The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Tuesday commissioned first of the six projects under Union Tourism Ministry’s Swadesh Darshan scheme of integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in Kerala at the 16th century Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in the State capital.
Mr. Modi, who is visiting the temple for the first time after becoming the Prime Minister, unveiled the plague near the eastern gate of the temple to dedicate the host of facilities that has enhanced temple infrastructure and provides hassle-free worship to the devotees.
The Governor P. Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of State for Tourism K.J. Alphons, MP Shashi Tharoor, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran and officials were present when the Prime Minister dedicated the works executed through Kerala Tourism at a cost of ₹78.55 crore.
A 5.2-km heritage walk corridor, restoration of Padmatheertham, six fort gates and fort walls, a tourist information centre, storm water drains, drinking water fountains, paved granite walkway to the four entrances, solar-powered lights, cloak rooms, waiting halls, bathing complex, bio-toilets, signages, CCTV cameras, and security systems and software for digital museum are part of the project in the temple, which has been in the limelight following the discovery of ancient treasures in its subterranean vaults.
The project is part of the ₹92.44-crore spiritual circuit involving Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Sree Parthasarthy temple, Aranmula, and the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Later, the Prime Minister had darshan in the temple.
Published - January 15, 2019 09:21 pm IST
