Odisha Govt approves ₹223.98-cr for infra upgrade in heritage city

The Odisha Government has allocated ₹223.98 crore for the development of Puri under the ABADHA scheme, with the aim of transforming it into a "World Class Heritage City." The state minister for works, Prafulla Kumar Mallik, stated that the funds would be used to complete several projects in the heritage city of Puri, including the Shree Mandira Parikrama Project, Shree Setu, Jagannath Ballav Pilgrim Centre, Revival of Musa River and Heritage ponds, and the development of beachfronts.

Additionally, ₹158 crore has been allocated for the Integrated Development of Heritage and Monuments and Tourist Destinations, which will be used to develop important heritage sites at Konark, Maa Sarala, Maa Cuttack Chandi, Shree Nilamadhaba, Sikharchandi and Alarnath Pitha.

The minister also highlighted the expansion of the road network in the state, with a combined length of 31,317 km, including national highways, state highways, and major district roads.

Overall, the ABADHA scheme and the Integrated Development of Heritage and Monuments and Tourist Destinations project are expected to significantly enhance infrastructure and tourism in Puri and other heritage sites in Odisha.