Odisha Invests ₹313 Crore to Modernise Maa Tarini Temple Area
Keonjhar’s development gets a boost with major religious, industrial, and infrastructure initiatives.
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday launched one of Odisha’s most ambitious religious infrastructure projects by laying the foundation stone for the integrated development of the Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatagaon, Keonjhar. The ₹313-crore project, targeted for completion within a year, is designed to transform the revered shrine into a world-class religious and tourist destination.
Addressing a large gathering at the Ghatagaon Mini Stadium, the Chief Minister said the project marks the fulfillment of an 18-month-long vision. He noted that the development is not just an administrative decision but an emotional moment for him and the people of Keonjhar. Majhi assured that funding will never be a barrier and that the entire project cost of ₹313 crore will be fully utilised within the stipulated timeline. He directed the Keonjhar Collector to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) and asked the Works Department to conduct the construction with strict deadlines to ensure timely completion.
The 60-acre redevelopment plan includes an extensive list of modern facilities intended to enhance the pilgrim experience and boost tourism. The project features a 216-bed pilgrim rest house, a dedicated tourist information centre, and a state-of-the-art auditorium for cultural and religious events. A new food plaza and a watch tower will be constructed to serve visitors’ convenience and safety. The temple area will also get a new market complex, along with a spacious 500-seater dining hall to manage large footfalls during festivals and special occasions. The project additionally covers road expansion, improved parking space, and beautification of four major ponds surrounding the temple precincts, creating an aesthetically pleasing and well-managed environment for devotees.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the previous government had allocated only ₹50 crore for the temple corridor project, which was insufficient for meaningful transformation. After taking office, the current government added another ₹50 crore and has now expanded the total allocation to ₹313 crore to ensure comprehensive and sustainable development of the shrine.
Beyond religious infrastructure, Majhi used the occasion to outline the future of Keonjhar as a major industrial hub. He announced that the foundation stone for a mega steel plant in the district would be laid soon, projecting Keonjhar to rival Rourkela and Jajpur as a steel-producing powerhouse. The state government has already planned six-lane roads to link mining and industrial belts, while Barbil will get a dedicated ring road to ease traffic movement. In addition, several new economic zones covering the Kendujhar-Barbil-Joda region will be developed in the near future to stimulate industrial growth. The Chief Minister said Keonjhar currently holds a substantial fund base of ₹35,000 crore from sources including DMF and OMBADC, which will be utilised for various development initiatives across the district.
The Chief Minister received an enthusiastic welcome in Ghatagaon, where he was greeted with a roadshow from RC Primary School to the Maa Tarini Temple. The event saw the participation of several prominent leaders including State BJP President Manmohan Samal, Ministers Prithiviraj Harichandan, Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, and Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. MPs Ananta Nayak, Abhimanyu Sethi, Rabi Narayan Behera, along with multiple MLAs and district officials, also joined the ceremony, underscoring the political significance of the project.
The redevelopment of the Maa Tarini Temple represents a broader strategy of blending cultural preservation with economic progress. With ample funding, political backing, and a clear vision for growth, the project is set to become a signature initiative for both Keonjhar district and the state of Odisha.
