Chandigarh, June 5: The Punjab government has cleared two major cultural infrastructure projects intended to project the state’s historical legacy and streamline facilities for religious pilgrims. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann approved the construction of a monumental welcome gate at the Shambhu border along with a revised spatial plan for the Heritage Street project in Sri Anandpur Sahib.
The decisions were formalised during a high-level review meeting of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department in Chandigarh. The Anandpur Sahib initiative focuses on creating an integrated spiritual pathway connecting several of the most prominent Sikh shrines.
“The proposed Heritage Street at Sri Anandpur Sahib will begin from the roundabout near Quilla Anandgarh Sahib and extend to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib Park, Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib and Gurdwara Bhora Sahib,” Mann stated. “The project has been conceived to further strengthen the spiritual and heritage experience for devotees and visitors.”
The state administration will collaborate with national authorities to ensure smooth execution of the development layout. Mann noted that the statutory structural design would be finalized in alignment with central guidelines to ensure high standards of execution.
“The design will be duly approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and other competent authorities,” the Chief Minister declared. “A high-powered committee will also be constituted to oversee the smooth and hassle-free implementation and execution of the project.”
The meeting also finalised the technical details for the Shambhu Welcome Gate, which will serve as a visual landmark on National Highway 44. The entry structure will cost ₹12 crore and features a design meant to encapsulate regional identity through symbolic architectural styles.
“The magnificent Welcome Gate coming up at Shambhu border will duly reflect the grandeur of Punjab,” Mann asserted. “The gate will be constructed on the four-lane NHAI at a cost of ₹12 crore and will stand as a tribute to our glorious heritage and traditions.”
The structure is planned to span the central highway median while flanking adjacent service roads. The architectural elements include stone cladding, detailed jali patterns, and traditional Phulkari motifs. Additionally, the design incorporates ten domes in total—five on each side—to represent the historical concept of Punjab as the land of five rivers.
Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Tarunpreet Singh Sond attended the evaluation session alongside senior administrative secretaries from the tourism division.
