Bhubaneswar: In a bid to increase tourist footfall in the state, the Ministry of Culture has decided to ensure improved visitor-friendly facilities at the twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri here, touted as a testimony of the architectural genius of ancient India.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture would execute the project with an estimated allocation of Rs 4.64 crore. This was announced by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan at an event here Monday.
The sandstone caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) with rock-cut architecture and art lure visitors from across the globe. The entry to Khandagiri was free, while visitors need to pay for entering the Udayagiri.
Sources said despite earning handsome revenue from the sites, the ASI had done a precious little to ensure visitor-friendly amenities at the twin hills.
Sources said that the tourist destination records a daily footfall of around 3,000 visitors, which usually goes up to 4,000 during festivities. However, time and again tourists have been complaining about the lacklustre amenities at the site. Finding a glassful of drinking water at Khandagiri is no less than a mirage during summers, but the authorities have not pay heed to address the issue, a source said
According to the blueprint, adequate drinking water facility would be ensured at the two hills. Besides, the ticket counters would also get a facelift. “Capacity of the existing ticket counter will be increased and facilities will be in place to ensure that visitors don’t stand in long queues to avail tickets,” said the source.
A state-of-the-art cafeteria would also be opened. The sanitation of the area will be improved for which modern toilets will be installed. This apart, modern parking facility at the site has also been prioritised by the ASI.
The project would begin in the next six months and is expected to be complete in two years, an official said.
According to Pradhan, the new facilities would go a long way in generating revenue and attracting visitors, who come here to witness historic remnants of India’s rich past. “The facilities will boost state’s tourism sector. And help Odisha create a unique position in the tourism map,” Pradhan added.
