Punjab to have Rs 590 crore tourism package

Almost 30 tourist destinations in the states will be enhanced with a cost of Rs 590.97 crores, said Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Once the project is completed, Amritsar would be the centre of tourist activity, with its 11 destinations on the list. This will be done with the aid of Asian Development Bank worth Rs 344 Crores. Apart from this Rs. 96.67 Crores will be availed from the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, aiming at revamping religious and historical cities. Rs. 50 Crore will be sanctioned under the Prasad scheme for Amritsar city.

The department has set aside Rs 100 crore for Mughal Circuit, under which historical spots linked with the Mughal era would be revamped.

Maharaja Circuit, another project for the cities having connection with princely states is at its initial stage. Amritsar, Kalanaur, Harike Pattan, Kapurthala and Hussainiwala will be visited by the minister and officials for meetings with local officers to discuss the modalities, from June 15 onwards.

“Whatever we offer has to be of world-class, to attract people. Facilities like restaurants, parking and toilets are a must at any tourist place,” said the Minister.