Airport to come up near Kothagudem.

The State government will construct an airport between Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam as part of development of Bhadradri temple in the latter town.

Reviewing the development of the temple at an official meeting, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao said proposals have also been sent to the railways to extend the existing railway line from Kothagudem to Bhadrachalam, a release said.

The government will construct a road link to Andhra Pradesh capital Amaravati, Chhattisgarh and Odisha along Godavari. One more bridge in addition to the existing one across the Godavari will come up.

Projects to be constructed on the Godavari will help store water permanently. Pilgrims could enjoy boat ride.

Mr. Rao suggested changes to the temple design by Sthapati Anand Sai on the advice of Tridandi China Jeerswamy. He asked officials to develop the temple over 30 acres.

A Kalyana Mandapam, rest rooms for pilgrims and a shopping complex should come up within the temple premises.

The constructions should take place in such a way that the existing sanctum sanctorum and other important structures were not disturbed.

He asked officials to make arrangements for the smooth flow of pilgrims for the holy dip in the Godavari and later darshan at temple. He recalled the travel of Lord Rama in the region much like the Godavari meandered its way from west to east and then to the north.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rao will meet temple priests on Friday to discuss their problems with a view to resolving them. He asked officials to hold a preparatory meeting on Thursday on salary hike for priests, mode of payment and maintenance of basic rituals at temples. He held preliminary discussions on salary structure and maintenance issues with senior officials.

It added that Mr. Rao decided to set up a Dharmika Parishad to organise spiritual programmes. He said Sthapatis would be sent to Basar temple to prepare plans for its development.

THE HINDU