Major infra upgrades at Bhadradri temple
Rs 586 cr devpt works to begin in May
Khammam
The Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple is set to undergo a major expansion and modernisation drive, with the government approving works worth Rs 586 crore to upgrade infrastructure while preserving the shrine’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Officials said the project will be executed in three phases, with Rs 351 crore earmarked for the first phase. Development of bathing ghats along the Godavari river will be taken up separately at a cost of Rs 75 crore by the Irrigation Department, while Rs 276 crore will be spent on temple expansion, construction of administrative buildings, and road widening around the shrine.
The temple authorities have finalised preliminary architectural estimates and are in the process of preparing detailed plans and inviting tenders. The works are expected to commence in the first week of May and are targeted for completion before Sri Rama Navami in 2027.
As part of the redevelopment, the temple complex will be expanded in all four directions, with the construction of two new enclosures (prakarams) designed to enhance the pilgrim experience. The expansion will extend up to the northern gate, where modern facilities are planned to facilitate darshan during major occasions such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
Officials emphasised that the development will be undertaken without altering the temple’s traditional character, ensuring that its historical and spiritual essence remains intact while improving amenities for devotees for decades to come.
During the construction period, significant changes in temple operations are expected. Devotees will not be allowed into the sanctum sanctorum, and darshan will be facilitated from the Silver Entrance (Vendi Vakili). Certain paid rituals (arjitha sevas) are also likely to be suspended temporarily.
The daily celestial wedding ritual (Nitya Kalyanam), currently held within the temple complex, will be shifted to a temporary venue at Mithila Stadium, where necessary arrangements are being planned to ensure uninterrupted conduct of rituals regardless of weather conditions. Several structural modifications are also planned, including reconstruction of the Lakshmi Thayar shrine in stone, relocation of mandapams such as the Chitrakoota Mandapam, and redevelopment of the temple museum and mirror hall within the new layout.
Authorities said the project aims to strike a balance between heritage conservation and modern infrastructure, positioning Bhadrachalam as a major spiritual destination with enhanced facilities for pilgrims.
