Twitter
Advertisement

Pilgrims' comfort tops agenda at Kartarpur

The terminal would feature several amenities to cater to pilgrims' needs.

Latest News
article-main
Architectural design of the Passenger Terminal Building in Kartarpur
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Amid heightened tensions at the border, the Indian government has approved a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building at the Kartarpur Sahib corridor for Sikh pilgrims visiting the gurdwara in Pakistan. The terminal is expected to cost Rs 190 crore.

The Cabinet had taken a decision in November 2018 to develop the Kartarpur corridor, from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the international border, following which the Home ministry approved a detailed plan for construction of the passenger terminal complex.

The terminal would feature several amenities to cater to pilgrims' needs. "The design and quality parameters have been set keeping in mind the aspirations and religious sentiments of the followers of Guru Nanak Dev," said a source.

The Land Ports Authority of India, mandated to build and operate integrated check posts along the country's land borders, has been entrusted with this work.

It has been directed to complete all work on a fast-track basis before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, in November 2019.

Fifty acres of land have also been identified, and the project would be developed in two phases. Phase-I will entail the development of 15 acres of land, for which the process of land acquisition has already commenced. Phase-II will cover the development of a viewing gallery, a hospital, accommodation facilities for pilgrims and expanded amenities.

The complex that will be developed in the first phase is to have a fully air-conditioned building of approximately 21,650 sq.mts built-up area. Its design has been inspired by the 'Khanda' symbol that represents values of oneness and humanity. "The building is disabled-friendly and will display murals and photographs based on rich Indian cultural values with soothing landscaping. It will have adequate immigration and customs clearance facilities to process the smooth movement of approximately 5,000 pilgrims a day," the source said.

It would also have open areas for kiosks, cloakrooms and adequate parking space. The passage up to zero point on the international border will be covered. In addition, a 300-ft national monumental flag would also come up at the international border.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement