After a prolonged period of delays and anticipation, the much-needed radial roads project in the vicinity of the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar is finally set to commence. This critical infrastructure initiative, aimed at decongesting the area and improving connectivity for pilgrims and residents alike, has received the green light from the Amritsar Municipal Corporation (MC).
Project Details and Long-Awaited Approval
The project focuses on the development and widening of several key roads that radiate out from the holy shrine. A significant component involves the construction of a new 40-foot-wide road near Gurdwara Saragarhi. This new artery will serve as a vital link, connecting the Lawrence Road with the Golden Temple and the historic Hall Bazaar area. The plan has been under discussion for an extended period, with initial approvals dating back, but tangible progress is now imminent.
Amritsar Municipal Commissioner Harpreet Singh confirmed the development, stating that the necessary administrative processes are complete. "We have obtained the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which was essential," Singh said. He further clarified that the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Smart City Mission, indicating a structured and funded approach to the execution.
Addressing Traffic Congestion and Pilgrim Convenience
The primary objective of the radial roads project is to tackle the severe traffic bottlenecks that plague the streets surrounding the Golden Temple, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons and festivals. The current narrow lanes struggle to accommodate the constant flow of devotees, tourists, and local vehicular traffic, leading to congestion and inconvenience.
By creating a wider, more organized network of radial roads, the authorities aim to streamline movement. The new road near Gurdwara Saragarhi is expected to act as a major relief valve, diverting traffic and providing smoother access to the temple complex. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the overall experience for the millions of visitors who travel to the spiritual heart of Amritsar each year.
Overcoming Hurdles and Looking Ahead
The path to starting this project has not been without its challenges. Delays were attributed to the intricate process of securing permissions from various stakeholders, including the SGPC, which manages the religious properties in the area. The acquisition of the NOC was a pivotal milestone that has now unlocked the project's implementation phase.
With the bureaucratic hurdles cleared, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation and the Smart City authorities are poised to begin the physical work. While an exact public timeline for completion has not been explicitly detailed in recent announcements, the commencement marks a significant shift from planning to action. Residents and business owners in the Hall Bazaar and surrounding localities are hopeful that the construction will be managed efficiently to minimize disruption during the work phase.
This project underscores a broader commitment to urban renewal in Amritsar, balancing the preservation of the city's rich heritage with the necessities of modern infrastructure. The successful execution of the radial roads plan is expected to set a precedent for future developmental works aimed at making the holy city more accessible and visitor-friendly.
