Ferozepur, July 28 — The Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) has received administrative approval for a ₹24.99 crore project to develop a Cultural and Heritage Stretch at Hussainiwala, a site of deep patriotic significance located on the Indo-Pak border in Punjab’s Ferozepur district.
Sanctioned under the Union Ministry of Tourism, the project aims to elevate Hussainiwala into a world-class tourist destination, combining heritage preservation with digital innovation and community empowerment.
“This is not just a beautification effort—it’s a multidimensional plan to build infrastructure, create immersive visitor experiences, and generate livelihood opportunities,” said Sanjeev Tiwari, Director, Punjab Tourism.
Of the total budget, ₹23.66 crore has been allocated for Destination Management Interventions, which will include the construction of a thematic entrance gate, new roads and footpaths, and MS structural works valued at ₹843.09 lakh.
To enrich the streetscape, ₹625.80 lakh has been earmarked for digital projection installations. A ₹55 lakh musical fountain system, ₹380.60 lakh for landscaping and park beautification, and ₹334.27 lakh for upgraded electrical infrastructure are also part of the plan.
CCTV cameras worth ₹63.51 lakh will be installed for surveillance, and sustainability features include a ₹31.90 lakh on-grid solar plant and RO water system, part of the board’s Green Tourism Interventions.
For digital outreach and engagement, ₹51.32 lakh will fund the development of a dedicated tourism website and mobile application. To promote inclusive growth, the plan also includes ₹25 lakh each for Skilling Interventions and Tourism MSME programs, including workshops for local entrepreneurs.
Calling it a “transformative step,” Dr. Harsh Bhola, a leading Ferozepur-based surgeon, said the project would significantly enhance the district’s image. “It’s a long-overdue initiative that will put Ferozepur on the national and international tourism map,” he said.
Suneet Jain, an entrepreneur from Zira, noted the site’s powerful patriotic appeal. “Hussainiwala is home to the National Martyrs Memorial, where Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were cremated. It already draws crowds for the daily Indo-Pak Beating Retreat ceremony, and new attractions like the VR museum and heritage train simulator have only added to its charm,” he said.
Work is expected to begin shortly, with officials projecting a significant rise in both domestic and international tourist footfall upon completion.
