The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri has triggered widespread anger among pilgrims and visitors by introducing a steep daily parking charge of Rs 500 for four-wheelers at its guest houses. The new fee, which came into effect recently, is being labeled as excessive and irrational, with many arguing it defeats the purpose of affordable pilgrim accommodation.
Unprecedented Parking Fee Stuns Devotees
The SJTA directive, issued for its four guest houses, mandates a parking fee of Rs 500 (including 18% GST) per four-wheeler for a 24-hour period. Assistant managers have been instructed to ensure collection starting January 7, 2026. This charge has shocked guests, especially when compared to room tariffs that start from approximately Rs 900 to Rs 1,100. For many, the parking fee alone amounts to over half the cost of their stay, making the overall expense disproportionately high.
Tourists were quick to point out the stark contrast with other parking facilities. Parking at Bhubaneswar's international airport costs Rs 165, less than a third of the SJTA's new rate. Even in Puri itself, parking near the Jagannath Temple, the beach, and other tourist spots typically ranges between Rs 20 and Rs 60, making the SJTA's Rs 500 fee the highest in the state.
Backlash from Tourists and Servitors
The move has been met with fierce criticism from all quarters. Prahlad Ghosh, a tourist from Kolkata staying at one of the temple guest houses, called the fee "excessive and unreasonable." He emphasized that hotels across India and abroad rarely charge guests for parking, and that even airports and shopping malls have more modest rates.
The temple's own servitors, who are integral to the rituals, have also voiced strong opposition. Binayak Dasmohapatra, a servitor, condemned the charge as a "strange, ridiculous and absurd idea." He stressed that the guest houses are meant to provide affordable lodging for devotees and argued that the order should be withdrawn immediately, suggesting that revenue generation from parking fees is a condemnable motive.
Impact and Official Response
The financial pinch of the new fee has had immediate consequences. Sources within the SJTA confirmed that some guests, upon learning of the charge after arriving in their own vehicles, have chosen to cut short their stays and check out early.
Facing the growing outrage, the administration has signaled a potential rethink. When contacted, Puri district collector and SJTA deputy chief administrator Dibya Jyoti Parida stated, "We will reconsider and take a final decision soon." This statement offers a glimmer of hope for devotees and tourists who find the new parking policy a significant burden on their pilgrimage.
