Puri, Mar 21: The Srimandir Managing Committee has proposed constructing two underground roads or underpasses near Puri Badadanda (Grand Road) to enhance the convenience of devotees and local residents.
The proposed underground roads are planned from Sri Krishna Cinema Square to Dolabedi Corner and from Dolabedi Corner to Badachhata Mutt. However, concerns have been raised regarding the logistics of their construction.
Currently, check-gates are situated at Dolabedi Square, causing delays for devotees and locals, particularly when heading towards the shrine from the office of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
While the managing committee members have suggested underground roads at two locations, devotees are worried that excavation work might jeopardize the temple's structural integrity.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicated that while there was a proposal for an above-ground structure, it was deemed impractical due to obstructing the temple's view. Thus, the suggestion for an underpass was put forth to ensure uninterrupted movement of devotees without obstructing the temple's visibility from Badadanda. However, no final decision has been reached on the matter.