The first state-of-art 'Aahaar Kendra' of Odisha replete with world-class facilities will come up at the Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) soon.
As per the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) sources, the Aahaar Kendra with all its modern facilities has been built only within a month and it will be operational soon after the inauguration by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
The centre has meticulously designed interiors and exteriors. It boasts an opulent ambience. Built with an expenditure of around Rs 5 crore, the centrally air-conditioned Aahaar Kendra has the capacity to accommodate 200 people to take their meals at a time.
The centre has comfortable arrangements for visitors with well-arranged cosy and spacious tables and chairs for a pleasant dining experience. The establishment prioritizes high standard service to the people with attractive lighting facilities in addition to shining floors. The walls of the centre have been neatly painted with modern designs and attractive colours along with traditional decorations.
“Generally poor people visit Aahaar Kendras. Thanks to the government, those people will get the feeling of a star hotel at the centre. But to ensure its proper maintenance in future will be the most challenging factor,” said a local resident.
“We all are very happy with the modern facilities at the Aahaar centre. There will be a huge rush of visitors. Then it will be a tough challenge to maintain and run the Aahaar Kendra in future,” said another local resident.
The centre features facilities like modern wash basins, refrigeration and freezer units and a heater for milk boiling. A book rack showcasing various magazines and newspapers will also be available for visitors. In addition, LED screens have been installed to entertain people during meal timings. While cleaning of used plates will be automated through a dishwasher, hand-drying will be facilitated using dryers. The centre has also ‘hot plate’ facility to ensure that food remains warm.
Moreover, chairs have been designed for infants. Children-friendly wash basins and specially-adapted basins for individuals with disabilities have also been installed.
CMC has entrusted Maa Tarini Self Help Group (SHG) with the operational responsibilities of the centre. Apart from the usual offerings of rice, dalma and pickle at just Rs 5 per meal, the centre will provide additional cafe facilities to the visitors. Different millet recipes, tea, biscuits, cakes and ice cream will be available for them as well.
“The Aahaar Kendra is fully ready and no work is pending. Most probably, it will be ready for operation within a month after inauguration by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik,” said CMC Commissioner, Nikhil Pawan Kalyan.