(Top) The welcome arch under construction on the Bali yatra ground in Cuttack and (above) an artist’s impression of the heritage structure. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Oct. 31: The construction of a permanent welcome arch by Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has reached its final stages on the Bali yatra ground.

Over 90 per cent work has been completed and the welcome arch is all set to be inaugurated on November 28, the inaugural day of the seven-day Bali yatra festival.

CMC sources said the architecture of the welcome arch would focus on the state’s maritime history and it would be a centre of attraction for the visitors to the city.

“The concrete structure has already been completed and the colouring work will begin in a couple of days. We hope to complete the entire task before the Bali yatra starts,” said CMC executive engineer Lalit Mohan Das.

Das said that the welcome arch would be a visual treat for the visitors coming from different parts of the state to witness the yatra this year. The total cost for the project has been estimated at Rs 50 lakh.

The CMC had earlier decided in 2009 to come up with a heritage welcome gate for the yatra as an annual cost-saving measure as it spends about Rs 2.5 lakh to construct a temporary welcome arch every year.

The construction of the permanent gate had begun in 2010 and had subsequently been delayed because of the Mahanadi floods last year.

The welcome arch has been designed in the form of a 40-ft high concrete boat.

Replicas of seven sadhabas (mariners) have been installed on its foundation while concrete and fibre idols erected on the pillars reflect unique features of Odia architecture.

“A lot of changes have taken place in the construction of the welcome gate as certain aspects, including speed of wind from sea side, were a major deterrent,” said artisan Laxmidhar Rana.

Rana further said that bulk of the work, including the construction of various replicas of fibre and concrete, had been completed. All the seven statues have been installed on the boat on top of the structure.

The traditional fair draws over five lakh visitors to the Millennium City every year. “Though the entire work is still in progress, the project will add up to the city’s beauty. A similar welcome arch has also been built at the entrance of the Netaji Birthplace Museum here,” said Sudhansu Jena, a local resident.