Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Puri Jagannath Temple Faces Backlash Over Rs 500 Parking Fee
The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, India, decided to charge Rs 500 for parking cars at its guest houses.
This decision upset many people, including tourists and political leaders.
They said the fee was too high and unfair.
The local government official said they would think again about this decision.
Some people also said that staying at these guest houses is already expensive, and this extra fee is not right.
The fee is currently in place until further notice.
SJTA introduced a Rs 500 parking fee for four-wheelers at its four Bhakta Nivases in Puri.
The fee includes 18% GST and is applicable for 24 hours.
The decision faced strong opposition from tourists, servitors, and political leaders.
Puri district Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida announced the administration would reconsider the fee.
Political leaders and tourists argued that the fee is unjustified and burdensome for devotees.
- Who
- Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and various stakeholders including tourists, servitors, and political leaders
- What
- Decision to levy a Rs 500 parking fee for four-wheelers at Bhakta Nivases
- When
- Notification issued on Wednesday, January 8
- Where
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Why
- To ensure structured parking management and better organization of parking spaces
- Parking Fee
- Rs 500 (including 18% GST) for 24 hours
- Applicable Locations
- Four Bhakta Nivases (guest houses) in Puri
- Duration
- Until further notice
- Opposition
- Tourists, servitors, political leaders, and local MP
- Reconsideration
- Puri district Collector to reconsider the decision
- Room Tariffs
- Rs 900 to Rs 2,500 for 24 hours