Vertical dream drives growth - Sky limit as chief minister sees signature buildings in city skyline

Patna, Feb. 8: Chief minister Nitish Kumar seems to be in a hurry to raise numerous “signature” buildings here in the run-up to the end of his government’s second term.

Nitish laid the foundation stone of the much-awaited and ambitious International Convention Centre project today. By November next year, the city would have two iconic buildings to flaunt— the state-of-the-art Bihar Museum and a magnificent International Convention Centre.

Nitish claimed that his government is committed to developing some monumental buildings in Patna, which would attract people across ages.

At present, the building construction department is working on funds to the tune of Rs 2,200 crore to develop at least six buildings in the state capital. He also laid the foundation stone of several projects of the art, culture and youth affairs department.

“Around 16,500 metric tonnes of iron would be used in construction of the International Convention Centre. This is more than the volume of steel used in raising Eiffel Tower and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi,” said Nitish.

A dream project of Nitish, the convention centre would be developed across 47,955 square metres or 12 acres near Gandhi Maidan with an estimated cost of Rs 490 crore. The main convention hall would have a seating capacity for 5,000 people.

Work on the Bihar Museum, commonly referred to as International Museum is going on at a war footing to meet the date for its inauguration on Bihar Divas — March 22, 2015. “We are committed to inaugurate Bihar Museum on Bihar Divas in 2015. All necessary groundwork, including its operation (recruitment of museum officials) and placement of artefacts are getting finalised, along with construction work. The idea is to complete all formalities for running the museum by the time construction work is completed,” said Nitish.

Apart from primary exhibits, 3D panels, interactive kiosks and replicas among others, would also be used. The museum would be divided in four different zones — educational, lobby, administrative and a permanent gallery.

The chief minister, however, expressed disappointment over the progress of the Vidhan Sabha annexe building project. “I feel disappointed whenever I see the under-construction annexe building. Some parts of the building were ready, while existing offices were still to be removed,” added Nitish.

Nitish has asked Building construction secretary Chanchal Kumar to award the contract for the proposed Police headquarters in front of Gold Club and Vidhayak Awasan (Legislators’ bungalows) project on Beer Chand Patel Path.

Various wings of the state police would work under the same roof at this eco-friendly four-storeyed Police headquarters.

A rooftop helipad, open space for ceremonial parade for one company force, safe house, infirmary, reception-cum-waiting hall, lobby and a lavatory among other amenities would be available at this proposed headquarters.

In the Legislators’ bungalow, the R-Block Colony would have 175 duplex bungalows, while the one at Daroga Prasad Rai Path would have 128 bungalows. The Beer Chand Patel Marg Colony would have 28.