Wagah set to become major tourist destination

The Wagah border with Pakistan is all set to become a major tourist destination, with the union tourism ministry having cleared a proposal to develop the area as an important point in a "freedom struggle circuit" in Punjab.

As part of the Wagah development project, a proposal of the Punjab government, which has been given the go-ahead by the tourism ministry, 6-7 sites in the vicinity of the Wagah border will be developed as spots of tourist interest.

Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni said the Centre will contribute Rs 5 crore towards the development of the Wagah border.

She said the development plan involves developing Gen Shyam Singh Attari's Samadhi and Mahal, Rajasansi Village, Sarai Amant Khan complex, Ram Tirath temple and Pul Kanjari.

While Rajasansi village is famous for its carpet-weaving, Sarai Amanat Khan is a relic of the Mughal era.

Ram Tirath Mandir is believed to date back to the times of Ramayana. A hut where Lord Ram's sons Luv and Kush are said to have been born is part of the temple complex.

Pul Kanjari is a small brick bridge located some 15 km from the Indo-Pak border, which was built by Raja Ranjit Singh for his dancers.

"Good roads have to be laid out in the area and there are plans to build restrooms and restaurants so that it can become a good day-long tourist destination," Soni said.

She also informed that the Punjab government has proposed creation of a "religious circuit" apart from the "freedom struggle circuit".

The minister recently inspected the area along with Punjab government representatives.

The project will be undertaken by the Punjab heritage and tourism board and is expected to be completed in two years' time.

The aim behind the project is to attract not only to domestic tourists but also the tourists who are coming from across the border.