Odisha govt releases Rs 50 crore for Konark heritage area development project

BHUBANESWAR: The state government has approved the release of Rs 50 crore for the Konark Heritage Area Development Project, which was proposed for the overall development of Konark into a world-class tourism destination.
The state works department has asked the chief engineer's office (road section) to release the amount to the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC), which has been given the task of implementing the project. A senior government official said the amount will be spent on construction and repair of roads, shifting of vending zone to an appropriate place and development of pedestrian area.
In January, the state government had unveiled the draft master plan of the Konark Heritage Area Development Project, which aims to transform the infrastructure around the historic Konark Sun Temple. The redevelopment plan is based on four major aspects - celebrating the grandeur of the Sun Temple, enhancing visitors' experience, boosting local businesses and strengthening tourism-based economy. Around Rs 150 crore will be spent in phases for the purpose.
As the work progresses, the remaining amount will be released by the state government. Among the major works, the government has already approved the tender for the construction of a six-lane road from Chandrabhaga to Kakatpur junction and the Konark ring road, the work for which is going on.
The core area development plan, including the upgrade of the entrance of the 13th century Sun Temple, landscaping, development of pedestrian areas and parking and revamping of the open-air theatre will be taken up by the Archaeological Survey of India.