Bhubaneswar: The hospitality landscape at Kharavela Bhawan has been transformed with the opening of Srujan, a modern canteen and lounge facility on the first floor. Operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the facility was officially inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, marking a significant upgrade in the building’s service standards for both employees and guests.
The establishment of Srujan is a strategic addition to Kharavela Bhawan, which serves as a major central administrative hub housing several vital government departments.
Dr. Mahapatra emphasized that Srujan is designed to provide a high-quality dining experience for over 700 staff members and the numerous citizens who visit the building daily. Given the previous lack of diverse food options in the immediate vicinity, the canteen serves as a vital hub for affordable, hygienic, and accessible meals. The Minister noted that maintaining the highest levels of cleanliness and food quality remains the primary focus of the operation.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Srujan functions as a holistic service center. It uniquely integrates traditional hospitality with travel convenience by offering on-site train and air ticket booking services, alongside a dedicated tourist information and guidance desk. This multifaceted approach ensures that the needs of visitors are met under one roof, reflecting a modern standard of government building management.
Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Shrimati Usha Padhee, highlighted that the canteen was developed specifically to accommodate the diverse needs of all departments within the complex. She detailed the streamlined operational systems designed to ensure efficient service delivery.
The establishment of Srujan is part of a broader initiative by the State Government and the Housing and Urban Development Department to enhance the lifestyle and welfare facilities at Kharavela Bhawan. This follows the recent opening of a dedicated creche facility, further cementing the building’s reputation as a well-rounded and supportive workspace.
The inaugural event was attended by several high-ranking officials from both the government and IRCTC, including Municipal Director Shri Arindam Dakua and IRCTC South Central Zone GGM Shri Rajkumar. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort to bring professional hospitality standards to the heart of the capital’s administrative hub.