The work on the convention hall here, being built at a cost of Rs. 7.5 crore, is expected to be completed soon and the inauguration is likely to be held either in February or in March.
Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Dinesh Gundu Rao, who inspected the hall here on Monday, told presspersons that most of the work had been completed.
The district-in-charge Minister said that an additional grant of Rs. 40 lakh was required for providing air-conditioning for the hall and he would take up the issue with the concerned department to get the funds released. He admitted that there had been a delay in completing the work, which had begun during the previous government’s tenure. However, Mr. Dinesh Gundu Rao clarified that steps had been taken to expedite the work and said that it would be dedicated to the public in February or in March.
To a query regarding the delay resumption of air services from Hubballi, he said that he was aware of the issue. “There are some technical issues involved and we can’t pressurise the flight service providers. I will take up the issue with the authorities to get to the flight services resumed at the earliest,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister sought details from the officials regarding the facilities being made available at the convention hall. HDMC commissioner Noor Mansur was present.