A file picture of Kamakhya Temple

Oct. 14: For pilgrims to Kamakhya, there is a little prayer that they mutter even before they reach the temple.

That crossing the Kamakhya Temple Road should become less of an ordeal.

Everyday hundreds descend on Kamakhya Temple Road and only wish they did not have to dodge honking vehicles to reach the temple compound.

The administration wished so too and decided to construct a footbridge near the temple so that devotees do not have to sprint across the road with loaded puja thalis in hand.

An official source in the public works department (PWD) today said the proposed footbridge, which will be 95metres long, will connect the newly built parking yard to the temple complex.

“After disembarking from their vehicles at the parking lot, the bridge will help devotees cross over to the temple complex without trudging through Kamakhya Temple Road,” the source said.

The footbridge, which will cost around Rs 1.03 crore to construct, will take off from the parking lot and touch down near at the base from where the stairs to the temple starts.

The Guwahati state road division of the public works department (PWD) will implement the project.

“The state government has already given the green signal for the project and preliminary work is on in full swing,” the official said.

After soil testing, the PWD had to alter the design of the bridge, as there were rock surfaces beneath the soil at some places.

“Construction is likely to begin within a month,” the official added.

Once the bridge is complete, the vendors — who now set up shop haphazardly along the road — will be relocated under the bridge in a systematic manner.

The government is also executing schemes for beautification and illumination of the temple complex.

“The PWD has also begun widening the Temple Road,” he said.

“These projects are being taken up as a part of the government’s concerted efforts to develop the temple into a world class pilgrim centre.”