Walled city in for an overhaul

Finally taking note of traffic congestion in the walled city area, the resultant pollution and its ill effects on heritage sites in the vicinity, Amritsar Municipal Corporation has chalked out a plan to introduce state-of-the-art transport system in the area.

Finally taking note of traffic congestion in the walled city area, the resultant pollution and its ill effects on heritage sites in the vicinity, Amritsar Municipal Corporation has chalked out a plan to introduce state-of-the-art transport system in the area. The MC has sent a proposal worth Rs 100 crore to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the purpose. The proposal, endorsed by the state department of tourism, also includes plans for conservation of heritage buildings,

which are decaying at present for want of care.

As per the proposal, the MC plans to introduce battery-operated buses within the walled city area. Municipal Commissioner DPS Kharbanda said the MC proposes to run 20 to 25 battery operated buses. “This would provide easy access to the Golden Temple for people who, otherwise, prefer to bring their own vehicles to the area,” he said.

An amount of Rs 15 crore has also been set aside for construction of hydraulic parking places at the places most frequented by people for business purposes, including the Fish Market and Kairon Market. Mayor Shawet Malik said the parking facilities in these areas are not sufficient, hence the MC plans to construct new parking spaces.

A heritage walkway around the route where religious processions are taken out on important occasions is also a part of the plan. “The walkway will cover important heritage markets and buildings. The route will be beautified and equipped with lamp posts,” Malik said. Work on underground water supply and improvement in sewerage and electricity supply lines has also been planned, he added.