Gymnasium construction in progress near Indira Gandhi Park at Unit-III in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, June 25: The multi-gymnasium in front of the Indira Gandhi Park is on the verge of completion. The gymnasium, being set up in an area of 3000 square feet by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), will be run in public-private partnership mode.

“The gymnasium’s construction was delayed by the intervention of the model code of conduct for the elections. However, the building will be ready by the end of next month,” said executive engineer of BDA division-III.

The gymnasium will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh.

BDA officials said that a tender would be floated to select the private party, which would run and manage the gymnasium. The fully air-conditioned gymnasium will have various hydraulic equipment and specialised trainers.

“The idea of having a gymnasium was mooted to provide extra facilities to visitors to the park. People who can hardly take time off their busy schedule will also find it convenient to visit the gym during morning and evening hours for walks,” said a BDA official.

While private gymnasiums in the city charge anything between Rs 300 and Rs 1,500 from a person for a month, an official in the development authority said that the gymnasium at the Indira Gandhi Park would have “reasonable” charges.

More than 1,000 people turn up at the park for morning and evening walks every day.

“Many gymnasiums have mushroomed in the city in the last five years. But, private gymnasiums cost too much. The state government should set up more such gymnasiums for those who want to stay fit,” said Jayant Das, a youth in the city.

At present, the city has two gyms run by the state government. While the gym at Kalamandap Yogic Centre near Kalpana Square is being managed by state sports and youth services department, another gym at Baulagada, Old Town, is being run by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation.

The construction of a gym at the Biju Patnaik Park had begun in January this year. But, it was stopped abruptly following complaints by morning walkers, mainly retired bureaucrats.