Puri: The ambitious Srimandir Parikrama Project in the pilgrim town of Odisha's Puri is likely to be completed by October this year, said Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief administrator Ranjan Kumar Dash on Tuesday after a review meeting.

The execution of the project is being overseen by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC). During this year's Ratha Jatra, OBCC completed the work for external access roads surrounding the 12th-century shrine on all three sides, in addition to public facilities and the road in front of the Singhadwara.

These amenities, located within a 55-meter radius of the temple from Meghanada Pracheri, include six restrooms and three shelter pavilions situated in the southern, northern, and western directions of the temple.

Speaking to reporters, Dash revealed plans for the establishment of two pilgrim reception centers. One of these centers will be situated at the site of the previously demolished Emar Mutt, capable of accommodating up to 2,000 devotees. The second reception center will be established near the new SJTA office, with a capacity for 1,000 devotees.

Dash also said the tender process for the restoration of 18 mutts and two temples has been finalized, alongside the initiation of a tender for the renovation of the Raghunandan Library, which was demolished to pave the way for the project.

The forthcoming library will be positioned behind the Shree Jagannath Reception Centre, a pivotal element within the Parikrama project. Simultaneously, the reconstruction of the Gopaltirtha Mutt and Narayani temple, in conjunction with the enhancement of five sacred water tanks known as Pancha Tirtha Puskarani, are slated for implementation. "We are also in discussions with a third-party agency to ensure the provision of potable water for devotees both within the premises of Srimandir and its vicinity. Our efforts will be in accordance with the guidance of WATCO," Dash said.

Responding to queries regarding the construction of a stone ramp on the northern side of the temple, Dash said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is scheduled to commence the project in October, with a projected completion timeline of three months.

"An accessibility assessment conducted by the Department of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has led us to prioritize measures for making the temple premises more accessible for individuals with disabilities, based on the audit report," the head of SJTA said.