Nalanda: The historic 100-year-old Shri Bihar Dharamshala in Bhavrapar is set for a huge transformation after years of waiting. Built around 1925, the Dharamshala has been an important part of the city’s identity, especially for workers and travellers who came from far-off places. In earlier days, people could stay here for just Rs 10 a month, and later the room rent increased to Rs 125. According to Secretary Mrityunjay Nath Gopal, the place was once near the Bibi Light Railway line and the main government bus station, which made it a busy and helpful stop for newcomers in the city.
The original building had 19 rooms spread across 47 decimals of land. However, the Dharamshala was vacated after objections regarding the building’s safety. Another 10 decimals of land is still pending due to a legal dispute. Since the Dharamshala is managed under a religious trust, the SDO acts as the ex-officio chairman, and a G-4 category proposal for redevelopment has already been submitted. Trust Chairman Ranveer Nandan has confirmed that the team is fully dedicated to preserving the legacy of the building while giving it a new modern structure.
Once approval is granted, the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction is expected to take place next year. The renovation plan aims not just to repair the building, but to turn it into a multi-purpose centre for the community. The trust hopes that this development will bring back the importance of the Dharamshala and help it serve thousands of people in the coming years.
The new plan includes a large modern complex with around 50 shops on the ground and first floors, 50 rooms on the second floor for accommodation, a marriage hall on the third floor, and a library and yoga hall on the fourth floor. The construction is estimated to cost around Rs 5 crore. Although room rent has not yet been finalised, the trust has decided to provide free accommodation for the needy, the sick and saints, while students will receive rooms at concessional rates.
Secretary Gopal expressed hope that Shri Bihar Dharamshala will become “a place where history and progress meet”. With this project, the heritage site of Bhavrapar is expected to return stronger than ever and continue its mission of serving society for generations ahead.
