The construction of an air conditioned tunnel along the Badadanda (Grand Road) to facilitate comfortable visit of devotees to the Jagannath Temple had stirred a controversy with many questioning the very need of such facility by blocking the road.

While the hotel and lodging owners and shopkeepers have opposed the AC tunnel in fear of losing their business, Puri MLA Jayant Kumar Sarangi questioned the need for such a project by blocking the Badadanda.

Terming the project as unnecessary and wasteful expenditure of money, Sarangi sought to know from the Government the need for an AC tunnel in the winter season.

 “It is unnecessary and extravagant spending of money of taxpayers. Due to encroachment of the Grand Road, the lodging and shops situated there will be the ultimate sufferers as the customers' flow would be less due to the narrow passages,” said Sarangi.

To facilitate the construction of the AC tunnel, the administration has cordoned off the Badadanda by cotton fencing nearly 200-meter from the Shreemndira administrative building up to the Marchikot square towards west.  Around 100 shops including lodgings and hotels operating in the area, will get only 5 feet passage on the Grand Road. The work is scheduled to be completed by December 25. 

The fully air-conditioned tunnel will be equipped with chairs, LED televisions, drinking water, information,  besides other ultramodern facilities for visitors moving to the Jagannath Temple. The tunnel will be easily removable during festive season. It will connect the Srimandir corridor having a direct link to the administrative building of Jagannath Temple. A private company has been assigned works on behalf of the OBCC.