Basara, Bhadrachalam temple works hit by cost escalation; tender delays spark deadline concerns
The renovation of Basara and Bhadrachalam temples has run into hurdles with costs escalating sharply and concerns over the availability of traditional temple architects. The Basara project alone saw its estimate jump by Rs 100 crore in two months, while tenders for Bhadrachalam works failed to attract bidders.
Hyderabad: Given the State’s financial constraints and the need for specialised temple architects (sthapathis), concerns are being raised over the government’s commitment to complete the renovation works at the Basara and Bhadrachalam temples within the stipulated timelines.
In a span of just two months, the estimated cost of renovation works at the Gnana Saraswathi Temple in Basara has increased by nearly Rs 100 crore for reasons better known to the officials.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy laid the foundation stone for the temple redevelopment project on April 5. As part of the works, the existing sanctum sanctorum, spread across about 2,000 sq ft, will be expanded to nearly 5,000 sq ft. The temple complex will feature a nine-storeyed Rajagopuram on the northern side and seven-storeyed gopurams on the remaining three sides.
Overall, the built-up area of the temple is proposed to be expanded from the present 20,000 sq ft to 62,000 sq ft, with stone being used for the entire construction and development.
While the project was initially estimated to cost Rs 225 crore, the administrative sanction has now been revised to Rs 324 crore within two months. The government has set June 2027 as the deadline for completion of the first phase of works.
For comparison, the redevelopment of Yadadri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple utilised nearly 12 lakh cubic feet of Krishna Shila stone, while around six lakh cubic feet of stone is expected to be required for the Basara project.
Bhadrachalam temple renovation
Similarly, renovation works at the Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam in Bhadrachalam are being planned at an estimated cost of Rs 586 crore. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the first phase of works in March this year. The first phase, estimated at Rs 351 crore, is also scheduled for completion by June 2027. The overall renovation programme has been divided into three phases.
However, when tenders were invited for execution of the works, there was no response from bidders. Officials of the Endowments Department and Roads & Buildings Department are now preparing to float fresh tenders shortly.
A senior official said that most of the proposed works at Bhadrachalam are conventional civil construction activities aimed at strengthening infrastructure and pilgrim amenities. Considering the spiritual and national significance of the temple, the master plan should be further strengthened and the shrine developed on the lines of the Yadadri temple, the official suggested.
The official also felt that sthapathis should be involved on a large-scale in designing a traditional Pancha-Tala Rajagopuram instead of the proposed Tri-Tala Gopuram.
“Given the scale of works planned at both temples, sustained government support and timely release of funds will be crucial for completing the projects within the deadlines,” the official said.
