Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for the Ranga Mandira, a cultural center in Hosapete, aimed at promoting the rich heritage of Hampi. This long-awaited project, funded by MPLAD grants, will be constructed on a three-acre site near the Deputy Commissioner’s office at an estimated cost of ₹5 crore. The Ranga Mandira will include a state-of-the-art auditorium with a total seating capacity of 620, which comprises 500 main seats and 120 in the balcony. Additionally, it will feature an art gallery, a library, a 48-seat mini theatre, and nine residential rooms for artistes, among other facilities. The project will also see the development of an adjacent park at a cost of ₹99 lakh under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the State Bank of India. The design of the Ranga Mandira will reflect the historic architectural styles of Hampi and Vijayanagara, making it a premier venue for cultural events, including music and dance performances, theatre productions, and festivals.