Bhubaneswar: The Sri Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre Project is expected to be completed by the end of next December. The project is being developed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed before the 2026 Rath Yatra.
This has been announced at a joint meeting of the Project Cultural and Technical Sub-Committee, held under the chairmanship of Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Dev at Niladri Bhakta Niwas on Puri’s Grand Road.
The meeting attended by Chief Administrator of Sri Jagannath Temple Administration Arabinda Padhee, Puri District Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida, and Dr. Girish Chandra Murmu among others decided to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities around the Gundicha Temple.
It is learnt that the facade of the Gundicha Temple has been upgraded. The committee has decided to upgrade the surroundings of the Gundicha Temple and introduce ticketing arrangements for entry into the temple in the coming days.
The meeting discussed various aspects of developing Sri Jagannath Dham as a premier religious and cultural destination.
The meeting discussed the completion and maintenance of the Srimandir Parikrama Project, construction of an anna khetra (food zone) outside the 75-meter zone around the temple, the Srimandir Homa Yajna Project, and the Srimandir Nama Yajna Project, among other matters. The Srimandir Heritage Illumination Project was approved.
As per the decision taken in the meeting, a new Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim’s lodge) will be built at a location behind the Niladri Bhakta Niwas. Mobile phone usage will be restricted within the temple premises for police personnel, employees, and servitors.
