Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to religious tourism and regional economy, the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a massive peripheral development plan for the Maa Tarini Temple complex located at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar district.
The initiative aims at the holistic development of the sacred site to meet the long-standing demands of devotees and is expected to drive the overall economic development of the surrounding region.
The total expenditure earmarked for the comprehensive project is ₹226 crore.
The State Cabinet granted approval to the lowest tender, excluding GST, amounting to ₹146 crore, in favor of Dilip Construction Private Limited for carrying out the development work. The project will be undertaken over an area of 59.206 acres and is targeted for completion within 24 months.
The development plan includes several major facilities designed to enhance the convenience and experience of pilgrims:
- A 216-bed Yatri Niwas (Guest House for pilgrims).
- A dedicated Pilgrimage Centre and an Interpretation Centre.
- A Food Plaza and Watch Tower.
- A Market Complex.
- A dedicated facility for the preparation and serving of temple offerings (Prasad), featuring seating arrangements for approximately 500 people.
- A Cloak Room for the storage of personal belongings.
The government’s emphasis on this project is intended to establish the sacred site of Maa Tarini in Ghatagaon as a major religious tourism destination on the national map following the successful completion of the development works.