Has Adani Group started preliminary evaluation of renovation of Writers Building in Kolkata? The project could cost up to ₹ 120 cr

The latest update suggests that the Adani Group may have already started work on a massive restoration work on the Writers’ Building in Kolkata. According to a report by Jagran, the group has started a preliminary assessment of the heritage building.

The team inspects the writers’ building

The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD) and his team reportedly inspected the historic building, which is to be reconstructed and restored. Adani Group advisor and former IAS officer Sanjay Thade was reportedly with the inspection team during the visit.

The inspection will reportedly focus on assessing the current state of the building with regard to statics and the extent of restoration work. Based on the preliminary assessment, it is assumed that a detailed restoration proposal will be drawn up.

Restoration costs up to ₹120 Million: The Report

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has asked the Adani Group to undertake the Writers Building renovation project, sources told Times of India. A preliminary assessment is believed to have indicated that the restoration could cost ₹100-120 crore, which the group can consider funding as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

According to the same Times of India report, a primary inspection found that the main parts of the Writers’ Building were in poor condition. It is expected to require extensive renovations before it is operational again.

However, the government has not yet officially confirmed these details.

History of West Bengal Writers Building and Administration

The decision to renovate the writers’ building came after the BJP came to power in the state. The current government has shared its intention to move state administration back to the Writers’ Buildings instead of operating from Nabanna in Howrah. She expressed her desire to make the iconic building the main center of Bengali administration.

In 2013, the West Bengal State Secretariat was temporarily shifted to Nabanna.

The move to Howrah was initially seen as a brief transition by the Trinamool Congress-led government to allow for the renovation of the historic complex. However, even after ten years, the State Secretariat continued to function from Nabanna.

The new regeneration proposals, including the alleged interest of the Adani Group, are said to face the challenge of balancing modern administrative needs with the city’s strict heritage conservation rules.

For the uninitiated, the Writers’ Buildings are among the premier historical monuments of Kolkata. Conservation guidelines limit the alteration of its classical facade, historic character or original architectural framework under the pretext of modernization.