Govt approves Rs 265 crore for development of Puri

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Wednesday sanctioned Rs 265 crore for the upgrade of basic amenities and development of heritage in the pilgrim town of Puri.
A high-level meeting, headed by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, here at the secretariat approved five projects under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (Abadha) scheme, launched by the government in 2017 to transform Puri into a world-class tourist destination.
It was decided in the meeting that the municipal market complex in the town will be converted into a modern market complex and 1,250 new shops will be set up. Two multi-level parking systems will be developed at the old jail compound in Puri and Jatrika (guest houses). Both will accommodate 400 vehicles each.
The chief minister approved a proposal to bring all government offices in Puri, including the collectorate, under one roof for the convenience of the people and better coordination among officials.
The vacant offices can be used for other purposes like development of amusement parks, recreation centre and community centres.
A beautification and expansion project near Acharya Harihar Square will also be taken up under the Abadha scheme.
According to an official statement, all the works will be implemented by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited under the state works department.
Though nearly Rs 1,000 crore was spent by the state government for the development of infrastructure in the town ahead of the Nabakalebara of Lord Jagannath in 2015, it wasn’t very visible. The Grand Road in front of the district headquarters hospital is frequently flooded during rain because of poor execution of drainage work before Nabakalebara.