Masterplan on Anvil to Develop Amenities at Durga Temple

Vijayawada: The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam (SDMSD) temple atop Indrakeeladri is set for a major infrastructural overhaul.

The temple authorities are preparing a development master plan to meet future requirements and provide comprehensive amenities for pilgrims over the next 100 years.

The master plan, currently in a conceptual state, will be finalised by a committee by January 2025. It will be reviewed by the endowment minister, principal secretary and the Vijayawada MP. After this, the final plan will be sent to the government for approval, a temple functionary said.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the temple’s Executive Engineer Vykuntarao said, “The new master plan is being prepared with the aim of providing all kinds of amenities to pilgrims at the temple.”

Elaborating on the temple’s master plan, Vykuntarao said, “A dedicated Kesakandana Shala building, parking areas, permanent queue line facilities, an Anna Danam building, entry and exit points for both Durga and Shivalayam temples, a Yagasala building, and dormitories for devotees will be developed.”

A key feature of the plan is the widening of the existing Ghat Road.

The temple would utilise the land available in Kanaka Durga Nagar beneath Indrakeeladri, as well as the land along the Ghat Road to construct new structures such as the Kesakandana Shala, Anna Danam complex, etc.

Plans are being made to include some of the proposed structures under the Centre’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme. Proposals for this are being prepared separately by the temple authorities.