Road widening works begin at Srimukhalingam

Srikakulam: The road widening works were taken up near Srimukhalingam temple by the officials of the roads and buildings department at a cost or Rs 30 crore. The road leads to Jargangi to Pindruvada from the front of the Srimukhalingam temple.

It is also connected to the state highway leading from Narasannapeta to Parlakimidi. Sri Mukhalingam Kshetram is known as South Kasi (Dakshin Kasi) in the country and having a history spreading over several centuries. Due to the narrow and congested roads leading to the temple, pilgrims are facing hardships in reaching the temple, especially on auspicious days like Kaarthika Masam and Sivaratri.

The total length of the road is 25 km and it passes through Jalumuru, Kommannapalli, Atchuthapuram, Nagarikatakam and Srimukhalingam. While the total estimated cost of the road is Rs 30 crore, Rs 25 crore were allocated to road works, Rs 2 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) package for the families who lost their houses and lands and another Rs 3 crore on different taxes.

“We started demolishing the constructions for widening the road in villages. We will also expand the road widening works to the outskirts of the villages”, Roads & Buildings Department Deputy Executive Engineer (DEE) Killi Satyannarayana said while speaking to The Hans India. After widening of the existing Pindruvada to Jargangi road, a master plan would be implemented around the temple.

The four roads around the main temple are proposed to be widened which are called as ‘Mada’ Streets. Temple shrine processions would be organised through these streets on all important days and therefore, widening of these streets is essential. “Widening of temple surroundings were proposed by the state government and we have launched a survey in this regard,” Srimukhalingam temple executive officer VVS Narayana said.