03 April,2026 07:26 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/Special Arrangement
Maharashtra's largest auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2,500, will be constructed in Thane's Ghodbunder-Waghbil area, state Transport Minister and Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Sarnaik announced on Friday.
The project, named Tirtharupa Nirupankar Appasaheb Dharmadhikari Natyagriha, has received state government approval with a budget allocation of Rs 138 crore and is expected to be completed within three years.
According to Sarnaik, the auditorium will have a total seating capacity of 2,500, including 1,600 seats in the main hall and 450 seats in each of the two balconies. A dedicated section of 12 seats will be reserved for persons with disabilities.
The facility will also include separate lifts and specialised sanitation infrastructure to ensure accessibility for differently-abled individuals.
The auditorium's stage will be designed to be 12 metres taller than that of Gadkari Rangayatan, one of Thane's well-known cultural venues. This enhanced stage height is expected to support large-scale theatrical productions and complex stage setups.
Officials believe the advanced infrastructure will position the venue as a premier destination for cultural performances and events in the state.
The project will be developed over an area of 7,300 square metres, with nearly 60 per cent of the space kept open. Plans include a 2,000-square-metre plaza capable of accommodating around 2,000 people.
This open space will be used for public events such as live performances, street plays and cultural programmes, adding a community-oriented dimension to the project.
To support large crowds, the auditorium complex will feature a three-storey parking facility with space for 650 cars and 300 two-wheelers.
Additionally, two large banquet halls, each with a capacity of 1,000 people, will be constructed to generate revenue and support events such as conferences and social functions.
Sarnaik said that before the commencement of construction, the government will hold consultations with theatre producers, directors and artists to incorporate professional inputs into the project's design and functionality.
The proposed auditorium is expected to significantly enhance Thane's cultural infrastructure, providing a modern platform for performing arts and large-scale events. Authorities believe the project will not only benefit artists and organisers but also contribute to the city's cultural and economic growth.
