Jharkhand Plans Rs 99 Crore Guest House Near Puri Sea for Residents and Officials

Jharkhand is set to have its own permanent guest house in Puri, with the state government planning to construct a new facility near the sea at an estimated cost of around Rs 99 crore. At present, the Jharkhand government operates a guest house from a rented building in Puri, but the state is now moving towards a permanent facility of its own.

The project estimate has already been prepared and the Building Construction Department has granted technical approval. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has also received approval from Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The project is currently awaiting administrative approval, after which the construction process can move ahead.

The proposed facility is not intended only for ministers, senior officials and government employees. Residents of Jharkhand travelling to Puri will also be able to stay at the guest house, subject to the applicable booking procedure. This could provide visitors from the state with a government-run accommodation option in one of Odisha's most popular pilgrimage and tourist destinations.

The site selected for the guest house is spread over 0.35 acres in Balukhanda village under Puri Sadar. The location is close to the Konark Wildlife Sanctuary and approximately 8 km from the Jagannath Temple, making it relatively convenient for both pilgrims and tourists.

The Jharkhand government has already paid around Rs 49.70 lakh towards the lease premium for the land, along with approximately Rs 7.20 lakh in stamp duty. The process relating to annual rent and registration charges has also been completed, and a lease agreement has been executed between the concerned parties.

The administrative approval is now the key remaining step before construction can formally begin. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide a more permanent accommodation option for people travelling from Jharkhand to Puri.

For Jharkhand residents, particularly those visiting the city for the Jagannath Temple or other nearby tourist destinations, the project could offer an additional accommodation choice without having to depend entirely on privately operated hotels or rented government premises.

The proposed guest house therefore represents more than a new government building. It is intended to create a permanent base for Jharkhand in Puri while also providing accommodation facilities that can be accessed by ordinary residents travelling to the coastal city.