TheShree Jagannath Temple Administrationhas made it clear that the parking fee atSrimandir Bhakta Nivaswill continue to remain atRs 500 per dayfor four-wheelers.
Clarifying the decision, SJTA Chief AdministratorArabinda Padheesaid that accommodation at Bhakta Nivas is provided to pilgrims at highly affordable rates, and raising room rents would have affected common devotees.
“After analysing the situation, we found that only five to ten vehicles are parked at Bhakta Nivas daily. Most pilgrims staying there do not arrive in four-wheelers. Increasing room rent would impact common devotees, which is why there is no proposal to revise accommodation charges,”Padhee said.
Padhee clarified thatoutsiders will not be allowedto park vehicles within the Bhakta Nivas premises. Only pilgrims staying there and arriving in four-wheelers can avail the parking facility by payingRs 500 per day.
He added that pilgrims have the option of using alternative parking facilities if they wish to avoid the higher fee.
“Devotees can park their vehicles at other designated parking areas by paying Rs 240 and still stay at Bhakta Nivas,”he explained.
The SJTA chief administrator further pointed out that pilgrims can choose to park their vehicles atJBPC parking area, which chargesRs 240, and then avail accommodation at Bhakta Nivas.
“Devotees who come with four-wheelers can afford to pay Rs 500 as parking fee. However, if they wish to save Rs 250, they can park their vehicles at JBPC and stay at Bhakta Nivas,”Padhee added.
The clarification comes amid public debate over the recent hike in parking fees at Bhakta Nivas facilities inPuri, with the temple administration reiterating that the decision was taken to protect affordable accommodation for pilgrims.
