Bhubaneswar, Dec. 20: The state capital, which is known for its heritage monuments and ancient structures, will shortly have dedicated heritage signage.

The plan is to install as many as 521 such signage for the monuments located at various parts of the city. The new form of signage with an artistic touch will reflect the Kalingan architectural style.

While the heritage cell of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority has done the research and groundwork to design and document the new signage project, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation will put them up at various locations.

The project will be commissioned for Rs 2.75 crore and is funded by the Odisha Mining Corporation. The civic body has initiated the tendering process for the project. The firm selected would be required to execute the project within six months.

"Bhubaneswar is known for its ancient monuments, which have earned it the sobriquet of 'temple city'. However, the signage that we have now are not aesthetically designed. The purpose of the project is to provide clear and relevant information in a way that is also pleasing to the eyes," said the development authority's vice-chairman Krishan Kumar.

The heritage cell has provided the guidelines for signage design for the proposed 521 sites keeping in mind their heritage value. "This project will help promote heritage tourism," said Kumar.

The theme for each of the signage designs has been evolved based on the Kalingan style of temple architecture incorporating specific elements of Shilpa Sashtra. According to the pla, the signage will be of five types providing five kinds of information.

One of these will be directional signage or way finder, which will be put up on major roads and crossings to provide information to the people about how to reach a particular historical site. Another type will focus on location of the site. The signage will also depict popular folklores of the state.

The signage of the third type will provide information about historical significance of the monuments through pictorial representation of the major sites. The fourth will have location maps and the fifth will provide information about basic amenities at and around these monuments.

"It's a good idea to replace the present signboards with more aesthetic ones. The city is known for its temple treasures. They should be highlighted. Tourists should know about the unique history of the state," said Jayadrath Mohapatra, a tourist at Khandagiri.