Deshpande Hall Rent Increased Three Times, Public Voices Anger

The newly renovated Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Auditorium in Civil Lines has started drawing theatre artistes and members of Nagpur’s cultural community with its upgraded infrastructure and fresh look.

However, the excitement has been overshadowed by a steep rise in rental charges introduced by the Public Works Department (PWD), with artistes and organisers terming it a major blow to the city’s theatre and cultural scene.

The auditorium was redeveloped by the PWD at a cost of Rs 6.29 crore, and bookings resumed in April after remaining shut for a long period. On Monday, PWD Division No. 1 announced revised rental rates, increasing the charge for a three-hour slot to Rs 35,100 from the earlier Rs 12,610.

Previously, the amount included Rs 10,100 as base rent, Rs 2,670 as offline processing charges, Rs 40 as municipal tax, and 18 per cent GST amounting to Rs 1,800.

The number of booking slots available each day has also been reduced. Earlier, four slots were available — 9 am to 12 noon, 1 pm to 4 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm, and 9 pm to midnight. Under the revised system, only three slots will now be allowed: 9 am to 12 noon, 3 pm to 6 pm, and 9 pm to midnight, restricting the number of programmes that can be hosted daily.

PWD officials defended the increase, citing the heavy expenditure incurred on redevelopment. A sub-divisional engineer had proposed the revised rates on March 5, which were later approved by the superintending engineer.

The security deposit has also witnessed a sharp increase, rising from Rs 10,000 per slot to Rs 35,100. Though refundable after the event, organisers will now have to pay Rs 70,200 upfront to reserve a single slot.

Reacting strongly, Miraki Performing Arts Organisation secretary Rupesh Pawar said the move could severely affect theatre activities in the city. “Every artist dreams of performing before an audience in a spacious and comfortable auditorium. Deshpande Hall was a rightful space for theatre artists in the city. With such steep rental increases, staging plays here will no longer be feasible. This will shatter artistes’ aspirations. Under such circumstances, theatre itself will die,” he said.

The redevelopment project itself faced repeated delays. A work order had been issued on October 9, 2024, to a Mumbai-based company, but progress slowed due to elections and the winter legislative session. Work finally began on January 5, 2025. External repairs, structural complications, delayed consultancy approvals, and late submission of architectural drawings further hampered the project. The renovation was eventually completed in March 2026, following which bookings reopened.

Revised Rental Structure

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