Heritage street model to be replicated on four other roads

The long-awaited redevelopment of four prominent roads leading to Darbar Sahib is set to begin next month as work orders for the Smart City project have been officially issued. These roads — Mahana Singh Road, Inside Ghee Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia and Sri Ramsar Road to Katra Ahluwalia — will undergo a comprehensive makeover on the lines of the existing Heritage Street.

As part of the plan, the existing dilapidated water supply and sewerage pipelines will be completely replaced. Overhead electricity cables, which currently mar the aesthetics of the area, will be laid underground to give the stretch a clean and uniform look. The roads, approximately 4.5 km in length, will be enhanced with facade work reflecting the heritage architecture of the walled city.

MC officials said the design and engineering drawings for the project will be finalised early next month. The goal is to complete all the development works within this year. The revamped roads will not only improve travel experience for devotees and tourists heading to the Golden Temple, but also restore the historical and cultural charm of the surrounding areas.

The project had faced delays due to legal hurdles. Initially, the first tender floated last year was cancelled in January this year. A second tender was challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by a contractor, leading to a temporary status quo order. However, the court dismissed the petition in April after hearing the arguments presented by the MC’s legal team. Following the verdict, the tender process resumed and the finalised work order was sent to Chandigarh for clearance.

Officials confirmed that the project aims to elevate the spiritual and aesthetic atmosphere of the city’s holiest precincts.