Bhubaneswar: The Housing and Urban Development Department today inaugurated a modern canteen named ‘Srujan’ on the first floor of Kharavela Bhawan. The canteen, operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), was formally inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mahapatra said that the facility would benefit more than 700 employees working in various departments housed in Kharavela Bhawan. He further stated that citizens visiting the building for official purposes would also benefit, especially in view of the limited availability of food and service facilities in the surrounding area.
The canteen offers hygienic and affordable food services along with train and air ticket booking facilities and tourist information and guidance, making it a comprehensive service centre for employees and visitors. The Minister expressed confidence that food quality, hygiene and cleanliness would be maintained at the highest standards.
Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, stated that the canteen has been developed to serve the needs of all departments functioning in Kharavela Bhawan. She also briefed them about the operational system and facilities available at the canteen.
It may be recalled that last March, the State Government designated the Housing and Urban Development Department as the nodal department for maintenance and management of Kharabela Bhawan and issued necessary directions.
In continuation of this initiative, a creche facility was recently inaugurated at Kharavela Bhawan by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, followed by the inauguration of the ‘Srujan’ canteen and lounge by Minister Dr. Mohapatra.
Senior officials present on the occasion included Municipal Director Arindam Dakua, IRCTC South Central Zone GGM Rajkumar, Bhubaneswar Regional Manager Anuj Dutt, DGM Catering Services Vikram Verma, along with other departmental officers.
