The much delayed ropeway project connecting Anandpur Sahib in Punjab and Naina Devi in Himachal Pradesh could soon be a reality. Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday said decks have been cleared for the immensely significant project of the ropeway connecting the birthplace of the Khalsa Sri Anandpur Sahib and Mata Naina Devi.
He said the project would prove to be a milestone in not only boosting tourism sector in both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh but would also be an epitome of strengthening the Hindu-Sikh bond.
After a meeting with Additional Chief Secretary (Culture & Tourism) Himachal Pradesh, Ram Subhag Singh held here to revive the ropeway project, Sidhu said that earlier the MoU between both the States was signed but was shelved in 2014 which is now set to be revived as directed by the Chief Minister, Punjab, Capt Amarinder Singh to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister.
Sidhu said the MoU would be inked during this month itself which in turn would accelerate the pace of the project.
During the meeting, Ram Subhag Singh said the project has been cleared by the Cabinet of Himachal Pradesh. On this, Sidhu said on the Punjab side also Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh has put his stamp of approval which would set the ball in motion.
Sidhu said the project would tentatively cost Rs 200 crore and would cover the distance of 3.5 km. He also emphasised that the safety of the pilgrims would be given top priority and keeping in view this aspect, the services of top notch company would be hired who must have an accident free record.
He made it clear that all necessary clearances with regard to the project would be obtained as no hindrances would be allowed to come in the way of this flagship project.
Meanwhile, Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said efforts of the State Government have borne fruits as the Punjab Government has agreed to revive the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab for setting up of ropeway project.
The Chief Minister said he had taken up the issue with his Punjab counterpart Capt Amarinder Singh on February 26 and subsequently senior officers of the State Government were in constant touch with the officers of the Punjab Government in this regard.
He said this project would prove to be a milestone to not only boosting tourism sector in both Himachal Pradesh and Punjab but would also be an epitome of strengthening the bond of love and brotherhood between the two states besides facilitating the devotees visiting these two religious places.
Thakur said efforts would be made to ink the MoU this month, which would accelerate the pace of the project. “The completion of this project would save the time of visitors and would also provide employment and self-employment opportunities to the local people,” he said.