In a significant move to rejuvenate the heritage zone around the iconic Lingaraj Temple, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) has restarted work under the ambitious Ekamra conservation plan. This comes months after the original, large-scale project was officially foreclosed in September due to prolonged delays and contractual issues.
From Foreclosure to Fresh Start
The earlier comprehensive plan, which carried an estimated outlay of over Rs 214 crore, envisioned extensive landscaping, public plazas, visitor amenities, and conservation of historical monuments in the Old Town area of Bhubaneswar. However, authorities were forced to terminate the contract after repeated extensions failed to yield any substantial progress. Officials identified land acquisition as the primary stumbling block that hindered the execution of various project components.
Addressing the state assembly recently, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan confirmed the project's foreclosure in September. He assured that the government is actively working on plans to resume the initiative at the earliest. “The govt remains committed to preserving the cultural essence of Ekamrakshetra. While the earlier plan faced hurdles, the govt is making sure that the revised approach delivers better results for citizens and devotees,” the minister stated.
Streamlined Strategy with Immediate Focus
As part of a renewed and more focused strategy, the OBCC has adopted a phased approach. The corporation has floated a fresh tender for a specific, critical component: constructing a dedicated road link from Sanitarium Square to Ratha Road, coupled with developing bus and car parking facilities in the vicinity.
This initial work is estimated to cost nearly Rs 9.9 crore and is expected to be completed within six months of awarding the contract. Officials believe this new link will significantly ease the chronic traffic congestion in the area and improve access for the thousands of pilgrims visiting the ancient Lingaraj Temple.
The tender process opened earlier this month, calling for experienced contractors to ensure timely execution. Authorities have promised strict monitoring to avoid the delays that plagued the previous plan. A senior OBCC official explained, “Our priority is to create a seamless experience for visitors while safeguarding the sanctity of the temple surroundings. Some of the work is stuck in the middle. We are focusing on completing them first.”
Balancing Development with Heritage
While the immediate scope has been streamlined for faster results, the government has clarified that the broader vision of the Ekamra plan remains intact. Conservation of monuments and ecological rejuvenation will continue to be integral to the project. Future phases are planned to include landscaping, improved public amenities, and the restoration of traditional water bodies.
Local residents have welcomed the government's renewed effort, expressing hope that the revised plan will strike the right balance between necessary development and cultural preservation. “The temple area needs better facilities, but not at the cost of its heritage character,” said Trinath Rath, a resident of Old Town.
The OBCC expects to finalise the contractor for the new road and parking project by mid-January, with physical work commencing soon after. The government has also hinted at a phased implementation model for the remaining components of the Ekamra plan to ensure systematic and timely completion.
