The Government on Thursday informed the Assembly that efforts were being made to complete the construction of main temple of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy at Yadadri by Diwali on October 18.

The Government was trying to develop the temple as an icon and a religious centre of Telangana, Municipal Administration Minister K.T. Rama Rao said during question hour.

He said that the works at the temple complex that were under progress included construction of retaining wall, seven Gopurams, Prasadam complex, Vratha Mandapam, Maadaveedhi, Brahmotsavam area, Mukhamandapam and Prakarams.

The main temple area was proposed to be developed over 4 acres and VVIP cottages on 13 acres. The temple city development in phase one was proposed over 250 acres and phase two 695 acres. Another 165 acres was reserved for other developments and 106 acres for future expansion programmes.

Mr. Rao also said that dormitories would be provided free of cost to pilgrims. There will be 100 each air-conditioned and non-air conditioned rooms, 200 donor cottages, a bus terminal, a queue complex with facilities for 40,000 pilgrims, escalators, lifts for physically challenged and old aged people, Kalyana Mandapam, parking for 7,000 cars, food courts and Nityannadhanam for 5,000 pilgrims.

Yadagiripalli, Saidapur, Raigir, Mallapur, Datarpally, Gundlapally and Baswapuram villages were brought under Yadadri temple development authority limits.

Answering a question from G. Kishore Kumar of TRS whether a ropeway was contemplated connecting the hill temple, Mr. Rao added that the Government would consider Yadadri as a tourist attraction. Another TRS MLA G. Sunitha said donors expressed willingness to construct cottages.