3 cr glow-up or facade for city’s crown?

Bhopal: In about two years, when the Metro (blue line) begins gliding through Malviya Nagar, passengers will look out to see a luminous crown rising above the city. That crown is ‘Minto Hall' — a heritage building whose Rs 3.3 crore facade illumination project is expected to make it one of the most visible city icons.Supporters see the project as a way to give Bhopal its own glowing heritage symbol, a civic showpiece visible from Lower Lake and soon from the Metro line. Critics question whether ornamental lighting justifies the cost. The project's timing is symbolic. Built in 1921 under Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum, after its foundation was laid in 1909 by Lord and Lady Minto, the hall was designed by architect AC Rawan to resemble King George V's crown.Over the decades it has played many parts—Guest House, Hamidia College (Science batch), and the seat of the MP Vidhan Sabha until 1996. Today, as the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre, it has hosted global events including the G-20 summit. Now, with illumination on a scale never attempted before in Bhopal, the building is poised to shine again. "Whenever major events were held at Minto Hall, we had to rely on temporary lighting arrangements. This project will finally fix that problem and give the building a permanent, world-class illumination system," said an MP tourism development corporation official.The technology to be deployed is as dramatic as the history. Neon-style flexible lights will trace its arches and domes, much like the glowing outlines of Delhi's India Gate or Kolkata's Victoria Memorial. Wall washers will drape the stone facade in warm tones, while RGBW floodlights will allow the hall to shift colours for festivals and national days, echoing the spectacle of Mumbai's Gateway of India. Smaller spotlights will highlight carvings, ensuring every detail gleams. Behind the scenes, smart DMX controllers — the same systems used in theatres — will choreograph lighting effects across the building.