Bhubaneswar: Tender for the Ambitious Konark Development Project is likely to be issued in mid-September because the process has been resolved by Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC).
“While the widening of the six lanes of Chandrabhaga to Junction Kakatpur and Jalan Ring Konark has been approved and started, the tender will be issued for the development of the core area,” said an official of the work department.
In January, the state government had launched a design plan of the Konark Heritage Area Development plan that aims to change infrastructure around Konark Sun Temple.
The rebuilding plan is based on four main aspects – celebrating the splendor of Sun Temple, enhancing visitor experience, aiming to improve the economy for local businesses and strengthen tourism-based economies.
“The master plan has been approved by considering the four aspects above.
Development will be taken accordingly,” the official said.
The core area development plan includes an increase in the entrance to the 13th century Marvel architecture, landscape near the temple, development of pedestrian and parking areas and open theater improvement to show off rich Odisha art and culture.
The return plan includes an increase in all access roads from the outer ring road to the Heritage Zona Konark.
The road in front of the monument will be converted into pedestrian paths for safe tourist movements while business companies will be moved to the right place, the official source said.
In addition to Konark City, the state government has also done work to develop Chandrabhaga Beach to a world-class tourist center to attract international tourists to the country and to improve the local economy.
The State Tourism Department has prepared a master plan and work ongoing.