. Revised orientation of tables and chairs also required corresponding modifications to systems and drawings.A revised plan is expected to provide parking for around 90 four-wheelers and more than 200 two-wheelers within the heritage premises, where limited space poses a major challenge.An earlier proposal was considered difficult to implement due to issues with vehicle movement. The administration subsequently drafted a plan to use the garden area for two-level parking starting at ground level, with a garden developed on the terrace.Officials said traffic and police authorities would examine whether vehicles could enter and exit smoothly, as limited road space makes simultaneous two-way movement difficult. Revised drawings were recently approved by the town planning department, though estimation for the parking component is pending.“The heritage character of the premises has further limited the scope for alterations. Existing statues cannot be shifted, and the main entrance must also be retained. An air-pollution monitoring machine also occupies part of the premises, leaving little additional space for parking and vehicle movement,” a source said.The administration is also scrutinising the financial implications of the changes. Officials said the sanctioned components would first have to be verified in consultation with the project management consultant (PMC) and senior officers before further work is allowed. Any escalation in the sanctioned project cost would consequently require scrutiny.With the extended Sept 30 deadline approaching, the contractor has indicated the project would be complete only by November or December. Civic officials, however, have not committed to the revised timeline, saying remaining technical and execution-related issues must first be resolved.Officials said the remaining work included civil works, furniture, electrical installations, commissioning and interiors. The facility could not be considered ready after supply and installation alone, as several systems also require proper commissioning and testing.TOWN HALL — FACILITIES & AREASProject: Redevelopment of Shrimant Raghuji Raje Town HallSanctioned cost: Rs125.75 croreOriginal deadline: March 31, 2026Extended deadline: Sept 30, 2026Extension: Six monthsTotal built-up area: 6,808.08 sq m with seating arrangements for 228 corporators, seating for 50 officials; Rooms/offices for: Mayor; Municipal Commissioner; Deputy Mayor; Opposition Leader; Visitors’ gallery; Offices; CanteenParking: Around 90 four-wheelersTwo-wheelers: More than 200Latest contractor indication: November-DecemberKey hurdles: Design changes, parking, traffic movement, coordination and pending estimates
