Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at boosting religious tourism and infrastructure, the Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved a comprehensive development plan for the revered Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatagaon, Keonjhar.
The ambitious project, with a total financial outlay of ₹226 crore, is designed to transform the sacred site into a world-class pilgrimage destination.
The state government has emphasized that this holistic development will address the long-standing needs of the millions of devotees who visit the temple annually, while also stimulating the economic growth of the surrounding region.
The development works will be executed by M/s Dilip Buildcon Ltd., which has been awarded the contract for its lowest tender (excluding GST) of ₹146 crore. The project will span an area of 59.206 acres and is slated for completion within 24 months.
A key focus of the initiative is to significantly enhance the pilgrim experience. To this end, the following state-of-the-art facilities will be constructed:
- A 216-bed Yatri Niwas (pilgrim guest house) for comfortable accommodation.
- A modern Pilgrimage Centre and an Interpretation Centre to enrich the spiritual and cultural understanding of visitors.
- A Food Plaza and a Watch Tower.
- A new Market Complex.
- A dedicated, large-scale facility for the preparation and serving of ‘Prasad’ (temple offerings), with a seating capacity for approximately 500 people.
- A Cloak Room for the secure storage of pilgrims’ personal belongings.
Upon completion, the enhanced Maa Tarini Temple complex is poised to be recognized as a major religious tourism destination not just in Odisha, but across India, providing a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for devotees and boosting the local economy.
