Nabakalebara: Odisha CS takes on-spot stock of infra work

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri/Kakatpur, Mar 27:

With just a day left for the Banajaga Yatra to commence, Odisha chief secretary GC Pati today made a on spot review of progress made in different infrastructural projects for the forthcoming Nabakalebara Yatra of Lord Jagannath.

Banajaga Yatra (the search for the daru-neem tree logs out of which new idols of the deities are carved) which is considered the opening chapter of Nabakalebara Yatra, will commence on March 29.

The chief secretary today visited the railway station and new bus terminus at Malatipatapur and Puri-Bhubaneswar national Highway to assess the progress made in these projects. He reviewed the progress of construction work on the Batagaon-Mangalaghat stretch of the national highway, construction of foot overbridge at the Malatipatapur and doubling of railway track.

“All facilities at the bus stand will be completed by the end of May. The construction of the foot overbridge from the Malatipatapur railway station for passengers to cross over to the new bus terminus will also be completed by May end,” Pati told reporters.

On reaching Puri, Pati held discussions with concerned departmental authorities and gave them timelines for completion of different projects.

Tourism secretary Arabinda Padhee today visited the  Deuli mutt, where the Banajaga Yatra team will stay during the Yatra, to take stock of the progress made in renovation work.

“In the coming days, we are going to declare this place as a tourist place. Therefore, we are trying for its overall development. Tourism department is making arrangements for its conservation and maintenance on a permanent basis,” said Padhee speaking to reporters at Kakatpur.