Golghar, one of the most prominent landmarks of the state capital, is poised for a makeover shortly.

The art, culture and youth affairs and tourism departments will renovate the exterior of the monument following the restoration work carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from inside.

Patna divisional commissioner K.P. Ramaiah on Friday said both the departments have been asked to start the work as soon as possible on a war footing.

“The ASI has carried out its work in filling up the cracks on the wall. Now, the state government has taken the responsibility to make it more attractive. At present, people just come and climb the stairs to the top to get a panoramic view of the city but our purpose should not to be limited to this. We have to work on it so that the historic monument becomes the favourite place of visitors,” said Ramaiah.

The massive beehive-shaped structure is 96ft-high with 12-ft thick walls at the bottom. “As Patnaites are extremely aware of the importance of this site, we will develop it more that a site. The art, culture and youth affairs and tourism departments will start painting the monument shortly. The colour has not yet been decided but the foundation of the structure will not be touched,” said Ramaiah.

He said: “I have asked the district administration to clear the encroachments around the monument first. The small stalls in and around Golghar take away the beauty of this landmark. Permanent shops would replace them where tourists and visitors can enjoy a host of facilities.”

The monument has two sets of 144-step staircases and the circumstance of the base is 332ft.

Elaborating the plan, Ramaiah said: “Toilets and eateries would be set up and the Golghar premises would be properly landscaped and maintained. Whoever comes to Patna for the first time definitely visits this dome-shaped structure that offers a panoramic view of this city from thee top.”

A source at the commissioner’s office said: “The colour of Golghar would preferably be blue or white as it gels well with the mood of the people. The idea about painting it blue has come after Bihar Divas celebrations in which most of the highrises and historic monuments were painted blue.”

Asked about the time-frame for completion of work, Ramaiah said: “We have asked the department to complete the work before August 15 but it is very tough to meet the deadline. The work would be completed sooner or later. We want to make this monument so popular that people come from other states as they come to Ghoda Katora.”

The structure, earlier known as Bankipore Gola, was constructed in 1786 for storing grains.