Rameswaram to get major infrastructure boost at Rs 4.97 crore

The Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, a core tourist attraction, which draws lakhs of visitors to Rameswaram, is being given the much-needed facelift. Work on infrastructure development projects at a cost of Rs 4.97 crore have commenced in different parts of Rameswaram, sources said to DT Next, on Wednesday. 

Funds were sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan scheme and 13 works have been identified. A heritage structure would come up near the bus stand. To meet the requirements of tourists on Agni Theertham shore, four rooms made of steel, besides other basic facilities, have been set up for the visitors to change clothes. 

While two such rooms were designed for the purpose to change dresses, one would serve as a drinking water point and the other as a first-aid kiosk, sources added. 

Apart from these, car parking facility with adequate space to accommodate about 135 vehicles was also getting ready. The municipality has estimated a floating population of around 1 lakh people in Rameswaram on daily basis. 

Five battery cars would be introduced soon for the benefit of elderly devotees or tourists. Moreover, works were taken to establish a recreation park at an estimated cost of Rs 2.32 crore under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. Three parks were already in existence under this scheme. The fourth park being set up would come up on a sprawling 11,000 square foot with play equipment and walking track.

It would also have yoga, gym corners and a reverse osmosis drinking water facility. Above all, five CCTVs would be installed for effective surveillance. These developments were expected to be over in a month, sources added.