Transforming Puri! 2

Transforming Puri! 2.8-kilometre ‘Shree Setu’, AC tunnels for Jagannath temple devotees – Odisha govt implements several infrastructure projects 

Ahead of the inauguration of the Jagannath Heritage Corridor project, worth Rs 2,700 crore, on January 17, the Odisha government has implemented several infrastructure projects in Puri. Among these projects is the newly built ‘Shree Setu’. It is a 2.8-kilometre bypass stretch in the city which will lead people coming in from Bhubaneswar and Brahmagiri directly to a multi-level parking spot. This will help reduce visitors’ travel time by up to an hour as they will be able to avoid the city traffic.Makeover of Puri with Shree Setu, AC tunnels for devotees

The Shree Setu is India’s first trumpet bridge. It connects four lanes of roads and has been built on 37 acres of land, as per an official. The government also redeveloped the settlement around the famous Puri temple to deal with the rising footfall of worshippers. A 1.5-kilometre-long path, called ‘Shrimandir Parikrama’, has been built encircling the temple under the Jagannath, officials said.

The state-appointed Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations serve as the base of these steps. In 2019, the committee had presented its report focusing on enhancing the administration and governance of the Shree Jagannath temple, along with addressing issues related to its endowments, including security and safety measures, as per the officials.

After receiving approval from the state cabinet, the city administration commenced the initial stage of its redevelopment and rehabilitation scheme. This phase involved clearing approximately 3 acres for the construction of ‘Shree Setu,’ connecting the recently constructed Jagannath Ballav Parking Complex to the temple.

A makeshift AC tunnel with benches has been installed for the devotees. The benches are attached to iron barricades that segregate around 10 rows which can accommodate 3,000 devotees at a time, PTI reported. This 85-metre-long shaded pathway has been erected to add to the convenience of the devotees and keep them away from the heat as they wait for their turns in lines.

Avoiding stampede-like situation

An official told PTI that the areas around the temple complex needed the redevelopment to avoid stampede-like situations during festivals and also facilitate an easy-going crowd circulation during Parikrama.

The complex now has been equipped with an underground utility pavilion, shelter pavilions, washrooms, and electrical rooms. Additionally, a 4.5-metre wide dedicated shuttle lane, a 7.5-metre wide mixed traffic lane, and a 3-7 metre wide footpath have also been built by the city administration for easy traffic flow and decongestion.

A two-wheeler parking and extended pathway has also been constructed by the administration.

Bada danda road widened

The grand road (bada danda) that leads to the temple, often crowded with devotees, especially during the Rath Yatra, has been expanded to a width of 75 meters. This expansion aims to provide ample space for the extensive procession, complemented by the installation of street lights and street furniture along the sides of the road.

Additionally, in an effort to alleviate flooding in the city, stormwater drainages have been constructed around the temple complex. This initiative is complemented by other enhancements, including the creation of a green buffer zone and a designated public conveyance area.

Land acquisition for Jagannath Heritage Corridor project

The Jagannath Heritage Corridor project has seen the displacement of over 600 shops, residential complexes, and private properties for acquiring land. All the displaced properties were rehabilitated within two kilometres of the temple complex.

The much-awaited Puri airport — which will be the second international airport in Odisha — is in its last leg of completion and will become operational soon, officials said, adding that the facility is expected to attract more devotees as they would no longer need to travel 1.5 hours from the Bhubaneswar airport to reach the Jagannath temple.

Binaya Kumar Dash, Assistant District Magistrate, Puri said that the affected were compensated as per rules and many were given shops in the newly built complexes by the administration.

The district administration has acquired more than 17 acres of land, encompassing five villages, for the implementation of the Jagannath Heritage Corridor project.

(With PTI inputs)