Kartarpur Sahib: India to construct state-of-the-art passenger terminal
The PTB complex to be developed in the first phase is proposed to have a fully air-conditioned building of 21,650 sq metres built-up area.
New Delhi: India will construct a “state-of-the-art” passenger terminal building for the Kartarpur corridor at a cost of Rs 190 crore.
According to sources, the passenger terminal building (PTB) complex will have all the necessary passenger amenities to facilitate pilgrims intending to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, located across the border in Pakistan. The ministry of home affairs (MHA) has approved a detailed plan for construction of a “state-of-the-art” PTB complex at the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, they added.
The approval came following the Cabinet decision in November 2018 to develop the Kartarpur corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district in Punjab to the International Border.
The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), which is mandated to build and operate integrated check posts along the land borders of the country, has reportedly been entrusted with this work and has been directed to complete the work on a fast track basis, before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November 2019.
The design and quality parameters have been prepared keeping in view the aspirations and religious sentiments of the followers of Guru Nanak Dev, sources said.
“Fifty acres of land has been identified for the purpose. Phase 1 will be developed over 15 acres for which the process of land acquisition has already commenced,” sources said.
The PTB complex to be developed in the first phase is proposed to have a fully air-conditioned building of 21,650 sq metres built-up area.
The PTB complex is expected to be constructed at a cost of Rs 190 crore, sources said adding that the design of the PTB complex has been inspired by the symbol ‘Khanda’ which represents values of oneness and humanity.
It will have adequate immigration and customs clearance facilities to process the smooth movement of approximately 5,000 pilgrims per day, the official said, adding that the complex will have open areas for kiosks, cloakrooms and adequate parking space. The passage up to the zero point on the International border will be covered. In addition, a 300-feet-high monumental flagpole bearing the tricolour will be erected at the International Border, sources said.