Puri: For the first time, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has implemented a parking charge for vehicles at its Bhakta Nivas accommodations in Odisha’s pilgrim town of Puri.
Devotees staying at the temple-managed guest houses will have to pay Rs 500 (inclusive of GST) for parking a four-wheeler for up to 24 hours. The fee applies specifically to four-wheeled vehicles and is part of efforts to manage facilities for the millions of devotees who visit Shree Jagannath Temple annually.
It took effect on January 7 at four Bhakta Nivas properties operated by SJTA – Neeladri Bhakta Niwas, Nilachala Bhakta & Yatri Niwas, Shree Gundicha Bhakta Niwas, and Shree Purushottam Bhakta Niwas.
“It has been de
cided that, Parking Fees of Rs.500/- (including GST 18%) per vehicle (four wheeler) for 24 hours shall hr collected from guests who park their four wheeler in the Bhakta Niwas. The Asst. Managers in-charge of Bhakta Niwas will ensure collection of the Parking Fees w.e.f.07.01.2026 until further orders,” a notice pasted at Neeladri Bhakta Niwas read.
These affordable lodging options, located conveniently along Grand Road and other prime spots near the temple, provide air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms with amenities to visitors. The administration emphasised that the charge will help sustain infrastructure for the growing number of tourists and pilgrims flocking to Puri, one of Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Visitors at these guest houses, however, have opposed this move, saying that such parking fees are not charged at hotels anywhere across the country.
Previously, parking at these facilities was often provided without dedicated fees, though general parking arrangements in Puri, such as at Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, included nominal charges or shuttle services for temple access.