Private firm gets rights to run Rudraksh for 10 years

Varanasi: The Smart City Varanasi Limited (SCVL) has taken over Rudraksh — the Rs 186-crore state-of-the-art International Convention Centre (ICC) and a symbol of India-Japan friendship — from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) after completion of its construction and roped in a private company to run it for a period of 10 years.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded the 1,200-seat ICC, which has been built in the shape of a Shivlinga.
“The Rudraksh ICC was formally taken over from CPWD on May 31. Modalities to run it has also been finalised and a private company, Indian Sanitization Ward Boy and Horticulture Contractor (ISWHC), has been selected for its operations and maintenance for 10 years through tender process,” divisional commissioner and chairman of SCVL Deepak Agrawal told TO on Wednesday.
After the foundation stone of Rudraksh was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 14, 2018, the Japanese company engaged by JICA had started work on this project, which was conceptualised as a symbol of Modi’s friendship with then Japanese premier Shinzo Abe.
The project was part of the Kashi-Kyoto partnership agreement aimed at conserving the city’s ancient heritage and was signed by Modi and Abe in Kyoto in August 2014. The work on ground formally started in 2015 and it was made functional in May 2021.
Regarding specialities of Rudraksh, municipal commissioner and SCVL chief executive officer Gaurang Rathi said, “The ICC has been developed to provide a platform for showcasing the spiritual and cultural heritage, music gharanas and many other forms of arts of Varanasi by establishing a confluence with modernity.”
Built in the shape of Shivalinga, this unique ICC showcases the confluence of both Japanese and Indian architecture. A total of 108 symbolic Rudraksh have been installed on the external facade of the Rudraksh Convention Centre, which are made of aluminium. Spread over three acres, this convention centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, he said.
“With a seating capacity of 1,200 people in the main hall, which can be divided into two parts according to the number of people, this fully air-conditioned ICC is equipped with modern building management systems through which all management can be closely controlled,” said Rathi.
He added, “In addition to the large hall, a meeting hall with a capacity of 150 people has also been created, which could also be conveniently divided into two parts. Apart from this, a VIP room, four green rooms have been constructed here. Requirements for people with disabilities and all the criteria like ramps, wheelchairs have also been fulfilled.”
“Rudraksh also has Japanese-style garden and landscaping,” said Rathi adding, “a parking facility for 120 vehicles has also been arranged in the basement. Entire campus is under CCTV surveillance. Along with conventional electricity, solar power has also been arranged to meet power supply requirements.”
To mark the process of taking over Rudraksh from CPWD by SCVL a small function was organised at the commissioner’s auditorium in Varanasi on May 31, in which the transfer documents were signed. The details of drawings, floor plan, equipment installed, statutory approvals, door keys and other articles concerned were assigned to Varanasi Smart City by CPWD.