THE cost of renovating the 200-year-old Hindu temple in Manama Suq has increased by 30 per cent due to a global surge in the price of materials and logistics, it has emerged.
The planned $4 million facelift of the Shree Krishna temple is now expected to cost more than $5m.
In addition, the project, on a built-up area of 45,000 square feet, which was supposed to be completed in early 2024 has also been delayed by at least another 12 months.
The disruption has been attributed to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war which have resulted in price of goods and materials skyrocketing.
The GDN reported in December 2015 that the temple would undergo a much-needed renovation, with the old building featuring ageing beams and railings.
The new designs for renovating the temple were unveiled in 2019, with visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the project.
Mr Modi launched the $4m redevelopment project of the temple during his 2019 visit to Bahrain
“The pandemic slowed the project,” Thattai Hindu Merchants Community (THMC) president Bob Thaker told the GDN.
While the THMC owns the place and has undertaken the revamp of the temple, the Thattai Hindu Community (THC) is responsible for its day-to-day operations.
“We needed clarification from senior priests who were to travel from India but couldn’t because of flight restrictions,” added Mr Thaker.
“With that now completed, the operations team has approved two suggested changes and the revised designs with minor changes to the interior have been sent to the Urban Planning and Development Authority for approval.
“We hope to receive the approval in three to four months, and then we will begin the process of public bids for construction, with work expected to be completed in 18 to 24 months.”
The renovated temple will be promoted as a tourist destination with the complex open for wedding functions in line with Bahrain being promoted as a destination wedding option.
“The cost of the project has increased by 30pc from the planned $4m due to global price increases in materials and logistics,” said Mr Thaker.
“The project is funded by Bhatia businessmen and community members in and outside Bahrain, and 60pc of the funds are ready.
“The rest will be raised by the larger community.”
Mr Thaker noted that all the developments on the project including the revised designs and the cost hike have been approved by the Bhatia community.
“We ran a poll and all these including the temporary relocation plans of the temple was approved by the community with an overwhelming majority.
“Once the construction starts we will have to temporarily relocate the temple.”
The revamped temple will include two massive state-of-the-art halls, three small meditation halls, offices, a knowledge centre and a museum in a three-storey building. The completed structure will have 80pc more capacity with accommodation facilities for guests and visiting priests.
raji@gdnmedia.bh
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