Bhubaneswar: Key elements of Ekamra Parikrama Project around Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar’s Old Town will be ready ahead of Shivratri 2026, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed on Thursday.
Speaking to the media, Harichandan attributed the delay to a contractor appointed in 2023 pulling out of the project. To prevent any more setbacks, the remaining work has now been split into three or four packages, each with strict deadlines, he said.
The Minister informed that a target has been set to complete the parking area by the end of February. “The road access and public plazas
near Lingaraj Temple and Ananta Basudev Temple will be completed as per the DPR by March. The amphitheatre and Bakhyan Kendra will take some more time since the latter involves a Mutt land and due procedure has to be followed,” he noted.
Harichandan said that the state government is also holding discussions with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for beautification of Bindu Sagar lake and the restoration of Devipadahara and Papanasini ponds. “The government is ready to extend financial assistance to the ASI for these conservation efforts if needed,” he said, adding that the majority of the work will be completed by June next year.
The Minister mentioned a strict monitoring mechanism has been put in place to speed up execution and ensure timely completion of Ekamra Parikrama Project. He further stated that Khurda district administration and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation have been directed to resolve all pending land acquisition issues following a review meeting on Wednesday.