On Sunday in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reiterated that his BJP‑led government will turn Keonjhar into the state’s third industrial‑steel hub, joining Rourkela and Kalinga Nagar. While laying the cornerstone for the Maa Tarini Temple complex at Ghatagaon, he unveiled an all‑encompassing development strategy for the district. He explained that the ceremony marks the beginning of a long‑expected project aimed at revitalising both Kendujhar and Odisha as a whole.
A ₹313 crore budget has been earmarked for the temple’s upgrade, with a goal of completion within 12 months. The CM emphasised the plan to establish Maa Tarini as an internationally recognised pilgrimage and tourist destination, and announced extra funds for lodging priests and for other necessary facilities, including the surrounding area. He ordered the State Works Department and the district collector to produce a detailed project report.
The proposed 60‑acre plan will include a 216‑bed pilgrims’ lodge, a pilgrims’ centre, a coconut pavilion, an interpretation zone, a food plaza, a watchtower, a market complex, a spacious prasad hall capable of seating 500, toilets, cloakrooms, shoe shops, ticket counters, washing bays, and restrooms for drivers. Road improvements, parking spaces and the beautification of four ponds will also be undertaken.
When asked about the previous Biju Janata Dal administration, the CM highlighted that its ₹50 crore investment in the temple had yielded little. In contrast, he stated that the current government is focused on making Kendujhar a centre of economic activity, comparable to Rourkela and Jharsuguda, and that a robust road network will connect key industrial zones. Majhi added that Keonjhar’s rise will play a vital role in achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 and ‘Samruddha Odisha’ by 2036.
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