For big ceremonies, Raj Bhavan to get Rs 4.5 crore new durbar hall

PANAJI: In a year’s time, Raj Bhavan will have a new spacious durbar hall near the helipad with a large dining area to host dignitaries during the swearing-in ceremonies and state receptions.
The project estimated to cost Rs 4.5 crore will be completed in two phases. The public work department (PWD) has floated tender for the 1,000-capacity hall to be built over 1,665 sqm area and the dining space of 395 sqm.
A source said that every year high tea was organised at the old durbar hall having capacity to accommodate 150 people on occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day and Liberation Day besides swearing-in ceremonies.
A state official said that due to the lesser space, the guest list for most such functions was kept to the minimum.
The official further said that earlier bureaucrats at the rank of gazetted officer and above were invited for the high tea. However, the list was restricted only to secretaries and select guests owing to the space constraint.
He said that as the existing durbar hall was not sufficient to house several guests, pandals were erected on the lawns of Raj Bhavan during such occasions involving huge expenditure.
Raj Bhavan proposed the construction of new hall to accommodate more people during special occasions and also to cut down on expenses.
Hall designed to be kept open from all 4 sides
The governor, Mridula Sinha, had given some suggestions, when the proposal was referred to her. The hall was initially designed to be kept open from all four sides, but after her recommendation, it was decided to cover it up with glass panes. The proposal was sent to the conservation committee as the Raj Bhavan comes under the heritage conservation zone.
“The committee had suggested that there shouldn’t be walls on four sides of the hall and it should be kept open. Accordingly, changes were made and the project received panel nod,” said a government officer. The dais will be made detachable so that the hall could also be used for hosting games, yoga performances, workouts, etc.
The entire construction will be completed in phase I while in phase II air-conditioning works will be taken up.