95 yrs later, British-era powerhouse returns as Amritsar's public attraction

The colonial-era hydropower plant at Tarran Wala Pul, which had been lying defunct for decades, has now been transformed into a recreational space under the Smart City project. What was once a neglected industrial site on the Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) has now been developed into a picnic spot and walking area, attracting visitors.

The project includes landscape development, walkways for pedestrians, an open gym, a children's park and canal-view podiums. Spread over three acres, the space offers a refreshing blend of history and leisure. The authorities have preserved century-old trees on the site, while the restoration work has been carried out in line with the original architecture of the building. Instead of cement, lime has been used to maintain the historic construction style. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, along with the Amritsar Smart City Limited, have renovated the building.

Despite its heritage value, the site has not been listed as a tourist attraction by the Tourism Department. Officials and heritage experts believe that this landmark deserves more recognition, as it reflects the city's industrial past. Around Rs 5 crore has been spent on the restoration and beautification so far.

The hydropower plant has a rich history. During the British rule in Punjab, Ravi river was intercepted at Madhopur in 1849 to build a canal system, which was completed in 1875. The Upper Bari Doab Canal carried water to Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Lahore districts of the undivided Punjab. Even today, the 3,119-kilometre-long canal irrigates agricultural land in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala and Amritsar.

The hydropower plant was set up in 1930 by the Amritsar Municipal Committee under the supervision of its secretary, P Mardson. Turbines and machinery were imported from Switzerland and England. For some years, it supplied electricity to the city of Amritsar before being shut down when larger power plants began supplying electricity.