BHUBANESWAR: The state government has sanctioned Rs 24.91 crore for construction of a bridge over the Gangua canal and a 2-km road to provide direct connectivity to the historic Kapileshwar temple in Bhubaneswar, MP Aparajita Sarangi said on Monday.
“The approval has come on the last Monday of the holy month of Shravan, fulfilling a long-standing demand of temple servitors and residents of the Ekamra Bhubaneswar area,” Sarangi said. Once completed, the project is expected to provide direct access to the ancient Shaivite shrine for devotees and tourists, she added.
According to the MP, the Works department is expected to initiate the construction work at the earliest. The state government has also taken steps for the development, preservation, maintenance, renovation and beautification of the historic temple.
Sarangi said she had submitted the proposal to the government following demands raised by local residents and temple servitors. She along with local MLA Babu Singh had visited Kapileshwar temple on December 24, 2024 and again on July 15, 2026, during which the demand for a direct road and bridge was raised. Following the visits, Sarangi wrote to the state government and pursued the proposal for its implementation.
The Bhubaneswar MP thanked the CM and the state government for approving the project. She informed that following request from the local community, responsibility for the maintenance and conservation of Kapileshwar temple has been handed over to the ASI.