Bhubaneswar, June 3: The state government is planning to build a tourism and cultural complex along the Rajpath on the road that links Unit-I and Unit-II markets in the capital.

Through this complex, the government plans to showcase the best of the state to tourists. This area has been chosen for the complex as it falls between the airport and the railway station. This initiative of the state government is part of the renovation plan for Unit-I market.

“If a business traveller or tourist coming to the city can spare three to four hours, then he or she would get a better idea about the state’s culture along with complete shopping and dining experience. However, all this is still at the conceptual phase,” said a senior officer of the housing and urban development department.

Even the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority were planning to renovate the Unit-I market complex. The present market of around five acres would be converted into a multi-storeyed structure in public-private partnership mode.

Looking at the facilities in tourist destinations in Hong Kong and Singapore, chief secretary Bijay Patnaik suggested that a futuristic corridor should be developed. He also felt that the entire area should showcase all elements of the state’s art, culture, food, tribal products, crafts and handlooms. Setting up information kiosks on places of tourist interest are also part of the government’s plan.

“The corridor along the Rajpath would be surveyed first to know about the availability of land. Once this is finalised, the engineers would plan rest of the things including design. If possible a reputed designer would be consulted to develop the area,” said the officer of the housing and urban development department.

“At present, with the availability of more than six major convention centres and educational institutions organising regular conferences and interfaces, the capital is getting more short-term travellers. This tourism complex is being planned keeping them in mind. The idea to have a special corridor to showcase the best of the state with a mix of tribal and western architecture can work wonders,” said Debasish Mohapatra, managing director of K7 Holidays.

“The concept should be developed in consultation with tour operators and experts in tribal affairs, handicrafts and handlooms. Experts in Buddhist and Jain studies should also be consulted as Orissa boasts of many sites of the religions,” Mohapatra added.

“The textiles and handlooms department of the state government is trying to emulate Bollywood and Western designers when it comes to designing fabrics. The state has received support from celebrated designers such as Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Anjali Kalia, Rajesh Pratap Singh, David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore. So, the development of an exclusive corridor in the city to project and showcase the traditional art and craft forms will be a unique thing to happen for the city,” said Ashok Kumar Sahu of Orissa Rural and Urban Producers’ Association.

There should also be a plan to include the eateries where ethnic and exclusive Oriya food would be available so that the visitors can taste a slice of Orissa in quick time.