Bhubaneswar, Jan. 30: The city's two major event hubs - Janata Maidan and Exhibition Ground- are set for revamp.

As part of its plan to upgrade infrastructure at the two places, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority has decided to equip them with parking facilities and fire safety measures.

Janata Maidan on Nandankanan Road near XIMB Square hosts mega events such as the Make In Odisha Conclave and the annual Toshali Craft Fair, while Exhibition Ground is home to Bhubaneswar Book Fair, Sisir Saras and more.

Although the Maidan has parking space, it is not well organised and the development authority is planning to construct a multi-level car facility here that will be able to accommodate about 300 cars. The move would also facilitate creating more free space around the ground.

Exhibition Ground, which is located near Ram Mandir, does not have space for parking. The authorities use the on-street parking system here during the events, which often lead to traffic jams.

"Janata Maidan and Exhibition Ground are two popular places in the city where many events are held. The space and locations are strategic. This is why we have decided to provide good facilities for visitors at these two places," said development authority's vice-chairman Krishan Kumar.

Apart from parking lots, the development authority has also decided to install fire hydrants at the two grounds as a safety measure.

"It is necessary to have adequate fire safety measures on the grounds since a large number of people visit the places during events," said Kumar.

Sources said a meeting was held recently to discuss on the modalities of the revamp.

"We are planning to construct a multi-level car park to save space for other activities. We will also identify places on the grounds to install fire hydrants," said an official of the development authority.

Chandrasekharpur resident Dilu Patra said: "It is nice of the administration to provide parking space and fire safety measures at the two grounds. But they should also ensure provisions of public toilets and drinking water facilities at both the places."

Although the civic body built a public toilet at Janata Maidan in 2015, it has become defunct wtihout maintenance.

"The location of the toilet on Janata Maidan is such that even a frequent visitor finds it difficult to locate it. I don't know why it was constructed at an odd place. Also, it is of no use because it always remains closed. I have never found it open for use. The authorities should make efforts to make it functional and also provide drinking water," said Debabrata Sahoo, who runs a shop near Janata Maidan.