Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Construction of Maha Mandapam, ramp to begin soon

VIJAYAWADA: The construction of ‘Mallikharjuna Maha Mandapam’ and a ramp will commence near Kanakadurga temple atop Indrakeeladri very soon. Tenders have been finalised for the two projects, estimated to cost about Rs. 41 crores.

The tenders are being scrutinised by the Chief Engineer of the Endowments Department. Once the scrutiny part is over, the contractors will commence the works and complete them in 18 months from the date of commencement.

Officials of the Endowments Department are planning to invite Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy for foundation laying ceremony. In all likelihood, the function will be held in the first week of December.

Executive Officer of Sri Durga Malleswara Swamivarla Devasthanam T. Chandra Kumar told The Hindu that widening of the ghat road would resume only after completion of ‘Bhavani Deeksha Viramana,’ scheduled for December. He said widening works near Arandal Chowltry were nearing completion, and the works near ‘Om’ circle would be taken up in the next phase.

Replying to a question as to why the temple authorities were not allowing any vehicles on the ghat road, Mr. Kumar cited two reasons. “One is incomplete works and the second is parking problem on the hillock. As the works are in progress, the engineering staff advised us not to allow vehicles till the completion of works. Providing parking to the increased number of cars is not possible for us practically,” he explained.

Mr. Kumar said the Devasthanam was operating free shuttle service between the Irrigation guesthouse and the temple daily. “Brand new buses are being operated very frequently. Since the national highway has been widened, there is no parking problem near the guesthouse,” he pointed out.

Referring to the gold plating works for ‘Vimana Gopuram,’ Mr. Kumar said works of a value of Rs. 4 crores were pending. “We are going to award the contract to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. With this phase of work, the gold plating is going to be completed,” he said.

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