Daijiworld Media Network - Curchorem

Curchorem, Aug 17: The phase II extension of Ravindra Bhavan in Curchorem is expected to be completed by Sept 31, according to the Department of Art and Culture.

While the amphitheatre and mini auditorium are structurally ready, interior works are still pending, delaying their use. The project faced setbacks from COVID-19, design changes to the tensile fabric roof, and contractor issues, including termination of the previous interior works contractor in Dec 2023.

The project cost has escalated to Rs 27 crore, with Rs 24 crore already paid. While civil, electrical, and firefighting works (Rs 20 crore) are 95% complete, interior works under the new contractor are only 50% done.

The audio-video system, worth Rs 1.2 crore, is just 30% installed, raising doubts about meeting the deadline. Other infrastructure like CCTV and electrical metering are fully completed. The project is monitored by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation with appointed project management consultants.