Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday directed officials to complete first phase of the ongoing development and beautification works at Shikhar Chandi Temple in Bhubaneswar, ensuring convenience for visitors before Navratri and the winter tourism season.
Following the on-site review, which was attended by Commissioner-cum-Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Balwant Singh, along with senior departmental officials and public representatives, Parida said: “Work worth approximately ₹30 crore is currently underway, and the Tourism Department will provide additional funds as needed. We are working to give the temple a complete, transformed look. Large crowds of devotees visit the shrine, and many tourists come here for picnics, especially as winter approaches. Our focus is on comprehensive development, from roads to surrounding temple structures,” she said, stressing that the government is committed to developing shrine as an important spiritual and tourism destination.
Parida, who holds the Tourism portfolio, held detailed discussions on the comprehensive development plan for the temple premises, including beautification, widening and improvement of approach roads, drinking water facilities for devotees, parking arrangements, rest areas and other essential amenities.
Addressing questions about initial project deadlines, the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged that intricate craftsmanship and temple conservation work require time and precise labour. “This is detailed handwork and requires skilled manpower, so it cannot be strictly bound to a simple schedule,” she noted.
“Everything happens by divine grace. We are making continuous efforts, and we hope that before the next Navratri festival, the entire comprehensive project will be dedicated at the feet of the Goddess,” she added.
The current efforts build on a master plan approved in 2023 for the redevelopment of Sikharchandi Hill, covering nearly 54 acres including the main temple and surrounding areas. Earlier estimates placed the project cost at around ₹25–30 crore, with planned facilities such as organised parking, a community centre, children’s play areas, recreational spaces, a trekking route, viewpoints, battery-operated vehicles for persons with disabilities, electric buses and dedicated zones for picnickers. The initiative seeks to position the hilltop shrine as a major spiritual and tourism destination in Bhubaneswar while preserving its natural and religious character.
