Bhubaneswar: In a bid to increase quality accommodation facilities ahead of the men's hockey world cup here in November, the development authority has directed the allottees of three hotel projects of the city to expedite and complete the work by the end of September.

Two of these upcoming hotels fall in star categories, while the other project is a budget one. With the completion of all the three hotel projects, 313 rooms will be added to the city's pool to accommodate visitors. The star hotels are located at Satya Nagar and Khandagiri, while the one in the budget category will come up in Nayapalli.

The need to expedite the hotel projects was felt since thousands of delegates and other tourists are likely to converge here during the conduct hockey world cup.

"The tourism department has been asked to identify the accommodations for the visitors, but we will be in need of more facilities," said a Bhubaneswar Development Authority official.

He said the authorities had decided to auction 10 potential lands for hotel projects in the city, but it would not be completed before time since the plan was amended.

"A hotel could not be constructed in a few months, as it was decided to put the already under-construction project on fast track," said the official.

The government has formed a special committee to decide on infrastructure needed in city to successfully host the world cup. The committee has been convening meetings every month to fine-tune the preparations.

"It is a golden opportunity for us to host such a mega sports event. We don't want to be casual and have decided to transform the city before the world cup. Various aspects are being looked into to host the event. Ensuring quality accommodation is a part of it. The hotel project will be put on fast track," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.

At present, the city doesn't have proper accommodation facilities for visitors, other than a few star hotels.

"Quality accommodation is a major part for increasing tourism potential of any particular area. The city does have some good star hotels, but it is not enough. The authorities should take steps to lure big and branded hotel projects," said Patia resident Uttam Jena.