The Telangana government has sanctioned Rs. 11.08 bn for developing and expanding a temple complex at Manchirevula village near the Musi river, under the Musi Riverfront Development project. The allocation is 57 per cent higher than the initial estimate of Rs. 7 bn announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in March, when the foundation stone was laid for the reconstruction and development of two temples.

The sanction was issued through an order on Wednesday following a proposal from the managing director of the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation (MRDCL). The temple precinct will include the main temple, sub-shrines dedicated to Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali, the Sri Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari Devi Temple, the Sri Bala Ganapathy Swamy Temple and the Sri Bala Subramanya Swamy Temple.

The plans also provide for a Maha Mandapam, Nandi Mandapam, Prakarams, Raja Gopurams, a Yagasala, a Pushkarini, an iconic statue of Lord Shiva and other associated religious facilities. The allocation includes Rs. 5.99 bn for temple architectural works and Rs. 3.5 bn for civil and structural works, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing services and related facilities.

The remaining Rs. 1.6 bn has been earmarked for a 100-foot-wide, six-lane master plan road extending 2.5 km. The road will connect two nearby gated communities, adjoining Greyhounds land and the Young India Police School with the temple complex.

The road package covers pavement, drainage, retaining and protection works, culverts, lighting, road-safety measures and associated infrastructure, in line with applicable Indian Road Congress and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways provisions. A separate order has constituted a six-member committee to provide technical guidance and approve designs, drawings, Detailed Project Reports and estimates.

The committee is co-chaired by the Engineer-in-Chief of the Roads and Buildings Department and the Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Health Department. Its responsibilities include finalising rates for specialised temple architecture, stone carving and sculptural works, besides examining tendering, execution and any deviations or changes in scope. The Chief Engineer of MRDCL, the Chief Engineer of the Endowments Department, temple architecture expert E. Shivanagi Reddy and an additional secretary of the Finance Department are members.