The development of a government-sponsored dharmasala is still well behind schedule, making it difficult for pilgrims to find lodging when they arrive in Puri. The lack of reasonably priced lodging has made it more difficult for devotees to travel from far-off places, leading some in the academic community to doubt the project's completion date and the protracted delay.
A dharmasala that can accommodate 2,500 devotees is being built close to the Baselisahi police station as part of the Abadha plan. The construction will be finished shortly, according to the Puri District Collector.

Every day, thousands of devotees travel to Srimandir for Lord Jagannath's darshan, and they typically stay at mutts and dharmasalas. However, many of these facilities were destroyed as part of the Srimandir Parikrama Project, which was started by the previous administration. The Baselisahi Dharmasala project was launched in 2022 on a 5-acre plot after the Supreme Court ordered the state to provide housing for 60,000 followers following the demolitions.
Devotee Facilities Concerns
The project was given Rs 135.6 crore by the previous administration, with an August 22, 2024, completion date. The construction project is still far from finished despite the deadline.

Because of this, hundreds of devotees are staying overnight on Badadanda, while others are compelled to pay exorbitant rates for lodges and motels. Scholars have described the delay as regrettable, particularly for pilgrims from low-income and middle-class backgrounds who rely on inexpensive lodging.
A devotee described the challenges, saying, "In the past, people could get shelter for just Rs 25." There were spacious halls where one may spend the night. Such a possibility no longer exists. Many of us spend the night outside because we lack access to public restrooms, shelters, and other essentials.
Officials Promise Quicker Advancement
According to former Puri MLA Jayanta Sarangi, the site's rough terrain necessitated substantial leveling and sand-filling, which added to the delay.The proposed amenities, such as rooms, dorms, restrooms, open areas, and elevators, were described by Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida. According to him, the facility can hold up to 2,500 worshipers. He continued, "We are attempting to finish the work soon."