Bhubaneswar, 4 December (H.S.) : The Odisha Government is expediting work on the Ekamra Heritage Project, with major components expected to be completed before Shivratri in March 2026. Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed on Thursday that the entire project is targeted for completion by June next year.

The minister said that construction activities have gained momentum following a detailed review meeting held on Wednesday. He added that the Khordha district administration and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation have been instructed to resolve all pending land acquisition issues to prevent further delays.

Harichandan attributed the earlier slowdown to a contractor disengaging from the project in 2023. To ensure uninterrupted progress, the remaining work has now been split into multiple packages with defined timelines.

Key temple-area developments—including access roads, parking facilities around the Lingaraj Temple, and associated infrastructure—are slated for completion before Shivratri. The parking zones and plazas near Lingaraj Temple and Ananta Basudev Temple are expected to be ready by February-end.

The minister also stated that the state government is in discussion with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on the beautification of Bindu Sagar and the restoration of Devipadahara and Papanasini ponds. He assured that the state is willing to provide financial assistance to the ASI if required for the conservation work.

To ensure timely execution, the department will prepare weekly progress reports. Harichandan said this monitoring mechanism will help accelerate the project and ensure its completion within the scheduled timeframe.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda