Anandpur Sahib, April 8: A major tourism infrastructure project in Anandpur Sahib has been halted as the Punjab government and the SGPC failed to reach an agreement on its architectural direction. The 25 crore Heritage Street project, intended to create an all-white marble walkway for pilgrims, was withdrawn after the tourism department concluded that meeting SGPC demands would compromise the project’s integrity.
Central to the dispute was the SGPC’s insistence that the road leading to the Takht remain open for motor vehicles and free of marble flooring. Additionally, the committee and the Acting Akal Takht Jathedar expressed reservations regarding a proposed gateway that they declared would obstruct the visual prominence of Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. The manager of the Takht had previously urged the state to abandon the commencement of work to avoid disrupting the flow of visitors.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that the department is now shifting its focus toward alternative government-owned land to ensure the development can proceed in a different capacity. “The department is now considering an alternative location in Anandpur Sahib,” Bains affirmed, suggesting the route between Keshgarh Sahib and Shishganj Sahib as a likely candidate.
Government representatives asserted that the sudden resistance from the SGPC appeared to be influenced by political tensions, following previous disagreements during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Despite the project’s goal to blend faith with modern heritage tourism, the impasse has left the future of the city’s spiritual beautification plan in transition. Tourism officials asserted that the project would have provided a seamless experience for the thousands of pilgrims who visit the shrine daily.
