The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has made a significant reversal in its parking fee policy. Just over a week after implementing a steep increase, the administration has decided to roll back the hike completely.
Parking Charges Slashed After Public Pressure
Four-wheelers will now pay only Rs 240 per day for parking at the temple's four guest houses in Puri. This represents a dramatic reduction from the recently implemented Rs 500 daily charge that sparked widespread discontent among visiting devotees.
Official Reasoning Behind the Reduction
SJTA officials maintain the decision stems from a desire to standardize parking fees across Puri. Temple chief administrator Arabinda Padhee explained the administration wants to align charges with those at the nearby Jagannath Ballav parking lot, which currently charges Rs 250 for 24 hours.
"We took this decision to bring the parking fee nearly on par with the Jagannath Ballav parking lot," Padhee stated, though many observers note the timing coincides perfectly with public outcry over the previous increase.
Committee Meeting Leads to Policy Change
The managing committee convened a special meeting on Saturday to address the parking fee controversy. Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb presided over the session where members voted unanimously to reduce the charges.
During the meeting, Padhee provided important clarifications about the temple's guest house policies:
- Room rents at Neeladri, Nilachala, Gundicha and Purushottam guest houses will remain unchanged
- The administration wants to avoid inconveniencing common people booking stays
- Only about 5% of guests arrive in their own vehicles
Practical Parking Considerations
Padhee addressed the practical challenges of parking at the temple properties. "Since there is a shortage of parking space in the four properties, devotees are usually advised to park their four-wheelers in the Jagannath Ballav parking space," he explained.
However, for those who prefer parking at the guest houses themselves, the new rate of Rs 240 includes all applicable GST charges for a full 24-hour period. This represents a more than 50% reduction from the previous rate that had caused so much controversy.
The swift policy reversal demonstrates how public sentiment can influence administrative decisions, even when officials attribute changes to different rationales. Devotees visiting Puri can now budget significantly less for their vehicle parking needs while enjoying the temple's hospitality facilities.
