Punjab govt reviews Rs 62-crore tourism, heritage infrastructure projects

Chandigarh, Jul 13 (PTI) Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Monday reviewed the progress of tourism and heritage infrastructure projects worth over Rs 62 crore across the state. Chairing a review meeting with senior officials, Sond said the projects are aimed at promoting tourism, preserving Punjab's cultural heritage, improving visitor infrastructure and generating employment opportunities. According to an official statement, the minister asked executing agencies to complete all works within the stipulated timelines while maintaining quality standards. Among the projects reviewed was an Rs 11-crore heritage welcome gate at the entrance to Punjab, intended to create a landmark gateway to the state. The minister also reviewed the Rs 8.30-crore Malout Craft Corridor project in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, which aims to promote traditional crafts and support local artisans. Another project under review was the Rs 14.30-crore expansion of the Shaheed Udham Singh Memorial Museum, construction of an auditorium and a memorial gate at the entrance of Sunam town in Sangrur district. Sond also reviewed the Rs 9-crore heritage street development and beautification project at Gurdwara Tutti Gandi Sahib in Sri Muktsar Sahib. The minister further assessed the Rs 20-crore ecotourism project at Kanjli Wetlands in Kapurthala district, which includes operation, maintenance and management of the facility for five years. He directed officials to closely monitor progress, remove bottlenecks and ensure the projects are completed on schedule to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve visitor facilities across the state. PTI VSD NB NB