Bhubaneswar: Sun Temple, the Unesco World Heritage site at Konark, has evolved into a multi-faceted tourist hub with the construction of a world-class interpretation and tourist facilitation centre.

The facility has been construction with help of the Indian Oil Foundation, which is a non-profit trust of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, executive director and CEO of the foundation Subrata Barma said: "We have developed a world-class interpretation and tourist facilitation centre at Konark for Rs 45 crore. A tourist facilitation centre has adequate parking bay for buses, cars and two-wheelers. Union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan will inaugurate the facility on April 1."

Barma said: "The world-class infrastructure facilities has been developed for both Indian and foreign tourists. It has been creatively planned and constructed in association with Engineers Indian Limited, the tourism department of Odisha and the Archaeological Society of India (ASI)."

Chief general manager of the oil corporation Pritish Bharat was also present at the press conference.

As part of the beautification plan, the sprawling main avenue leading from the outer ring road to the Sun Temple has been beautified with artistic landscaping. Elegant water bodies have been developed along the way, with well-manicured gardens, water bodies, paved roads, ample street lights and high-mast towers adding a touch of class to the entire setting.

To make Konark tourist-friendly, the foundation has developed an extensive main parking area for tourist buses spread over five acres. A drop-off point has also been developed closer to the temple. Here, parking facilities for cars, three-wheelers and two-wheelers have been provided alongside toilet blocks, waiting lounge, water points, snacks counter, rain shelter and landscaping.

The world-class interpretation centre is spread across eight acres. Developed as a new-age museum, the centre uses various means of communication to stimulate the discovery process, while enhancing the visitor's intellectual and emotional connect to the site.

The centre has been designed to be user-friendly and interactive with the use of multiple exhibits and multimedia displays. The centre has five galleries depicting the history, culture and architecture of Odisha. The galleries are dedicated to Sun temples in India and across the world. Touch-screen kiosks and multimedia depictions, together with sculptures, scale models and artefacts make the five galleries tourists' delight.

Barma said: "Visitors will be left spellbound with the fusion of sight and sound at the 60-seater auditorium with state-of-the art audio-visual and acoustics systems. Animated films depicting the origins and history of the Sun Temple will be major attractions. A VIP lounge, a cafeteria, and a welcome lobby with ticket counters will all add to the excitement."