Puri: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today laid foundation stones for several mega projects under the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme to transform Puri into a World Heritage City.
After paying obeisance to the Trinity at the Sri Mandir during his visit to the holy city, Naveen launched the seven mega ABADHA projects here on Thursday for greater convenience of the devotees and facelift of the Pilgrim city.
The Chief Minister laid foundation stones for Shree Setu, Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, Multi-level car parking and Municipal Market Complex under the scheme, which was approved by the State Government in October last year.
The Shree Setu project to be developed at a cost of Rs 190 crore will provide a new link road from Puri bypass at Malatipatapur to Jagganath Ballav Matha. The 1.5-kilometre long trumpet bridge will be a signature bridge representing the rich architecture and heritage of Odisha.
Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre will be a six-storey world-class pilgrim centre, which will be constructed on the premises of Jagannath Ballav Matha near Narendra Kona at a cost of Rs 190 crore.
The pilgrim centre will have several facilities including a multi-level parking for 1,000 four-wheelers, commercial space, meditation area apart from other modern amenities.
A multi-level car parking will be developed on Jail Road near Hospital Square with an allocation of Rs 90.22 crore. The four-storey complex will accommodate 500 four-wheelers and bikes.
The Municipality Market will be renovated into an ultra-modern market complex in the holy city. The complex will come up on Badadanda. With an allocation of Rs 44.82 crore, the proposed five-storey complex (Basement, ground and three floors) will provide around 500 vending units, parking space for 100 four-wheelers. The project will have a 300 kilo-watt rooftop solar system.
Besides, as many as 800 CRZ-complaint vending kiosks will be set up at the sea beach at the cost of Rs 12 crore.
The CM also laid foundation stone for Swargadwar facelift project that includes construction of elevated structures and two electric heaters for cremation.
Before launching the mega projects, the Chief Minister spent around 20 minutes at the Srimandir.