Bhubaneswar: The Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monument Revival Action (Ekamra) project at the Lingaraj Temple will be completed by March 2027, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Sunday.
Addressing mediapersons, the Minister informed that additional components have been incorporated into the project in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar. He said the government is making concerted efforts to complete the ambitious heritage redevelopment initiative by the end of the 2026–27 financial year.
“We are trying our best to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe. I am confident that the work will be finished as targeted,” Harichandan said.
He further stated that a large statue of Lord Shiva will be installed and an interpretation centre will be constructed as part of the expanded plan. The historic Bindu Sagar tank, located near the temple, will also be redeveloped and restored as a ‘heritage lake’ to enhance the spiritual and cultural landscape of the area.
The Minister informed that the agency earlier engaged in executing the works has been disengaged after it expressed unwillingness to continue. A revised project plan is currently being prepared with provisions for additional budgetary allocation to ensure timely completion.
The Ekamra project was originally conceptualised in 2019 by the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government with the objective of improving amenities and revitalising monuments in the temple precinct and surrounding heritage zone.
