Ghanteswari Pitha, a major tourist attraction in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, March 10: The tourist footfall of Ghanteswari Pitha, a major sightseeing attraction of Sambalpur district, is expected to rise with the commencement of city bus service.

Ghanteswar Pitha, around 35km from the district headquarters town, attracts thousands of visitors from across the state and the neighbouring states. Besides, the Ghanteswari temple and the scenic beauty of the place also attract the visitors.

“Though Ghanteswari Pitha has immense potential to attract tourists, it did not have a proper transportation system from Sambalpur. However, the city bus service will be a boon to the tourists. It will help in increasing the number of visitors to this place,” said Sanjaya Dash, a resident of Sambalpur.

“It is good a news that the city bus connectivity has been provided to the Ghanteswari Pitha. Apart from the tourists, the people of the Chiplima area will also be benefited,” said a commuter, Bhisma Pradhan.

“There are several tourist centres near the Samalpur city. If the city bus service is provided to those places, it will be help in attracting more number of tourists to Sambalpur,” said Santosh Naik, another local resident.

“The authorities here should think of connecting Huma with the city bus service. Thousands of people from across the country come to Huma to visit the famous leaning temple,” said Debudutta Mishra, a commuter.

Bipin Bhatia, chief executive officer of the Paschim Odisha Paibahan Company, which operates city buses, said: “The city bus already connects Jawahar Udyan at Hirakud, which is Sambalpur's major tourist attraction. We will also begin the service to Huma.”