Pradeep Pattanayak

To end the sufferings of devotees who had to wait in long queues for hours in the sun to enter Srimandir, a fully air-conditioned shed is being constructed at the Grand Road, also known as Bada Danda.

Anticipating a huge rush on New Year, the temple administration is taking a slew of measures and the construction of an air-conditioned shed is one of them. 

Also Read: Tight security in Puri for New Year: No-vehicle-zone from Marichikot square & green corridor for ambulance

The shed is coming up in front of Srimandir, from Marichikote to the Temple office. It has several facilities for the devotees. 

Earlier, it was seen how devotees, particularly elderly ones, collapsed after standing for hours while waiting for their turns. The under-construction air-conditioned shed has sitting arrangements for the devotees as well.  So when public darshan is suspended due to some rituals inside Srimandir, devotees can sit and rest there till the opening of the Lion’s Gate. The shed is under complete CCTV surveillance. 

“We have made all types of arrangements for New Year’s Day. There is an air-conditioned shed for the devotees. There they can sit and avail basic amenities. We hope the devotees will have a good experience on from New Year,” said Puri Collector Samarth Verma.

  • Reported by:
  • MADHUSUDAN MISHRA
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