NEW DELHI: In a landmark decision, the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has announced the long-awaited construction of a heritage road in front of Takht Keshgarh Sahib Gurdwara — a project that has remained incomplete for the past 55 years.
The foundation stone for this road was originally laid in 1970, but successive governments — from the Akali-BJP alliance to the Congress — failed to translate the plan into action. Now, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has taken the initiative to fulfill this decades-old commitment, marking what many consider a historic moment for the Sikh community and the people of Anandpur Sahib.
A Long-Delayed Dream Revived
Takht Keshgarh Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five sacred Takhts, holds immense spiritual significance as the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Despite the site’s deep religious importance and the millions of devotees who visit it annually — especially during Vaisakhi and Hola Mohalla — the approach road had long been neglected.
Previous administrations repeatedly promised development in the name of devotees’ convenience and heritage preservation, yet even basic projects such as the heritage road never materialized. While crores were reportedly spent on paper, residents and pilgrims saw little change on the ground.
Mann Government’s Commitment to Heritage and Transparency
Determined to change this legacy of inaction, CM Bhagwant Mann directed that the pending project be completed without delay. Emphasizing that “people’s money must be used for people’s work, not corruption,” the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s resolve to preserve Punjab’s religious and cultural heritage while ensuring real development on the ground.
Boost to Pilgrimage, Trade, and Tourism
The construction of the heritage road is expected to significantly improve access for devotees visiting Takht Sahib. Beyond spiritual convenience, the project will also give a boost to local businesses and tourism. Better infrastructure is anticipated to attract more visitors, creating new employment opportunities and strengthening the economy of the Anandpur Sahib region.
A Historic Turn After Half a Century
For the people of Punjab — and particularly for the Sikh community — the move symbolizes the end of a 55-year wait. What remained an unfulfilled promise through multiple governments is finally taking shape under the Mann administration.
By prioritizing action over announcements, the AAP government is being credited for delivering tangible progress and honoring the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sacred city.
As one local resident summed up, “This road is not just a path for vehicles — it’s a bridge between promises of the past and the progress of the present.”
