Vijayawada: The Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varala Devasthanam (SDMSD) temple at Indrakiladri is set for a major infrastructure upgrade.
Temple authorities are preparing a development master plan to meet future needs and provide comprehensive facilities to pilgrims for the next 100 years.
The master plan, currently in conceptual stage, will be finalized by a committee by January 2025. It will be reviewed by the Minister, Chief Secretary and Vijayawada MP. After that, the final plan will be sent to the government for approval, said an official of the temple.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, the temple’s executive engineer Vyakuntrao said, “A new master plan has been prepared with the aim of providing all kinds of facilities to the pilgrims at the temple.”
Elaborating on the master plan of the temple, Vyakuntrao said, “A dedicated Keshkandan shala building, parking area, permanent queue line facility, an Anna Danam building, entry and exit points for Durga and Shivalayam temples, a yagashala building, and for devotees Hostels will be developed.”
The main feature of the plan is to widen the existing ghat road.
The temple will use the land available in Kanak Durga Nagar below the Indrakiladri, as well as the land adjacent to Ghat Road to build the new structures like Keshakandana Shala, Anna Danam Complex etc.
Plans are being made to incorporate some of the proposed structures under the Centre’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Enrichment Drive (PRASAD) scheme. The temple administration is preparing a separate proposal for this.