Bengaluru: The Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, is a historical temple. It has a special place in the heart of Hindu devotees. 

Now, the temple committee has approved a plan that puts in perspective a corridor at a cost of Rs 3200 crore. 

The plan concerns itself with architectural plan and design of the Sri Jagannath temple Heritage Corridor. 

As many as 22 projects will be executed in three phases under the plan, as per a New Indian Express report. 

It adds that the project includes Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) building redevelopment, Srimandir reception centre, Jagannath cultural centre including Raghunandan library, integrated command and control centre, Badadanda heritage streetscape, Srimandir amenities improvement, Sri Setu, Jagannath Ballav pilgrim centre, multilevel car parking, municipal market development, Swargdwar development, Pramod Udyan, Gurukulam, Mahodadhi market, beach front development, Puri lake, Musa river revival plan, Atharnala and housing for sevayats.

It should be noted that a land measuring 15.65 acre has been acquired for the heritage corridor. The land has been purchased directly from 115 families, 512 shops and 24 lodges who were paid Rs 234.18 crore.

Not just property from families, but property of 25 mutts was also acquired at a cost of Rs 36.26 crore. As many as 526 street vendors were paid Rs 9 crore. The total cost paid for the corridor was Rs 289.34 crore.

The mutts belonging to various traditions were demolished as part of the project. These mutts will be developed in Kalinga style architecture as part of the Heritage corridor, the website adds. 

“The project is part of the Augmentation of Basic Amenities and Development of Heritage and Architecture (ABADHA) scheme for developing Puri as a World Class Heritage City,” said the temple’s chief administrator Krishan Kumar, as reported by the website.